Florida takes two steps forward, one step back
By Steve Benen Friday Feb 22, 2008 7:15am
(blogs.sun) The good news is, Florida, for the first time in its history, will feature the word “evolution” in its state science standards. The bad news is, the reality-based community in the state had to make a compromise in order to get the word in there.
Florida’s State Board of Education has voted to use the term “scientific theory of evolution” in new science standards, the first time the word “evolution” has been included.
Florida’s current standards require the teaching of evolution using code words like “change over time.”
Adding the term “scientific theory” before the term “evolution” was a modified proposal at least one board member called a compromise, not standards proposed originally to the committee. The option to include “scientific theory” was made late last week.
The board narrowly passed the proposed change, voting 4-3, after more than an hour of public comment and additional discussion by the board.
Religious fundamentalists, not surprisingly, wanted to keep the “e” word out altogether, but were willing to accept the compromise, because it emphasized the word “theory.”
It reminds me of one of my biggest creationist pet peeves: they have no idea what a scientific “theory” is.
Given how much they use the word, one would like to think they could have looked it up by now.
This is going back a ways, but James Q. Wilson had a good piece on the subject a few years ago.
People use “theory” when they mean a guess, a faith or an idea. A theory in this sense does not state a testable relationship between two or more things. It is a belief that may be true, but its truth cannot be tested by scientific inquiry. One such theory is that God exists and intervenes in human life in ways that affect the outcome of human life. God may well exist, and He may well help people overcome problems or even (if we believe certain athletes) determine the outcome of a game. But that theory cannot be tested. There is no way anyone has found that we can prove empirically that God exists or that His action has affected some human life. If such a test could be found, the scientist who executed it would overnight become a hero.
Evolution is a theory in the scientific sense. It has been tested repeatedly by examining the remains of now-extinct creatures to see how one species has emerged to replace another. Even today we can see some kinds of evolution at work, as when scholars watch how birds on the Galapagos Islands adapt their beak size from generation to generation to the food supplies they encounter.
Watch any conflict over evolution and, within minutes, you’ll hear a creationist insist that students should be exposed to competing “theories” and that the “theory of evolution” is no better than any other “theory.” The idea is to suggest that if the science were absolutely true, it’d be called the “fact of evolution.”
It’s maddening, and yet, the reality-based crowd has to keep dealing with it. The National Academy of Sciences, one of the world’s most respected institutions of scientific and engineering research, took this on a few years ago.
Scientists most often use the word “fact” to describe an observation. But scientists can also use fact to mean something that has been tested or observed so many times that there is no longer a compelling reason to keep testing or looking for examples. The occurrence of evolution in this sense is a fact. Scientists no longer question whether descent with modification occurred because the evidence supporting the idea is so strong.
Gravity is a theory; just like electromagnetism, plate tectonics, and general relativity. For Florida to go out of its way to label the bedrock of modern biology as the “scientific theory of evolution” is actually quite accurate. But for creationists to consider the phrase a compromise that helps their side is nothing short of amusing.
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Evolution is just a theory and "God exists" is just a piss poor conjecture.
Right, "Theory of Evolution"; just like the "Atomic Theory of Matter" or the "Theory of a Heliocentric Solar System."
EVOLUTION IN FLORIDA: THANK GOD IT’S ONLY A THEORY.
In approving new science standards, the state education board in Florida
has for the first time ever used the word "evolution." That’s a huge step
forward. At the last minute, Southern Baptists on the board insisted
that "evolution" be changed to "the scientific theory of evolution."
That’s even better. Evolution is, after all, "only a theory," as is all
of science. Florida teachers can now cite state standards as
justification for teaching that science, unlike religion, is open to
change as better information becomes available. - Robert L. Park
the compromise is ok because by definition evolution is indeed a scientific theory, like gravity and relativity
Well, at least those students who go on to study science in a higher institution of learning will discover that a "scientific theory" is pretty damned bedrock.
"Theory" derives from "theorem" and is "conclusionary" based on evidence:
1. An idea that has been demonstrated as true or is assumed to be so demonstrable.
2. Mathematics A proposition that has been or is to be proved on the basis of explicit assumptions.
They'll learn that science does not utilize the popular meaning of "theory" as conjecture, supposition, or speculation.
However, the religious righty-tighties here in sunny America's Strapon have started to grumble in outrage. Why? They found out - after the fact - that they've been duped.
By putting the "compromise" language of the "scientific theory of" into the standards, the School Board opens the door for teachers to explain just what is MEANT by 'science,' and the true definition of 'theory.' Which is just what the fundies don't want.
