March is a busy month for science textbook adoptions

Posted on March 4, 2018 by Brandon Haught

Many school districts are having meetings and public hearings and votes throughout March about new science instructional materials. In some districts that have already approved their new list of science materials, there have been some controversy and close votes. In other districts, the recommended materials were approved without a fuss. Unless you know for certain your school district is safe from creationists and climate-change-deniers (and do your really know for certain?) I would recommend that you get involved.

Below is a list of every single Florida school district. I’ve spent quite a while searching the internet for any scrap of information available about science instructional materials adoption. Some districts have the whole schedule easily accessible. Others, not so much. I could use your help. You’ll notice that many (and I mean many) districts simply had nothing about science instructional materials on their websites. Perhaps you’ll have better luck. Will you take the time to fill in some of those gaps, please? Just send me whatever information you dig up. (Yes, I know that the below list has lots of links that I didn’t hyperlink for you. If you want to do the work, let me know. Otherwise, just copy and paste into your browser.)

The important point here is that you need to look for your district on the list. Then do something! Fill in any gaps. Attend the meetings and hearings if they’re coming up. Find out how your district voted if the meetings already happened. Was there any opposition?

Alachua
Can’t find any clear instructions on the website
http://www.sbac.edu/pages/ACPS/Departments_Programs/Departments__G-L_/Textbook_Services____Instructi

Baker
Public Hearing held March 5, 2018 — “No one in the audience addressed the School Board regarding this topic.”

Click to access 03.05.2018.Minutes.pdf

On the agenda for board vote at March 19, 2018 meeting.

Bay
On the agenda for board vote at March 13, 2018 meeting.

Bradford
The Bradford County School District is considering the adoption of instructional materials from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) for science instruction at the elementary and secondary levels. The public review period runs from February 16, 2018 through March 12, 2018. On Monday, March 12 at 6pm, the Board will hold a workshop and hearing. The regularly scheduled School Board meeting will begin immediately after the workshop.

Click to access HMH-Adoption-Notice.pdf

Brevard
1/23/18 presented to school board for approval (approved as part of the consent agenda)
3/6/18 public hearing
3/13/18 school Board meeting (unsure what for as the materials were approved 1/23)
https://sites.google.com/share.brevardschools.org/instructional-materials/home?authuser=1

Broward
January Instructional materials public hearing
February board meeting to approve materials
March public hearing (Held March 6. No major issues. Video: https://becon.eduvision.tv/Default.aspx?q=d0F7qPKKlcfmtjfULqo9AQ%3d%3d
March/April finalized adoption

2017-18 Science Adoption

Community Review of Instructional Materials

Calhoun
No information could be found during a quick internet search and search of the website.
http://calhounflschools.org/home

Charlotte
School board meeting March 13 had public hearing during which no one spoke. Board approved unanimously without discussion.
http://yourcharlotteschools.net/departments/instructionalMaterials.cfm#Adoption

Citrus
March 13, 2018 Public Hearing at scheduled School Board Meeting for public input related to material recommendations. Three people spoke in general support of the materials but pointed out that some potentially “controversial” topics are tip-toed around in some of the textbooks. They advocated for stronger, more detailed information. See the video at: https://livestream.com/citrusschools/events/8107536/videos/171518985 Public comments start at 59:50.
April 10, 2018 School Board requested to approve recommended instructional materials at their School Board meeting.
http://im.citrusschools.org/2017_18/default.html

Clay
Textbooks approved at Feb 1 meeting on 3-2 vote.
See Florida Citizens for Science blog post: Clay County superintendent: “In no way, shape or form do our textbooks or will our textbooks ever reflect evolution as a fact …” https://www.flascience.org/?p=3184

Collier
Work group meetings through April
Unknown when board will hear and vote.
http://www.collierschools.com/Page/632

Columbia
The School Board of Columbia County will hold a public hearing on March 27, 2018, at 6:00 p.m., at the School Board Administrative Complex, 372, West Duval Street, Lake City, Florida, on adoption of Instructional materials for K-8 Science and High School Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Science for the Columbia County School District. The public is invited to attend. Action is anticipated at this meeting.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y-PcIyPEylvURYXfz9G9PmpN8DJFNZXT/view
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oFIiZfaGkm2MTbEI38MZHxCdWZ0E-ONW

DeSoto
No clear information
http://www.desotoschools.com/

Dixie
February 26th Open public meeting to approve IM Plan
March 13th SB/Public formal protest/approval of recommended materials (Note: I can’t find board meeting minutes available at all anywhere on the website)
March 14th 30 day window to contest adoption opens
April 1st Superintendent notifies FLDOE of IM that will be purchased
April 12th 30 day window to contest adoption ends
April 13th Public hearing for contested IM w/hearing officer (if necessary)
http://www.dixie.k12.fl.us/SM%20Documents/Curriculum/January,%202018/CURRICULUM.htm

Duval
3/6 school Board approval (Approved unanimously with no public comment or board debate.)
https://dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/9932

Escambia
Our district committees will be recommending the materials listed below for adoption at the regularly scheduled March 2018 board meeting. Board meeting will be 3/20. (Board approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda.)
https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/IMAdoption

Click to access 7987756421259632779.pdf

Flagler
2/6 public comments at school Board meeting
2/20 school Board approval
4/17 public hearing of contested materials
https://flaglerschools.com/district/curriculum-and-instruction/instructional-materials

