Scott’s Open Door To Creationism?

Governor Rick Scott’s newest ideas on how to streamline Florida’s education system may well have inadvertently open the door for creationist material. Scott’s proposal would eliminate the textbook adoption requirement and  allow local school district superintendents to choose their own material. This position would surely open the door to those who would have Intelligent Design/Creationism smuggled into the science classroom. If this proposal is adopted,Florida Citizens for Science will monitor and protest publications that contain any such material. This is one more example, that not adopting the National Science Standards is a major setback for science education in our state.

Update. Leslie Postal at the Orlando Sentinel also has a take on this issue http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_education_edblog/2012/11/easing-of-textbook-rules-an-open-door-for-creationism-in-schools-science-group-is-worried.html

Hat tip to Paul Cottle at Bridge to Tomorrow

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12 Responses to Scott’s Open Door To Creationism?

  1. Mike W says:

    Can you provide your sources from where you found this information? Thanks.

  2. Ivorygirl says:

    Mike W go to the link Brandon provided and read down the article. It says, “The state board also floated one of the ideas — eliminating the textbook adoption requirement — during its meeting last month. Instead, the department would evaluate instructional materials and give districts free rein to choose which ones to use.”

  3. Jonathan Smith says:

    Mike W, We have been down this road before! http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/content/textbook-promotes-creationism-florida-science-group-says. Even the people at the FDOE are not that proficient when it comes to the monitoring the content of science text books.

  4. Mike W says:

    Thanks! Not sure how I missed the link, but thanks for the clarification.

  5. Brandon Haught says:

    Actually, Ivorygirl, it was Jonathan who wrote this post. Just giving credit where it’s due …

  6. Ivorygirl says:

    Sorry Jonathan , My bad.

  7. Jonathan Smith says:

    Ivorygirl, No apology needed. We are all in this together and we are happy to have your support.

  8. reynard61 says:

    “Governor Rick Scott’s newest ideas on how to streamline Florida’s education system may well have inadvertently open the door for creationist material.”

    I doubt very much that there’s *anything* “inadvertent” about it. My guess is that Gov. Scott knows damn well that most, if not all, school districts will choose to buy Creationist (or at least Creationist-leaning) schoolbooks and other materials. This is just one more way to throw some Conservative red meat to his base.

  9. Ivorygirl says:

    reynard61,

    I think you are correct,Scott knows exactly what he is doing !! I’m sure that the Florida Citizens for Science will keep a close eye on this. Right guys ????

  10. Chris says:

    reynard61,

    Why would you think all school districts will choose to buy creationist books and materials? Surly not for any conservative political reasons. The state just elected a far left CPUSA approved socialist president . No need to be paranoid about Florida’s public schools,

  11. Jonathan Smith says:

    Chris,
    Just to clarify, no one is saying that “all” school districts will try to smuggle ID /Creationism into the science class. However some most defiantly will. It’s happened before. (See my earlier comment)
    I would agree with you if only if the FDOE had adopted the NGSS that way the state/districts would have to use the assigned text books. But I can’t see that happening. Therefore, using the current state standards, school districts can always find ways to bend the rules.

  12. Chris says:

    Jonathan
    You’re probably right, there may be a number of areas where ID could be inserted.

    I’m not sure there is a threat to science by the questions posed in your early comment, but I do see a fear that one might have questions. The problem I see with the inability to question evolution and today’s rendition of molecule to man theory, is that it makes the total idea suspect, unconvincing. As a result at times the whole science is dismissed. It’s like throwing out the baby with the bath water, a very poor tactic.

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