I love it when the pig-ignorant think they win, only to find out that the Smart People have outfoxed them.
As a resident of Palm Beach Co, I was surprised to learn that FL textbooks did not refer to evolution by name, instead calling it "change over time".
Far too much weight is given to the religiconn Neanderthals (still waiting for them to evolve) living from Orlando northward in creating policy for the whole state. Time has come to split Florida into two states, say at the Okeechobee/Indian River Co line.
Congrats FL on evolving from the 19th to the 20th century. Too bad it's the 21st...
This is progress but the whole thing scares the hell out of me.
Creationists believe that the earth is 6,000 years old...but 6,000 years ago the Babylonians were already making beer.
If you want to be religious...go for it. But keep it out of politics and stop crossing the line.
RHM's blog
Yes, evolution is indeed a scientific theory -- as is the heliocentric solar system, the oxidative theory of combustion, and the First Law of Thermodynamics. Alas, the creationists are trained to think backwards, from conclusion to reasoning. They don't know how to use logic, and seize on whatever is at hand that might enable them to continue to hold to their pre-ordained false beliefs -- in this case, the misuse of the word theory.
It is extremely frustrating because you can't argue with them. It just doesn't matter that their beliefs are absurd and their arguments make no sense. They have concrete for brains.
its time to send billy grahams dieing ass to florida and stomp out this nonsense about evolution , and get the flat earthers back in charge!!!!!!!!!!!!
I believe the problem with the word "theory" goes back to Sherlock Holmes-"Yes, Watson, I have a theory"-actually, it was more of a hypothesis, an untested conjecture that might explain a certain set of facts. Once the case was solved, and we knew the solution, that was a theory.
Florida is proof that evolution is just a theory, but that devolution is a fact.
I don't understand why people can't believe in God AND evolution?
The wisdom of the great state of Florida is mind boggling. Its no wonder Americans are getting their brains beaten out by the rest of the world. My girl works in stem cell research, and of the 15 researcher's, only one (my girl) is from the good old USofA. It's sad to think we have kids growing up in this country, who think the sun orbits around the earth, and man came from adam & eve 2000 years ago.
[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]
If you want to see the end result of what happens when religious dogma triumphs over science and reason, look no further than Afghanistan, especially during those times when religious extremists rule.
Well, here's an idea: before you teach them the Scientific Theory of Evolution, spend some time teaching the kids the actual meanings of the words "theory" and "hypothesis" within the domain of science so they know just what they're actually being taught.
I've HAD IT with these fucking inbred retards. FINE, they don't want to believe in science and keep they're children stupid then I propose that we take away they're cars, electricity, fridge, stove, oven and force these stupid cocksuckers to live in log cabins and raise animals and crops.
Is it just me or is the religious right completely and utterly hypocritical on every goddamm issue they fucking annoy us with? I bet there are even stupid fucksticks out there on message boards, ON THE INTERNET, going on about how science is bullshit.
If it wasn't for SCIENCE these dumb cunts wouldn't have a fucking clue who Jesus is, do you know why? Because THERE WOULD BE NO PRINTING PRESSES FOR BIBLE......for FUCK SAKES!!!
fastfeat @ 7:
The 21st century is just theory. (Even though we are experiencing it now as we speak.) You gotta believe. (or is belief just a theory?)
there is a commercial on tv where people in a town wake up, its dark outside, they jump out of bed and grab some large flat "shield'esque" kind of thing in their house on their way to the front door.... and all begin running to a hill...you see many people in the town join the fray... running up the hell... and they all reach the crest of the hill as light burst forth and they hold up their shield and brace behind it... bracing harder and harder.. the more the light pushes... the harder they push back... then the light breaks through...the people are pushed back and the inevitable happens.... they hang their heads and turn to head back home and the caption reads..... YOU CANT STOP MONDAY FROM HAPPENING.
that is a perfect metaphor for what is happening with the state of florida and kansas and a couple of others. the last hardest push of a dying theology against the light.
im sorry to say that my state. florida, is part of the final hurrah of a sort of group of those people on that hill in the dark...before the dawn...... trying to hold back enlightenment. superstitious, fear driven "monkeys with car keys", who cringe in fear of an angry vengeful deity. a deity that was invented by people who thought it wanted them to cut goats throats and burn them as sacrifice to appeas it. people who thought the stars in the sky were holes in heaven.....