Franklin
No clear information
https://www.franklincountyschools.org/Page/1

Gadsden
No clear information
http://gadsdencounty.schoolinsites.com/

Gilchrist
March 13, 2018 Instructional Materials Adoption Plan presentation to School Board
March 14, 2018 Public review period begins.
April 2, 2018 Public review period ends.
April 3, 2018 Public comments will be heard at School Board Meeting.
April 17, 2018 School Board approval of recommended materials.
April 18, 2018 30-day period to contest adoption opens.
May 17, 2018 30-day period to contest adoption ends.
June 1-15, 2018 TBD Public hearing for contested instructional materials (if needed)
http://gilchristfl.apptegy.us/o/District/page/instructional-materials

Glades
No clear information
http://www.gladesedu.org/

Gulf
No clear information

Gulf District Schools

Hamilton
No clear information
https://www.hamiltonfl.com/news?ID=4B02265C-BB9F-401A-8E87-620C7515AB7C

Hardee
No clear information
http://www.hardee.k12.fl.us/

Hendry
No clear information
https://www.hendry-schools.org/Page/1

Hernando
No clear information
https://www.hernandoschools.org/HCSD

Highlands
No clear information
https://www2.highlands.k12.fl.us/home

Hillsborough
A public hearing will be held on February 7, 2017.
No other clear information
http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/news/118/instructional-materials-adoption/

Holmes
No clear information
http://www.hdsb.org/

Indian River
an open, noticed School Board hearing to receive public comment on the recommended instructional materials will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at 6:00 p.m., in the Joe N. Idlette-TEC Room at 6500 57th Street, Vero Beach, Florida.
No one spoke during public hearing period of 2/27 board meeting. Books were adopted by school board vote of 3-1. The no vote related to cost, not content of books.
https://www.indianriverschools.org/textbook-adoption-documents/send/81-textbook-adoption-documents/820-public-notice-science-instructional-material-2017-2018
https://www.indianriverschools.org/textbook-adoption-documents/category/81-textbook-adoption-documents

Jackson
No clear information
http://www.jcsb.org/

Jefferson
No clear information
http://www.jeffersonschooldistrict.org/

Lafayette
The District School Board of Lafayette County will hold a Public Hearing at 6:30 p.m. during their regular school board meeting on February 20, 2018 to receive public comment on the recommended instructional materials (Science Curriculum K-12) for the 2018-2019 school year.
No one spoke during the public hearing 2/20. Board voted to approve textbooks.

Click to access Public%20Hearing%20Notice%20-%20Instructional%20Materials%20.pdf

Lake
The deadline for all reviews and comments for AP is February 28, 2018. The deadline for all reviews and comments is February 18, 2018.
https://www.lake.k12.fl.us/Page/385
Unknown when board will view or vote.

Lee
March 13, 2018 – Public Hearing
March 27, 2018 – Board Adopts Instructional Materials (from the meeting summary: A. Conduct a Public Hearing to receive comment on the proposed 2018-2019 Instructional Materials Plan. Ms. Morgan recessed the Board Meeting and opened the Public Hearing at 6:44 P.M. She asked if anyone would like to address the Board regarding the one item on the agenda for Public Hearing. There were no requests to address the Board. Ms. Morgan closed the Public Hearing and reconvened the Board Meeting at 6:45 P.M.)
March 28, 2018 – Objection Form Posted
April 26, 2018 – Deadline to Submit Objections
April 30, 2018 – Hearing Officer hears formal objections
May 22, 2018 – School Board meeting to present hearing officer’s summary report
June 5, 2018 – School Board meeting to authorize purchase
http://www.leeschools.net/instructional-materials

Leon
The Leon County School Board will hold a public hearing regarding the science materials submitted for possible board adoption. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 27th, at 6:00 p.m., at the Howell Center, 3955 West Pensacola Street, Tallahassee, FL 32304.
https://www.leonschools.net/domain/6060

Levy
No clear information
http://www.levyk12.org/

Liberty
No clear information
http://www.lcsbonline.org/

Madison
No clear information
http://www.madison.k12.fl.us/adoption-of-instructional-materials

Manatee
No clear information
https://www.manateeschools.net/manateeschools

Marion
Marion did their own textbook selection process. See our Florida Citizens for Science blog post: https://www.flascience.org/?p=2901
February 13, 2018 School Board Approval of 8 Recommended Titles
At the 2/13 board meeting, no one spoke during the public hearing. The board voted to approve 5-0 the recommended books. However, three books were pulled from consideration that the board did not vote on.
The books that were removed from consideraton were:
M/J Physical Science- HMH Florida Physical Science: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (According to the presentation given at the board meeting, this book was removed due to concerns a middle school teacher had about its content. Unfortunately, the specifics were not explained at the meeting, so I don’t know what those content concerns were.)
Physical Science Holt Science Spectrum: Physical Science Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (This book was removed from consideration because there was inadequate parent input throughout the review process.)
M/J World History World History: Ancient Civilizations, Florida Edition Cengage Learning (This book was removed from consideration because there was inadequate parent input throughout the review process.)
March 27, 2018 Open Public Hearing on all Formal Objections for the 8 Board Approved Titles (2-13-18) with Hearing Officer, Commissioner Michelle Stone
https://www.marionschools.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=78982&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=50898&PageID=1

Martin
The public hearing for instructional materials will be held on March 19th at 4:00pm at the School Board Office at 500 E Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34997.
http://www.martinschools.org/pages/Martin_County_School_District/IM_adoption

Miami-Dade
There is a webpage for instructional materials, but it looks to be out of date and not very informative
http://im.dadeschools.net/

Monroe
This is a list of science materials up for adoption but I can’t find a schedule of meetings/hearings.
https://fl02202360.schoolwires.net/site/Default.aspx?PageID=5876

Nassau
2/8/18 public meeting to approve annual adoption plan.
2/22/18 public input meeting
Early March all public protests posted on website
3/8/18 public hearing and adoption (board voted unanimously to adopt the textbooks as part of the consent agenda)
4/7/18 end of 30 day protest period
https://www.nassau.k12.fl.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=2719

Okaloosa
Webpage lists recommended materials but I can’t find a meeting schedule.
https://www.okaloosaschools.com/latest-news/science-textbook-materials

Okeechobee
Webpage lists social studies as the textbook subject under review this year. I’m not sure if this means the website needs to be updated or if this school district is actually a year behind in textbook adoptions.
http://www.okee.k12.fl.us/instructional-materials

Orange
Board voted 2/13. No one in the public commented at the meeting. No discussion or debate during the meeting. Adopted.

