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Biology textbook hearings prompt science disputes [Texas]
Knight Ridder Newspapers ^ | 08 July 2003 | MATT FRAZIER

Posted on 07/09/2003 12:08:32 PM PDT by PatrickHenry

FORT WORTH, Texas - (KRT) -
The long-running debate over the origins of mankind continues Wednesday before the Texas State Board of Education, and the result could change the way science is taught here and across the nation.

Local and out-of-state lobbying groups will try to convince the board that the next generation of biology books should contain new scientific evidence that reportedly pokes holes in Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.

Many of those groups say that they are not pushing to place a divine creator back into science books, but to show that Darwin's theory is far from a perfect explanation of the origin of mankind.

"It has become a battle ground," said Eugenie Scott, executive director of theNational Center of Science Education, which is dedicated to defending the teaching of evolution in the classroom.

Almost 45 scientists, educators and special interest groups from across the state will testify at the state's first public hearing this year on the next generation of textbooks for the courses of biology, family and career studies and English as a Second Language.

Approved textbooks will be available for classrooms for the 2004-05 school year. And because Texas is the second largest textbook buyer in the nation, the outcome could affect education nationwide.

The Texas Freedom Network and a handful of educators held a conference call last week to warn that conservative Christians and special interest organizations will try to twist textbook content to further their own views.

"We are seeing the wave of the future of religious right's attack on basic scientific principles," said Samantha Smoot, executive director of the network, an anti-censorship group and opponent of the radical right.

Those named by the network disagree with the claim, including the Discovery Institute and its Science and Culture Center of Seattle.

"Instead of wasting time looking at motivations, we wish people would look at the facts," said John West, associate director of the center.

"Our goal nationally is to encourage schools and educators to include more about evolution, including controversies about various parts of Darwinian theory that exists between even evolutionary scientists," West said. "We are a secular think tank."

The institute also is perhaps the nation's leading proponent of intelligent design - the idea that life is too complex to have occurred without the help of an unknown, intelligent being.

It pushed this view through grants to teachers and scientists, including Michael J. Behe, professor of biological sciences at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. The Institute receives millions of dollars from philanthropists and foundations dedicated to discrediting Darwin's theory.

The center sent the state board a 55-page report that graded 11 high school biology textbooks submitted for adoption. None earned a grade above a C minus. The report also includes four arguments it says show that evolutionary theory is not as solid as presented in biology textbooks.

Discovery Institute Fellow Raymond Bohlin, who also is executive director of Probe Ministries, based in Richardson, Texas, will deliver that message in person Wednesday before the State Board of Education. Bohlin has a doctorate degree in molecular cell biology from the University of Texas at Dallas.

"If we can simply allow students to see that evolution is not an established fact, that leaves freedom for students to pursue other ideas," Bohlin said. "All I can do is continue to point these things out and hopefully get a group that hears and sees relevant data and insist on some changes."

The executive director of Texas Citizens for Science, Steven Schafersman, calls the institute's information "pseudoscience nonsense." Schafersman is an evolutionary scientist who, for more than two decades, taught biology, geology, paleontology and environmental science at a number of universities, including the University of Houston and the University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

"It sounds plausible to people who are not scientifically informed," Schafersman said. "But they are fraudulently trying to deceive board members. They might succeed, but it will be over the public protests of scientists."

The last time Texas looked at biology books, in 1997, the State Board of Education considered replacing them all with new ones that did not mention evolution. The board voted down the proposal by a slim margin.

The state requires that evolution be in textbooks. But arguments against evolution have been successful over the last decade in other states. Alabama, New Mexico and Nebraska made changes that, to varying degrees, challenge the pre-eminence of evolution in the scientific curriculum.

In 1999, the Kansas Board of Education voted to wash the concepts of evolution from the state's science curricula. A new state board has since put evolution back in. Last year, the Cobb County school board in Georgia voted to include creationism in science classes.

Texas education requirements demand that textbooks include arguments for and against evolution, said Neal Frey, an analyst working with perhaps Texas' most famous textbook reviewers, Mel and Norma Gabler.

The Gablers, of Longview, have been reviewing Texas textbooks for almost four decades. They describe themselves as conservative Christians. Some of their priorities include making sure textbooks include scientific flaws in arguments for evolution.

"None of the texts truly conform to the state's requirements that the strengths and weaknesses of scientific theories be presented to students," Frey said.

The Texas textbook proclamation of 2001, which is part of the standard for the state's curriculum, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, requires that biology textbooks instruct students so they may "analyze, review and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weakness using scientific evidence and information."

The state board is empowered to reject books only for factual errors or for not meeting the state's curriculum requirements. If speakers convince the state board that their evidence is scientifically sound, members may see little choice but to demand its presence in schoolbooks.

Proposed books already have been reviewed and approved by Texas Tech University. After a public hearing Wednesday and another Sept. 10, the state board is scheduled to adopt the new textbooks in November.

