Standards keep focus on evolution
Charles Darwin's theory of evolution would continue as a cornerstone of science classes in Nebraska's public schools if proposed new state science standards are adopted this summer by the Nebraska Board of Education.
Intelligent design, meantime, would remain the province of philosophers and theologians.
Although advocates of intelligent design enjoyed fleeting success the past decade in Kansas, they have not found Nebraska science classrooms so welcoming.
Three members of the Nebraska Board of Education say they're not aware of any effort by board members or the public to include intelligent design in Nebraska's new science standards.
“I've had zero contact from anyone,” said board member Robert Evnen of Lincoln, who is on a committee reviewing the standards.
The standards would be adopted by the state board in August. Standards identify what students should know and what teachers should teach.
Nebraska's 253 school districts would have to adopt the state standards, or more rigorous ones, or risk losing
World-Herald editorial: Right tone on science standards
The news thus far is encouraging about the set of science standards under discussion by the Nebraska State Board of Education. These standards will be vital in helping students prepare for life and work in the 21st century.
The standards, to be completed by August, will be crucial in particular as Nebraska moves toward developing the specifics of its first statewide science test — a long overdue step for the state.
The board has included evolution in the curriculum as part of a commendably calm and responsible approach to modern science education.
Indications are that the Nebraska standards, which are underpinned by the theory of evolution, will pass muster without the firestorm the same issue has raised in other states. That says a lot about the sound judgment of the elected board members and the common sense of Nebraskans in general.
In the scientific community, the word “theory” means a well-established explanation for scientific facts. And the theory of evolution is central to biology and other areas of scientific investigation.
For the story and editorial in the Omaha World-Herald, visit:
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