The School Board of Orange County will accept public comment on the 2017-18 Science Adoption Selections at the February 13th, 2018 regularly scheduled School Board Meeting.
https://www.ocps.net/departments/curriculum__instruction_and_digital_learning/instructional_materials/textbook_adoption_selections/

Osceola
In the Fall of the 2017-2018 school year, Osceola County will begin adopting a new set of science textbooks. A committee of teachers representatives from every school, district resource teachers, and parent representatives will meet to review new texts and provide recommendations to the school board.
A recommendation for the adoption of K-12 Science Instructional materials will be presented to the Osceola County School Board on April 3, 2018.
http://www.osceolaschools.net/cms/One.aspx?portalId=567190&pageId=8763347

Palm Beach
First public hearing held Jan 24, 2018.  (no one spoke during the public hearing)
March Board Meeting — Public Hearing at Board Meeting on proposed IM adoptions; Board Meeting to adopt IM agenda items

Click to access K-12ScienceTimeTaskCalendar.docx-6.pdf

The District encourages anyone interested in providing input regarding the selection of these textbooks to review student content and submit feedback by February 1, 2018. After all input is reviewed and considered, committees will submit their recommendations for adoption to the School Board for approval.

Public Invited to Review Instructional Materials Being Recommended for District Adoption for K-12 Science

Pasco
4/17 school Board meeting
http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/oll/instructional_materials_adoption_process

Pinellas
2/13 public hearing at school Board meeting (no one spoke during the public hearing)
2/27 school Board approves materials (board voted to approve textbooks as part of the consent agenda)
4/24 meeting to hear objections
https://www.pcsb.org/Page/22815

Polk
Polk County Schools is under the review process for instructional materials in the K-12 science content areas. These materials will be implemented in the 2018-2019 academic school year. Science committees, that are comprised of teachers, administrators, and community members, are working together to create a consensus of the top two choices to present to the Polk County School Board in April. Preview the instructional materials that are under review. If you would like to provide feedback, please fill out the survey.
https://www.polk-fl.net/districtinfo/departments/learning/k12curriculum.htm

Putnam
No clear information
http://putnamschools.org/

Santa Rosa
No clear information

Home

Sarasota
Sarasota County Schools has determined the list of recommended instructional materials for adoption in Science, Grades 6-12, for implementation beginning in the 2018-2019 school year. These recommendations will be brought to the School Board for possible approval during the regularly scheduled meeting on March 6, 2018.
As required by State Statute, any parent of a student attending Sarasota County Schools, or citizen of Sarasota County, may file a formal objection to any of the recommended materials within 30 days of the School Board’s approval of said materials. Formal objections may be submitted from Wednesday, March 7, 2018 – Thursday, April 5, 2018.
http://sarasotacountyschools.net/departments/instructionalmedia/default.aspx?id=3602

Seminole
2/20 instructional materials preview night
Unknown when school board will hear and vote.
https://www.scps.k12.fl.us/district/departments/instructional-resources/instructional-materials/district-adoptions.stml

St. Johns
The St. John’s county school district took action on Feb 13, 2018 to adopt science instructional materials.
A petition period for parents and residents of St Johns county is open from Feb 14-March 15, 2018.

Instructional Materials Adoption

St. Lucie
Approved as part of the consent agenda at the March 6 board meeting.

Sumter
During the 2017-2018 school year, the state of Florida will be adopting materials for Science. Sumter will review its needs and will begin its selection and adoption process in the second part of the school year. The selected materials will be implemented fall, 2018.
https://www.sumter.k12.fl.us/Page/1505
Approved at the February 20 board meeting.

Suwannee
No clear information
http://www.suwannee.k12.fl.us/

Taylor
Science Stakeholders Focus Group Meeting‐3rd Week of March
Science School Board Open Hearing‐April 3, 2018 at 5:30 at the Taylor County Administration Complex
Open Instructional Materials Meeting MARCH 27, 2018 AT 2:00 P.M. in the Taylor County School District  Administrative Complex PDR All interested individuals in the community are welcome.

Click to access Binder1.pdf

Union
No clear information
http://union.k12.fl.us/

Volusia
Board is expected to consider at March 27, 2018 meeting.

Wakulla
Board is likely to consider at March 26, 2018 meeting.
http://wakulla.schooldesk.net/Portals/Wakulla/District/docs/Instructional%20Sevices/2017-2018%20Science%20Adoption%20Timeline.pdf?ver=2018-01-21-021939-780

Walton
The textbook adoption committee will render its final recommendation in early April. At that time print copies of the recommended titles will be available at the Tivoli Administrative Complex, 145 Park Street, DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Anyone wanting to preview the materials should contact Cathy Hall at 892-1100, extension 1548.
http://www.walton.k12.fl.us/k-12-instructional-materials

Washington
No clear information
http://www.wcsdschools.com/

Posted in Textbooks, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

The creationists and climate change deniers are winning in Florida

Posted on February 15, 2018 by Brandon Haught

Have you ever read the children’s book “If you Give a Mouse a Cookie”? Asking for one thing leads to asking for another and another and another …

Florida creationists and climate change deniers asked for more citizen input into instructional materials selection for our public schools last year. They got it with little resistance. Now they want more. And it looks like they’re getting it.