ive always sought to pose a single question that would break the hypnotic worship/fear of burning forever, psychosis of deity worship. a question that would make them welcome the light of rationalism and realism....help them be ready to give up the fantasy deity.
why would an all knowing, all loving, all seeing deity NEED to create tiny flawed beings TO WORSHIP IT in the first place?... and then, when the flawed beings, made so by the creator, succumb to the temptations of this existence, or if they fail to worship the deity in exactly the way some FAT HICK PREACHER WITH A BAD HAIRDO says they should, or some child molesting PRIESTOPHILE says they should, then that deity would BURN AND TORTURE IT'S BELOVED CREATIONS FOREVER? ESSENTIALLY PUNISHING THEM FOR IT'S MISTAKE OF NOT MAKING US PERFECT IN THE FIRST PLACE???
that is no deity that deserves worship. that is a psychotic. manipulative, control freak, stalkerish, sadistic deity. WE PUT HUMANS IN JAIL FOR ACTING LIKE THAT. i want no part of it or the monkeys cringing at its feet.
WELCOME THE LIGHT.
Spend a little time in Florida (we winter here- not MY idea) and you'll understand why "evolution" hasn't appeared. There is NO EVOLVING here...devolving maybe! I must have been living in a bubble (course we are teachers and believe in LEARNING) but the prejudice and dislike of those not just like you is awful here...and, sadly, many are not natives to Florida! I worry for the Obamas...
I love informing fundies that gravity is also the theory... blows their wee minds. It's great to watch them stammer and stutter as they clearly illustrate their absolute ignorance.
So many Christian Fundamentalists, so few lions...
So if I punch a religious fundie in the teeth and they say I assaulted them, I can say "no, you have a theory that I assaulted you".
Jimminny crickets don't go on and on and tell the knuckle dragging mythology freaks what "theory" means! Let them keep smiling and think they have won a great victory. Your going to ruin the joke.
Gary @ 13:
Because these fools want to believe that every word in the bible should be taken literally.
gempei @ 16:
Just a glance at the Whitehouse should be sufficient!
Creationists use many of the same rhetorical techniques that Republican authoritarians use: misinformation, obfuscation, emotional manipulation, implied associations ("You know, Hitler got the idea of the Final Solution from Darwinism!") and the rest of those tricks that work in elections and PR campaigns -- especially amongst the less educated and more religious. It explains their persistence as well as their popularity.
For example, it doesn't matter how many times they've been corrected, even by Gould himself, over the past couple of *decades* -- many of the "top" creationist mouthpieces continue to use out-of-context quotes from Stephen Jay Gould to suggest internal dissent in the scientific community as to the validity of the basic theory of evolution by natural selection... dissent that does not exist.
Hell, just take their willingness to play with the double meaning of the word "theory" for political effect. That's all you need to know about these people.
They are ruthless in the pursuit of what they truly believe to be a divine mission. They will bear false witness until their tongues fall out, because they believe that the only possible explanation for rejecting creationism is a satan-inspired hatred of their god. And that kind of self-delusion can't, unfortunately, be undone with good books about science. (These people only read one book -- and they don't really read that one, either.)
Fair Witness @ 21:
I grok
It must be nice to have all the questions of the universe answered for you in one book.
I guess ignorance truly is bliss.
Evolution isn't a theory. It's a fact. The fossil record unambiguously shows life forms early in the history of the Earth as simple, and later in history as more complex. Ergo, life evolved from simple forms into more complex ones. It's as factual as the "theory" that gravity causes objects to fall to Earth. End of discussion.
Whether evolution occurred through natural selection or some other means is the "theoretical" aspect of what is erroneously called the Theory of Evolution but should really be called the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection.
Since the religious right seems to have trouble differentiating between fact and opinion, perhaps it is unreasonable to expect them to understand the difference between scientific theory and "Hey, I've got a theory about why the Easter Bunny lays eggs." Instead of fighting endless battles over the meaning of "theory", why don't we just call it the Ontology of Evolution and be done with it.
it's wonderful seeing that the florida creationists get to be hoisted by their own petard. when they insisted that the law include the phrase that evolution be taught as a "scientific theory" they unknowingly opened the door to their little snowflakes being taught the real meaning of what "theory" means to a scientist as opposed to its more general usage. that is: The word theory, in the context of science, does not imply uncertainty. It means "a coherent group of general propositions used as principles of explanation for a class of phenomena" (Barnhart 1948).
GonzoD @ 28:
What universe? Don't you know that all those points of light are just holes in the sky.
