muddysmind.com

Ohio encourages debate on evolution

Schools could address ‘intelligent design’ as alternative

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 15 — The state school board said Tuesday it will adopt a science curriculum that leaves it up to school districts whether to teach the concept of “intelligent design,” which holds that the universe is guided by a higher intelligence.

THE BOARD voted unanimously in favor of the standards, which emphasize both evolution and critical analysis of the theory. It will adopt them formally in December.
The standards put into writing what many school districts already do — teach evolution, but also explain that there is debate over the origin of life.
“In no way does this advocate for creation or intelligent design,” said Michael Cochran, a board member who had pushed for the concept to be included in the standards. “I do look upon this as a compromise.”
The decision follows weeks of behind-the-scenes talks to reach an agreement with members who wanted alternative theories to evolution to be put of an equal footing with Darwin’s theory.
In January, Ohio became the latest battleground in the debate over what high school biology students should know about evolution.
Supporters of intelligent design included some conservative groups that had tried and failed to get biblical creation taught in public schools. Critics of intelligent design said it is creationism in disguise.

From msnbc.com

Posted by at October 16, 2002 06:33 PM