Florida Senate Bill 1644, which would make changes yet again to how instructional materials such as textbooks can be selected and challenged, made it through its Education Committee stop Monday on a 7-3 vote. The good news is that some senators are catching on to the scheme (from the Tampa Bay Times story: Parents could get more voice in school textbook selection under bill moving through Florida Legislature) …

“I just can’t get my hands wrapped around the consequences that could come from this bill,” said Sen. Gary Farmer, a Fort Lauderdale Democrat. “I worry about those who would deny climate change, those who would deny evolution, having too great a say.”

…

Sen. Perry Thurston Jr., also a Fort Lauderdale Democrat, raised concerns that a “small minority” of people from a small section of Florida is controlling the issue.

“If we continue to do this every year, they’re going to come back wanting more,” Thurston said in opposition.

Unfortunately, the word hasn’t spread to their fellow senators. It looks like this bill is heading for the finish line if it gets through a Rules Committee in the future.

I recommend that you watch the video of the Education Committee meeting. Discussion of SB 1644 starts at 17:15. I was disgusted when one senator admitted on the record that he voted for last year’s bill, which became law, simply on behalf of the bill sponsor. In other words, he didn’t vote for it last year on the bill’s merits, but rather as a favor (or something like that) to the bill sponsor.

Meanwhile in the House, the bill’s companion HB 827, shot right through its Education Committee hearing today (Thursday) on a 19-0 vote. There was no real opposition. None. Watch the video for this hearing here. The discussion of the bill starts at 38:18.

I believe that this bill has several differences from the Senate bill. One significant deviation is that the House bill includes a provision that allows for the selection of instructional materials that are “more rigorous” than the state standards. This is a transplant from the other pair of bills that are insanely bad news for science education SB 966/HB 825. Those bills are dead and stand no chance of passage this legislative session. Keep in mind that those bills were about allowing school districts to adopt their own sets of academic standards provided they are equal to or more rigorous than the state’s established standards. But, of course, there is no clear definition of “rigorous.” And if a district does adopt its own standards, it would be required by law to include in its science standards: “Controversial theories and concepts must be taught in a factual, objective, and balanced manner.” Now, because those bills are dead, some of that language was stitched into the House version of the instructional materials bill. No pending legislation is ever dead in Tallahassee.

Go to about 50:11 in the video to hear the bill sponsor explain what is meant by more rigorous. He talks about going above and beyond in math. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?

Now skip ahead to about 58:49 during citizen comments. Keith Flaugh of the Florida Citizens’ Alliance talks about why this bill is important. He says that the Alliance gave lawmakers a 10-page document that explains just how horrible current textbooks used by school districts are. Here is that document. Read it. Here is one excerpt:

“Disruption: A Call to Act on Climate Change” is an improper and unbalanced propaganda video supporting activist causes like a march for climate change
(www.peoplesclimate.org is organizing for future marches and events of civil disobedience).

The video attacks the Keystone XL pipeline and encourages its viewers (in this instance, Collier County public school children) to get to work and to get in the street and stand up and say “no more.” Further, the video promotes the anti-fossil fuel social movement and calls for the globe to “get off fossil fuels now.”
By any fair measure, this video tends to indoctrinate and persuade students to a particular point of view. Further, this video culminates with a demand for action. You are simply unable to deny that its viewers were asked to do three (3) things, “here is what you can do right now…. “Join the March” www.peoplesclimate.org (by the way this organization is organizing for future marches and events of civil disobedience), send a message to “Text DISRUPT to 97779”, and “share this video.”

A prior, parent notice was NOT given, parents were simply unaware of what the school did, and so the fact that parents did not complain is to be expected and is not surprising. The call to viewer action against the Keystone XL pipeline and the message to “get off fossil fuels now” is not acceptable to most parents in Collier County who firmly stand with the Republican Party platform on these issues. By any fair measure, this is video does not constitute educational rigor.

Another excerpt is:

“Florida History: People and Nations” Authors: Anatole Mazour, John Peoples, Publisher: Harcourt
This book is full of factual errors and half-truths. http://goo.gl/vYTYtR

That link takes you to this page which lists all sorts of complaints about evolution including:

This textbook states that independent tests verify Darwin’s evolution theory. However, there is much controversy regarding this theory. For instance paleontology actually refutes Darwin’s theory in a very critical way. The fossil record actually demonstrates the sudden appearance of diverse organisms without any evidence of predecessor organisms.

And that’s just a small sample.

Is this what is actually meant by more rigorous?

The House bill also allows citizens to recommend to the Florida Department of Education any instructional materials they want. And then, if the bill became law, the DoE would be forced to contact each of the publishing companies to invite them to submit a bid for consideration. Want to see what the Alliance would recommend? Visit the Alliance’s Objectives And Alternatives For Objectionable Textbooks page. There you will find a link to the Project Freedom website, which lists in its science offerings Apologia Biology Text, which is Exploring Biology Creation with Biology.

That’s what they mean by “more rigorous.” This is what they would force the DoE to invite textbook bids for.

And they’re one step closer to getting what they want.