Facts are meaningless. Facts change. Accumulation/ evaluation of fact, provable over and over, constructs the "theory".
Scientific Theory trumps fact every day... all day.
A scientific theory is a good thing, not a bad or stupid thing.
It is 1) a prediction as to natural phenomena, 2) that has been borne out by experiment (or observation).
A scientific theory is different from a scientific law. A scientific theory is open to tweaking, based on new observations, new reasoning, or new experimental outcome. Quantum theory is such a beast. A scientific theory, in other words, is a work in progress. Nothing at all wrong with that.
A scientific law, on the other hand, is deemed by those in the know to be a settled, complete statement, true everywhere in the universe (according to Einstein). Example: The Second Law of Thermodynamics, which basically posits there's no such thing as a free lunch.
What FL did is OK. The fundies don't get it, but thoughtful people should.
Sherman should have rendered the entire South in a permanent state of disrepair. That area is dragging the rest of us through the muck.
RHM @ 8:
Man, I always loved the Babylonians---now I understand why. My buddy and I will hoist a lager at lunch in honor of the Babs!
How does that joke go? I think it's:
Jews don't recognize jeezus as the messiah
Protestants don't recognize the pope as head of the church, and
Baptists don't recognize each other in the liquor store.
Very interesting. i was educated in north Florida public schools in the 40's and early 50's. I recall becoming familiar with evolution in about the 8th grade. Our science teachers were excellent, and the theory of evolution is one of the most fascinating discoveries and ideas of all time to a curious mind. The truth of evolution is obvious to anyone who takes an unbiased view of it. My southern baptist parents, who believed in both god and education, trusted the teachers to provide us with the latest knowledge and understanding. While they may have had problems believing in evolution themselves they did not stand in the way of their children's pursuit of knowledge. The relationship between religion and science was somehow kept separate. But as with all relationships sooner or later there is a power struggle. This action will prove valuable, because once students are exposed to the truths of evolution they will use their own curious minds to sort out the conflicts with religion. Yes, it will cause some angst, but knowing the truth is much better than living in ignorance.
John Kiel @ 36:
Heheheheee...what's the difference between a catholic and a baptist?
A catholic will wave at ya in the liquor store...
What's the difference between jesus and a picture of jesus?
Only takes one nail to hang a picture...
ok one more...
What's the difference between acne and a catholic priest?
Acne usually doesn't come on a boys face until after he's turned 14....HA!
Take THAT churchies!
And here's a great site (there are many others as well, but none as comprehensive) in case you want to learn about evolution and fighting Creationist nonsense:
TalkOrigins
Re: Evolution as theory
Know Religion, No Reason
No Religion, Know Reason
Here in Titusville Fl. we view "The Flintstones " as a documentary
Fair Witness @ 21:
Dead on!!
Adam @ 24:
Charles Wilton @ 3:
Sweet Zombai Jayzus! These nuts are just that, nuts. Evolution's a theory. Gravity's a theory. The cells that make up our bodies and bacteria and all that rot, are just that, a theory. The water, nitrogen, phosphorous cycles, are just that, theories to explain the using up and renewal of those resources. The formation of clouds is a theory. These people are stupid. Neanderthals they aren't. Neanderthals were smart bipedal apes. ;)
And, Adam, though I am a Christian, you should have said, "People believe in God and accept evolution. Science is the way things are. Religion, a half-assed attempt to explain why things are."
The key word is "scientific". The fundies are relying on the number of syllables to be a complete turnoff to their cro-magnon base.
I wonder if hard core Christian parents whose 15 year old girl attends a church school would believe their daughter's pregnancy was the result of immaculate conception if she told them she never had sex? I'd be willing to bet they would subject the girl to medical examination and DNA testing of the boys in her school to determine who the father was. Of course in Florida they would also have to test the male teachers and the pastor of the church.
VietVet8666 @ 34:
nicely put.
.
Florida’s State Board of Education - third from the left.
At best.
.
Saint Augustine @ 45:
they might start with her male fambly members
liberalNmoderation @ 38:
Actually, as a Baptist, my favorite Christian joke is about a Marxist that went to the Afterlife. God didn't want him, so he sent him to Hell. The Marxist in a year is returned by Satan, saying "Get him outta here! Bastard's turned every child in Hell into a Revolutionary." So God takes him. A year later, Satan asks God for him back. God says, "First, there is no God, and second, don't make me late for the Party meeting." Well, it's a Russian joke, but still.
Instead of at a computer, why don't we end that cartoon with someone praying? Seems a helluva lot more suitable.