Go back and watch both the House and the Senate committee meetings. Carefully pay attention to the public comments. How many people were there in support of the bills in both committees? About three in each from the Alliance (which originated the bills) and their partner organizations.

How many people opposed the bills?

None.

Only through your efforts will senators and representatives know what the true intentions of these bills are.

Speak up.

Now.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Constitution Revision Commission Update II

Posted on February 14, 2018 by Brandon Haught

Florida Citizens for Science board member David Campbell sent in the following update on the work of the Constitution Review Commission:

As if Proposition 4  (which deletes the “No Aid” to religious institutions clause) wasn’t enough reason to communicate with the members of the commission we have Proposition 45. Prop 45 reads as follows:

1 A proposal to amend
2 Section 1 of Article IX of the State Constitution to
3 specify that no provision of the State Constitution
4 may be construed to limit the Legislature from making
5 provision for other educational services that are
6 beneficial to the children and families of this state.
7
8 Be It Proposed by the Constitution Revision Commission of
9 Florida:
10
11 Section 1 of Article IX of the State Constitution is
12 amended to read:
13 ARTICLE IX
14 EDUCATION
15 SECTION 1. Public education.—
16 (a) The education of children is a fundamental value of the
17 people of the State of Florida. It is, therefore, a paramount
18 duty of the state to make adequate provision for the education
19 of all children residing within its borders. Adequate provision
20 shall be made by law for a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and
21 high quality system of free public schools allowing the
22 opportunity for each student that allows students to obtain a
23 high quality education. Provision shall be made and for the
24 establishment, maintenance, and operation of institutions of
25 higher learning and other public education programs that the
26 needs of the people may require. Nothing herein may be construed
27 to limit the legislature from making provision for other
28 educational services that benefit the children and families of
29 this state that are in addition to the system of free public
30 schools.

Struck through language is to be deleted from the existing section of the constitution with the underlined text inserted in its place. The obvious intent is to open a door for state funding of private schools if the legislature deems them to be for, “other educational services that benefit the children and families of this state that are in addition to the system of free public schools.” When combined with Proposition 4, virtually all limits at the state level to taxpayer dollars flowing to support private schools with anti-science agendas will be gone.

Florida Citizens for Science needs your help. This previous blog post gave information on public hearings to be held around the state. Yes, the commissioners have received a lot of (much deserved) grief for scheduling them when most people are at work. They ARE inconvenient but we must let these people know that there IS resistance to what they are trying to do. Even if the commissioners ignore you the local media outlets probably won’t. If you walk in the door and fill out a card at 6:45 P.M. you WILL be allowed to speak. You don’t have to fill the whole two minutes. Even if you only say that you support the “no aid” clause and Uniform Public education you are sending a message.

If you can’t get to a public hearing the flcrc.gov website has contact information for all of the commissioners. Email them, call them on the phone, send a snail mail, to let them know your support for sound science education in Florida.

The politicians are always talking the talk about improving Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education but they haven’t quite figured out how to do the walk. Propositions 4 and 45 are giant leaps in the wrong direction. It is hard to attract top biotech companies and research labs when a significant portion of our state education dollars (more than 11% if you include all the “pre-tax” scholarships that are still stealing money from general revenue that you must make up) go to schools that seem to view the Flintstones as a documentary.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Constitution Revision Commission Update II

Constitution Revision Commission Update

Posted on February 5, 2018 by Brandon Haught

The following is a post sent in by Florida Citizens for Science board member David Campbell:

The Constitution Revision Commission has finished its committee work and has a slate of final proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution that it must vote on for final approval no later than May 10. Of special concern to Florida Citizens for Science members is Proposition 4 which will remove the following language (indicated by a strike through) from the Florida Constitution:

Be It Proposed by the Constitution Revision Commission of Florida:

Section 3 of Article I of the State Constitution is amended to read:
ARTICLE I DECLARATION OF RIGHTS
SECTION 3. Religious freedom.—There shall be no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting or penalizing the free exercise thereof. Religious freedom shall not justify practices inconsistent with public morals, peace or safety. No revenue of the state or any political subdivision or agency thereof shall ever be taken from the public treasury directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution.

The legislature has devoted considerable effort over the years to get around this clause in order to divert general revenue to private, often religious, schools. The usual tactic is to create ways for individuals and corporations to donate money to scholarship programs and receive tax breaks in return. It’s sneaky but it has passed muster with the courts. Passage of this proposition will remove the last restriction at the state level to funneling our tax dollars directly to religious schools and institutions. Intelligent Design, strengths and weaknesses, alternative theories, and all the rest of the usual suspects in the world of nonscience will be taught using our tax dollars.

We need your help. Here is what you can do.

First, this is Proposition 4, not Amendment 4. Amendment 4 is the restoration of voting rights to felons amendment.

There is one more round of public hearings scheduled and they start February 6th. The current list is of meetings is can be found at http://flcrc.gov/Meetings/PublicHearings . The final votes on the various propositions must be taken by the commission no later than May 10th. The conservatives have the votes on the commission to approve it.

One strategy to fight this is to flood the regional meetings with opponents to Prop. 4. Invite like-minded friends. The more the merrier. Each citizen can speak for 120 seconds and must fill out a form prior to speaking. It is strongly recommended that you fill out the mandatory Public Hearing Appearance Record form in advance by downloading it from http://flcrc.gov/UserContent/Publications/PublicHearingAppearanceRecord.pdf This will allow you to avoid the scrum of people filling out forms by the door. Doors open one hour prior to the meeting and the sooner you turn in your form the sooner you will speak. Speakers are called in the order their cards are turned in. These hearings last six hours and the sooner you speak the sooner you can leave if necessary.

Bring two 8.5 by 11 inch sheets of construction paper, one green and one red, to the meeting with you. Clapping, cheering, or raspberries are not permitted at the hearings and will result in eviction. Audience members can raise the green paper following remarks by someone they agree with and the red one if they disagree. Those terrified of public speaking can show support with the construction papers or can simply walk up to the microphone and state their position on Prop 4.

You may have a long wait, especially if the opposition brings in busloads of supporters. Bring a book as meetings can run six hours. We may not (probably won’t) change the minds of the commissioners but at least they will know that there is strong opposition. You should also email commissioners to voice your opinion, preferably by copying and pasting email addresses instead of using the link on the website. Pen and ink letters are also encouraged. Names of all commissioners and addresses for sending electronic or snail mail are on the CRC website (link below).

Finally, it is extremely unlikely that the commission will vote this amendment down. It has been carefully and thoroughly stacked by the politicians who selected the members. With that in mind we must stay in this for the long haul to defeat it if (as seems likely) it is on the ballot in November.

More information is available from flcrc.gov .

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Alert: Bad Instructional Materials bill on the move!

Posted on February 3, 2018 by Brandon Haught

A bad Florida Senate bill we’re watching is on the move! SB 1644 is on the education committee agenda for Tuesday, Feb. 6. The committee meets at 9 a.m.

Senate Bill 1644 (and Florida’s House Bill 827) would, if enacted, revise the procedures for adopting instructional materials to permit members of the public to recommend instructional materials for consideration by the state or their district school board, which would then be required to get in touch with the publisher of those materials and allow it to submit a bid for evaluation. The bills also propose multiple opportunities for the public to have access to instructional materials under review and to submit comments about them.

See our issues page on these bills for a full analysis of how they would impact science education.

Florida Citizens for Science board member Mary Bahr plans on attending the meeting to speak. If you are able to attend, too, let me know and I’ll put you in contact with Mary. And if you can’t attend, please start calling senators (follow the link in the first paragraph to the find the list of senators on the education committee) or emailing them now.

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Clay County superintendent: “In no way, shape or form do our textbooks or will our textbooks ever reflect evolution as a fact …”

Posted on February 3, 2018 by Brandon Haught

This year school districts across Florida are adopting new science textbooks. In many of those districts the process is pretty far along, with committees already having looked at the options and made their selections. Then the materials are offered to the public for viewing and comments. For instance, I know that the public review is going on right now in my school district. And finally, over the next few months we’ll see school boards voting on the adoption of those materials.

I guarantee many of those board meetings will not go well.

Clay County is an example. Evolution in the textbooks was the hot topic that consumed nearly two hours of the Feb. 1 school board meeting. The end result was a 3 to 2 vote in favor of adopting the textbooks but there was a public comment slugfest leading up to it.

I invite you to watch the board meeting here. Below I’ll summarize some of the main points and provide you time stamps. Keep in mind that unless I have something in quotes that it’s just my paraphrasing and summarizing. If you believe I got something wrong, please let me know.

Florida Citizens for Science board member David Campbell reserved a special presentation time in advance in order to address some of the misconceptions and errors that were evident at the previous school board meeting when evolution came up. (See our post Meanwhile in Clay County: the teaching of evolution is “intellectually deceptive” about that meeting.) His comments start at 00:45:21. He did a good, if rushed, job of explaining what a scientific theory is and what the Florida state science standards say about evolution. Despite speaking with confidence and authority from more than two decades of teaching it’s clear that his mini-lecture didn’t have much impact as evidenced by the comments to come. But he did get a round of applause when he finished.

But the topic of science textbooks didn’t come up until 1:45:34 when Superintendent Addison Davis started the discussion with a short presentation. He thanked the public for their input. And he felt it necessary to make this statement:

“And I want you to know that in the content that was submitted to me as superintendent — and I’m not trying to be unprofessional — but from a personal standpoint I agree with a majority of the content that was sent to me. (I may not have transcribed that correctly as he spoke fast and not too clearly. I believe what he was saying was that he agreed with a lot of the comments citizens had given him.) But as superintendent it is not my job to infuse my personal beliefs. As superintendent when I took oath it is my job to make sure I follow state statute and law. It is my job to make certain that I adopt curricula that is aligned to state standards and concepts that is provided and given to me from the department of education. And please know that my decisions do not reflect my personal beliefs but they have to reflect the guidelines extended to me by the department of education.”

He then showed some slides that define what a scientific theory is. However, he read very fast and really butchered what he was reading. And he made sure to emphasize parts of the slide that say that sometimes science concepts can be refuted and revised. That’s when it dawned on me why some people just can’t seem to grasp the concept that a scientific theory is not a guess. They see that science can change when new evidence is found and that immediately reinforces their preconception that theories are wishy-washy.

He then explained that back in 2008 the Clay County school board had adopted a resolution and sent it to the Florida Board of Education asking that evolution be presented as just a theory and not be presented as fact in the new state science standards that were being considered for adoption back then. Davis then said that afterward, the Department of Education did adjust the standards, adding “scientific theory of” to all mentions of evolution. (See my posts from way back in 2008 here and here about the resolution. And may I suggest that you read all about the 2008 protests against the teaching evolution in my book Going Ape: Florida’s Battles over Evolution in the Classroom?)

He then showed a slide about the 7th grade science standards.

SC.7.L.15.2: Explore the scientific theory of evolution by recognizing and explaining ways in which genetic variation and environmental factors contribute to evolution by natural selection and diversity of organisms.