Adam @ 25:
But as opposed to true believers, the chimpident pretty much hates everyone on an economic level below his billionaire base. And his religion is false. And he's a LIAR. AND .... nevermind, he's just like them. ;<[)
February 19 was a sad day for the children of Florida who attend Public School, including my 9 year old Grandson and 5 year old Granddaughter. Florida will remain near the bottom of the states in science educational excellence because of religious ideology that belittles the value of scientific knowledge. The state Board of Education voted 4-3 to write the teaching of evolution into the state's standards for teaching science to K-12 students -- but qualified its vote by adopting a proposal to add the words "scientific theory of" before the word "evolution."
The vote was 4-3, with Chairman T. Willard Fair and members Linda Taylor, Phoebe Raulerson and Kathleen Shanahan in support. Members Roberto Martinez and Akshay Desai voted no because they backed the proposed standards as written, while Donna Callaway was opposed because she wanted the board to go even further toward "academic freedom." In late November the Florida Baptist Witness published comments from board member Donna Callaway. Callaway told the Jacksonville-based newspaper that she could not vote in favor of the proposed standards because evolution "should not be taught to the exclusion of other theories of origin of life." Board Member Roberto Martínez said "We're watering down the best possible standards we could have to appease a certain segment of society."
Department of Education officials floated the last-minute revision Friday evening in the face of mounting opposition from religious conservatives who said the proposed standards were too dogmatic in their treatment of evolution. Board Member Roberto Martínez questioned if the availability of and the voting on the alternative version was a violation of Florida's Sunshine Law?
A number of the 60 scientists and science teachers who helped devise Florida's proposed "world class" science standards said that they objected to the last-minute alternative version. The vote on the alternative version, according to Mary Jane Tappen, Executive Director, Office of Math and Science, was 29 disapproved, 2 approved and 7 said that "it was better than nothing" and no response from the others. Ignoring scientifically sound reason and the experts, the Board approved the alternative version.
I would hope, but doubt, that the same language would not be exclusively applied to the word "evolution" but would also be inserted before the word Gravity. If the Board does not apply this standard in an objective manner to all "theories" then it is obviously religious ideology.
Since this is an open thread...
I understand that in Jesus' time businesses in Rome did very poorly because lions ate all the prophets.
Houses of ill repute should always conduct business on the first floor, that way there is no fucking overhead.
General_Rennenkampf @ 49:
jerry falwell will lift his dome of protection from you heathenous vile villains.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Purple-in-Tampa @ 52:
What do the collegians in Florida have to say?
MiamiU
UFlorida
Florida State
I DID NOT HAVE SEX WITH THAT MAN!
Evolution is taught as fact here. Any religious ideas about how life might have began are considered taboo and something students are directed to ask their parents about as it falls under the realm of personal belief rather than fact [or rational thought].
I don't really give a damn if there are individuals who want to pretend that the earth is flat. So long as they keep their silly religion to themselves. They need to stop trying to force everyone to accept their superstition as fact. It's not. It never was or will be and the sooner we can leave it behind the better off we'll all be.
I will never understand people who don't just enjoy being ignorant and backward but insist that everyone else join them in the muck.
CoIntelPro @ 54:
jerry falwell will lift his dome of protection from you heathenous vile villains.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Ain't he dead?
I think adding the word "scientific" to "theory of evolution" makes the term completely valid and hard to refute. It modifies "theory" in a way that strengthens it. As an earlier poster said, once teachers start teaching about what a "scientific theory" is, then it's easy to show that other "theories" don't hold a candle to evolution. I imagine a very smart board member added "scientific" on purpose. It was rhetorically brilliant.
There's also a theory that the Earth is round, revolves on its axis, and moves in an orbit around the Sun. Some Italian came up with it, I think.
Nobody here in Florida is willing to test the theory, however...they're all afraid of falling off the edge, ticking God off, or being called conspiracy theorists.
CoIntelPro @ 55
Gerry Meisels, a professor of chemistry at the University of South Florida, urged the state board in an e-mail to adopt the version his group finalized in January, which does not refer to evolution as a theory.
See:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-evolution1708feb17,0...
4 extra words in Florida science proposal rankle educators
It was an umm, a umm, oh yeah, an immaculate conception. I swear, um god came down from heaven and umm, hell next thing I know I'm knocked up. Really Joseph, that's what happened.
CoIntelPro @ 54:
jerry falwell will lift his dome of protection from you heathenous vile villains.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Haaarumph! I see your falwell, and raise you a swaggart, a bakker, and that farting preacher...whatever the hell his name is!