SC.7.N.3.1 Recognize and explain the difference between theories and laws

He used that slide as evidence for his next statement:

“In no way, shape or form do our textbooks or will our textbooks ever reflect evolution as a fact because the fact that our state standards does not allow us to do so.”

He showed another slide, this time from the high school biology standards.

SC.912.L.15.1 Explain how the scientific theory of evolution is supported by the fossil record, comparative anatomy, comparative embryology, biogeography, molecular biology, and observed evolutionary change.

And he said:

“… this is where the angst came in 2008 because the biology standards really again pushed to say that evolution was then law and then potentially a fact.”

He went on to say that “scientific theory of” was inserted, making the standards much better, thus clarifying that evolution is not fact. He wrapped up his presentation by saying that the textbooks under consideration were vetted and that 100 percent of the district’s biology teachers chose the textbook the school board was now considering.

In other words, Davis was trying the reassure the board members and the public that they shouldn’t fear evolution being taught because it’s not being taught as a fact but rather as a theory.

Sorry, David Campbell, but your mini-lecture went right over the superintendent’s head.

Next was the public comment period. It starts at 3:01:37 and features 21 people, 16 of whom were against evolution and five who were for evolution. But note that not all of the ones who spoke in favor of evolution were truly speaking for evolution. My summaries below are very brief. I just want to give a quick sample of what was said. I invite you to watch for yourself and provide me any corrections or clarifications you may have.

But before you dive in, I need to make some very important points.

  • First, there were many more people against evolution than for at this meeting.
  • Second, school boards across the state will be meeting about this exact same topic very soon. Do you know when your school board will be adopting your district’s science textbooks? Are you going to that meeting? Refer back to my first point.
  • Third, pay particular attention to Mary at 4:02:00. If you watch only one segment of the video, watch that one.

3:01:37
Against Evolution: Ernie – a physics teacher. Evolution is a one sided view. No flaws are presented in the textbooks but should be.
3:09:02
For Evolution: Mr. E — creationism is not science, we should not teach creation myths.
3:12:57
Against Evolution: Scott – a pastor, a theory should be questioned and we should point out its flaws, allow critical thinking, we need supplementary materials.
3:15:35
Against Evolution: Caleb — believes in Intelligent Design (ID), there is controversy over macroevolution, ID should not be swept under the rug.
3:18:56
Against Evolution: Juan – a physician with biology and medical degrees, heart is amazingly designed, advocates for ID.
3:22:20
Against Evolution: Sharon – we need to allow more than one option in the classroom.
3:23:17
Against Evolution: Doug – has experience as a substitute teacher, noticided a lot of uncertain language (maybe, could have been, possibly) in textbooks, we didn’t come from a monkey kids said, a teacher was afraid to teach about Christianity in history class.
3:26:57
Against Evolution: Graham – a high school junior, don’t believe in evolution, said he was ridiculed for mentioning ID by other students, evolution was used a justify superiority, Hitler.
3:30:09
Against Evolution: Reese — a high school sophomore, believes in ID, he was taught in school that is ID views were irrational, we need to mention flaws
3:32:47
Against Evolution: Ken – quotes from 2008 resolution that the superintendent had mentioned earlier, we’re not following our own resolution, need to mention flaws and alternate viewpoints, needs to be balanced and fair, censorship.
3:36:39
Against Evolution: Daryl – his daughter was told that evolution was fact, science changes every day, there is reasonable doubt about evolution.
3:40:05
Against Evolution: Virginia — found inaccuracies and incomplete information in text, vestigial appendix has a function, no mention of Cambrian explosion in book, we need supplemental material.
3:43:49
Against Evolution: Art – we need to notify students that evolution and climate change are just theories.
3:47:32
Against Evolution: Brian — evolution is dogma, we need to point out flaws and alternate views.
3:50:24
Against Evolution: Kelly – I studied religion later in life and realized I’d been lied to.
3:54:03
For Evolution: Victoria – an elementary school teacher, creationism has no evidence and it’s not science, separation of church and state.
3:58:34
Against Evolution: Henry — Need choices, In God We Trust is our motto.
4:02:00
Against Evolution: Mary — from Clay Family Policy Forum, points out that three school board members had filled out a survey that said they disagree with evolution being taught as fact and that alternate theories should be taught. Warned that the voters are watching to see if the board members would follow through on what they said in the survey.
4:04:50
For Evolution: Shanna – a teacher and parent, Jewish, keep science in science class and religion at home, it is taught as a theory.
4:08:13
For Evolution: David Campbell (our Florida Citizens for Science board member who had given a mini-lecture earlier) – I know I won’t change minds, Nazis did not like Darwin, thermodynamics is being used wrong as an argument against evolution, macroevolution can be observed, alternative theories lawsuit cost money, suggests people read books from a list of his that show religion and science can be reconciled.
4:12:07
For Evolution: Renelee — we teach evolution as a theory, it’s reckless if it’s being reported that we’re teaching is as fact, I’ve been in touch with lawyers, I learned evolution in a Christian school, my faith not in conflict with science, lawyers say ID is unlawful, can’t be endorsed by district.
4:16:52 — someone wants to speak a second time but is denied.
4:17:25 — public hearing closed

Then the board members had their discussion starting around 4:18:14. Once again, these are just brief summaries.

Ashley Gilhousen – I would never jeopardize us legally, there is science left out of the textbooks, only evidence supporting evolution is presented, my faith is not a part of this discussion, we need a comprehensive science education, students can make own decisions.

Mary Bolla – When you sign contract to teach, you are saying that you will teach to the standards, there are 301 science standards, more than 100 in biology, they give parameters on what is required to teach, students will share with you what they think and feel, if a teacher is presenting evolution as fact then talk with the teacher directly and maybe the principal.

Janice Kerekes – we need to follow standards and law, these textbooks follow standards, nowhere in the book does it state that evolution is a fact.

Betsy Condon — people unclear on what we voted on last meeting which was just to advertise the hearing, teachers don’t want to teach to the test but this proposal is having us teach to the test, some teachers afraid to come and speak, my degree is in science no one every challenged my beliefs or told me I was wrong, math and science achievement is slipping, we want excellence for our students, I will not support this recommendation to adopt the textbooks.

School Board Chair Carol Studdard – Asks if the standards say evolution is a fact? A gentlemen who I don’t know says that standards say “scientific theory of evolution.” Studdard mentions the 2008 resolution and notes that theory was then added to the standards.

A gentleman who I believe is the legal counsel says that instructional materials must adhere to standards. The textbooks do comply with standards, there’s not a lot of wiggle room. There must be strick neutrality between religion and nonreligion. No other alternate theory has ever been presented that was found to be strictly neutral and thus always lost in court. Mentions the federal court case Kitzmiller, saying it’s a wakeup call that covered the same issues, 6 week trial, think of the expense!

Gilhousen says that simply presenting flaws in evolution shouldn’t entail legal risk. But the lawyer gentleman said that it could expose you to risk. Gilhousen wonders how is citing flaws is bad?

I believe the superintendent that says you would be hard pressed to find textbooks that point out flaws in evolution, but kids might bring it up in classroom conversation, the publishers are vetted, the books fit the standards.

Studdard says administrators assured her that evolution is being taught as a theory. If they teach it as fact, then professional development might be needed to correct that. Need to be careful to avoid a lawsuit. This has nothing to do with religion. We want the kids to ask questions. Want to be fair but need to be lawful.

At 4:47:22 there is a vote. Gilhousen and Condon vote no.

Hopefully, reading this and viewing the video motivate you to take action. If you don’t know the science textbook adoption schedule in your school district, start researching now. Don’t wait.

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Yes, “just a theory” is getting under my skin

Posted on January 31, 2018 by Brandon Haught

I’ve been hearing the “evolution is just a theory” crap much too often lately. And I imagine I’ll be hearing much more of it in the coming months. It prompted me to use it as the theme of my latest opinion column, this time published in the Daytona Beach News Journal today: Banish ‘evolution is just a theory’ with sound science education.

“Evolution is just a theory.” When someone utters that phrase, there is no clearer signal that the speaker has completely failed to grasp one of the most basic of science concepts. A theory is not a guess in science. It’s instead used by scientists to indicate a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world. You’re unlikely to hear “gravity is just a theory” or “germs causing disease is just a theory.”

And yet “evolution is just a theory” is suddenly popping up in conversations across Florida.

…

Science education is facing an unprecedented attack not seen since 2008 when state board of education members and state lawmakers tried to override science education experts’ revision of the state science standards. Prominent scientists, science associations and educators rallied behind the accurate standards that included evolution as a prominent, required topic. They barely squeaked out a win on behalf of our state’s students against the “just a theory” mob.

And here we are a decade later fighting the same old battles. It’s embarrassing.

…

Don’t drag Florida back onto the national stage to be laughed at just like we were in 2008. Let our teachers break this ridiculous cycle by properly teaching the next generation what a scientific theory really means. Through truly rigorous education maybe we can finally put behind us the “evolution is just a theory” dunces.

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You haven’t nodded off, have you?

Posted on January 27, 2018 by Brandon Haught

I hope all of you out there across Florida are still alert and active! It’s science textbook adoption season and we need  you to look alive. Do you know when your school district is opening up textbook review to the general public? Here in my district, Volusia County, public review is this coming week (Public Invited to Review Instructional Materials Slated for Adoption). So, let this serve as a reminder to you to research when your district’s review period is and participate. And be on heightened alert for any antiscience shenanigans that may result from your district’s local review.

Will there be any antiscience push back? Well, have you been keeping up with the news? Florida lawmakers consider requiring schools to post “In God we trust”:

Contending Florida’s school children need closer ties to the state’s foundations, a state House subcommittee on Tuesday unanimously backed a bill to require the posting of the words “In God We Trust” in a “conspicuous place” at all public schools.

“It’s important for our students to realize the civic history of our state, and one portion of that history is the fact that we do trust in God,” said Rep. Ralph Massullo, a Citrus County Republican who is co-sponsoring the measure.

But we fortunately have some voices of reason on our side: Nathan Crabbe: Stop the assault on science:

So how are Florida’s lawmakers working to prepare our state’s students? Sadly, they’re doing the exact opposite by pulling science out of classrooms and putting in religion.

A state law approved last year expands the ability of residents to challenge public school instructional materials. Neighboring Marion County has already received complaints about science and history books, while other districts have also received challenges to science materials centered around the teaching of evolution.

This session, lawmakers are considering making matters worse with legislation that would allow citizens to make their own recommendations for classroom materials. Brandon Haught, a founding board member of Florida Citizens for Science, suggested in a column for the Orlando Sentinel that the bill would open the door to creationist publications in schools.

If you’ve let these issues slip to the back burner lately, please take some time to refocus. Our schools need you!

[Edited to add:] Here’s information on Orange County, can anyone attend? “The School Board of Orange County will accept public comment on the 2017-18 Science Adoption Selections at the February 13th, 2018 regularly scheduled School Board Meeting.” https://www.ocps.net/departments/curriculum__instruction_and_digital_learning/instructional_materials/textbook_adoption_selections/

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