And yes, I AM a practicing heathen...but I've retired from vile villainy...no healthcare. No 401K either. Lousy hours...
Odd - when I went to school, we weren't taught about the 'theory of gravity' or the 'theory of physics' or even the 'theory of evolution'.
These concepts were referred to as LAWS. The LAW of gravity and the LAWS of physics and the LAWS of evolution.
No compromise, and no haggling with people whose interests have nothing to do with education. Never.
Why do people continually allow themselves to get dragged into this polarity?
When are people going to realize that getting into arguments with wingers accomplishes NOTHING.
Get out, DO SOMETHING. Bend the rules whatever it takes.
Shut off the GOD DAMN TV
L.A. Confidential @ 65:
Use the internet as a damn tool instead of "entertainment"
MargeAggedon @ 57:
It's an opportunity for ignorant and stupid people to "feel" smart. If you get 100 imbeciles (may insert republican for imbecile) in a room, and they all agree that the saw Jesus' face on the back of Fred's pick-up, well........, you get the idea.
hmmmm, forgive if i repeat but this would then require a categorization of creationism... as in:
scientific theory of evolution
religious theory of creationism
and i thought that public schools were separate from religious institutions
just sayin
So this is what Hillary meant when she exclaimed during the most recent President Debate. "I want science put back in education!". Now that science has been redefined to mean anything.
Will "intelligent design" now be called the "scientific theory of intelligent design"? I thought it was a biblical theory, but it's science now.
esme @ 68:
You're mistaken
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcXjeOLOX6o
Man, dead on with what I'm always laughing over. There's a difference between a theory and a Scientific Theory. This is the first thing I bring up every time someone brings this crap up to me.
Intelligent Design is a MYTH and it should be taught in mythology or religion classes.
As for this evolution diagram - there is one thing wrong with it. The guy sitting at the computer should be obese. The daily show had a better diagram that ended with a fat guy in a recliner watching TV.
It's not the word "theory" that's being mangled by the Jesus Jihadists, It's science in general. Explains why America is light years behind other countries when it comes to science scores.
In their defense, evolution is a theory that will, like all theories, be tested by advances in knowledge.
If only the fundies would test the "Theory of Gravity" by jumping off of the roof of their local middle school.
My karma just ran over their dogma.
If only the fundies would test the “Theory of Gravity” by jumping off of the roof of their local middle school.......
After all. Jesus ascended into heaven which calls into question the theory of gravity. All you need is to suspend disbelief as a true person of faith and this theory will no longer have any hold on you.
If on the other hand you fall to your messy death, you must have been a sinner.
Shared Humanity @ 74:
In much of FL, we call those colleges...
It's a sad time in human history that teaching science is an up hill battle.
hank @ 75:
Good lord is that a bumper sticker?!? If not it should be!!!!!
Ali @ 72:
That's exactly how I see so-called faith.
If any one is interested you can go to http://www.fldoe.org/meetings/2008_02_19/meetingArchive.asp
and watch a copy of the web cast of the entire Board of Education meeting.
Part 2 http://data.fldoe.org/winmed/2008_02_19/SBOE-Feb2-109k-pt2.wmv is the web cast of the Board debate and vote on the Science Standards.
I Am A Banana @ 78:
Make that a "sad time in American history" for a more accurate statement. Much of the developed world has long-since gotten past this issue.
kerplunk @ 69:
Nope. There is no scientific theory of Intelligent Design: there is a marked lack of observable data to prove this idea, and the scientific community has disproved most of the points ID proposed.
This was a well-written and -sourced posting. It effectively clears up the confusion behind using the work "theory" and highlights how religious institutions attempt to befuddle the public by deliberately misusing the word.
Now that Florida is taking steps to unravel the confusion, I am interested to see how this plays out. My teaching experience is not in Florida, but it has been my experience that it may take as long as 7 years for the textbooks to be changed (my districts change their textbooks an average of every 7 years). Even at the end of this time, the district decides which books they want the teachers to vote on. If the district chooses to select only books that exclude the term evolution, teachers will only have those books to choose from.
That being said, teachers have fairly free reign in their classrooms and there are a lot of ways to play around this terminology. Me, I'd put some humor in the situation. I'd explain to my students the controversy behind the term and introduce a bright and colorful SCIENTIFIC THEORY OF EVOLUTION (tm) sign to be used every time I had to use the term (you know, to protect the students from the raw power of the words!)