Satisfying the state board is only half the battle for textbook publishers. Individual school districts choose which books to use and are reimbursed by the state unless they buy texts rejected by the state board.

Districts can opt not to use books with passages they find objectionable. So when speakers at the public hearings criticize what they perceived as flaws in various books - such as failing to portray the United States or Christianity in a positive light - many publishers listen.

New books will be distributed next summer.

State Board member Terri Leo said the Discovery Institute works with esteemed scientists and that their evidence should be heard.

"You cannot teach students how to think if you don't present both sides of a scientific issue," Leo said. "Wouldn't you think that the body that has the responsibility of what's in the classroom would look at all scientific arguments?"

State board member Bob Craig said he had heard of the Intelligent Design theory.

"I'm going in with an open mind about everybody's presentation," Craig said. "I need to hear their presentation before I make any decisions or comments.

State board member Mary Helen Berlanga said she wanted to hear from local scientists.

"If we are going to discuss scientific information in the textbooks, the discussion will have to remain scientific," Berlanga said. "I'd like to hear from some of our scientists in the field on the subject."


TOPICS:
KEYWORDS: crevolist
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To: Aric2000
Or better yet, end your presence on this earth.
2,582 posted on 07/14/2003 11:27 PM CDT by Skywalk
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/943130/posts?page=2582#2582


If he took his own life, do you think I'd be to blame? Heck, I wouldn't even feel good about it.
2,614 posted on 07/14/2003 11:52 PM CDT by Skywalk
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/943130/posts?page=2614#2614
2,621 posted on 07/14/2003 9:55:04 PM PDT by ALS (http://designeduniverse.com Featuring original works by FR's finest . contact me to add yours!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2616 | View Replies]

To: Skywalk
Or better yet, end your presence on this earth.
2,582 posted on 07/14/2003 11:27 PM CDT by Skywalk
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/943130/posts?page=2582#2582


If he took his own life, do you think I'd be to blame? Heck, I wouldn't even feel good about it.
2,614 posted on 07/14/2003 11:52 PM CDT by Skywalk
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/943130/posts?page=2614#2614
2,622 posted on 07/14/2003 9:55:23 PM PDT by ALS (http://designeduniverse.com Featuring original works by FR's finest . contact me to add yours!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2617 | View Replies]

To: qam1
Yep, that is EXACTLY what I picture..

Pretty sad....
2,623 posted on 07/14/2003 9:55:35 PM PDT by Aric2000 (If the history of science shows us anything, it is that we get nowhere by labeling our ignorance god)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2619 | View Replies]

To: conservababeJen
*yawn*

I don't need help. Everyone who knows me, knows I'm fine.

But I obviously succeeded, look at the shocked posts!

" I can't believe he said that! That's sick!"

Believe what you want, I'm not retracting it. It was meant to be taken as an insult, but interpret it how you wish.

Ping the AM if you want and have the post removed, that's fine by me. I made my point.
2,624 posted on 07/14/2003 9:55:48 PM PDT by Skywalk
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To: Skywalk; All
No, we want it sitting right there for all to see what hate looks like.

2,625 posted on 07/14/2003 9:56:35 PM PDT by ALS (http://designeduniverse.com Featuring original works by FR's finest . contact me to add yours!)
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To: Skywalk
Yes, and eventually one gets fed up to the point where they'll engage in the same tactics.

Please share with me whatever the hell it is you're smoking, "my friend"...It must be good stuff, because NO ONE here (other than YOU)has wished another dead.

Seek help

2,626 posted on 07/14/2003 9:56:38 PM PDT by conservababeJen (http://abortiondebate.org/forums)
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To: ALS
Yes...your point?

Geez, how pathetic are you??!! You said I wished for you somehow kick the bucket, when my words obviously convey a deliberate act by YOU.

I've not made an attempt to retract my statement and here you are still behaving as if you've "got me." You haven't got a thing, except words I typed that convey my disgust with you.

Have the post removed or quit crying.
2,627 posted on 07/14/2003 9:57:39 PM PDT by Skywalk
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To: Skywalk
post stays, but you can go if you like

Or better yet, end your presence on this earth.
2,582 posted on 07/14/2003 11:27 PM CDT by Skywalk
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/943130/posts?page=2582#2582


If he took his own life, do you think I'd be to blame? Heck, I wouldn't even feel good about it.
2,614 posted on 07/14/2003 11:52 PM CDT by Skywalk
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/943130/posts?page=2614#2614
2,628 posted on 07/14/2003 9:58:30 PM PDT by ALS (http://designeduniverse.com Featuring original works by FR's finest . contact me to add yours!)
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To: conservababeJen
I didn't say anyone made an explicit wish for someone else to kill themselves.

But please, Mike Savage just did the same thing and my statement isn't even bigoted against any particular group.

Now, you may be offended by what Savage says, but no one on this earth has said "drop dead!" to anyone else? Please.

Once again, have it removed or not, I don't care, but I'm not going to quiver and whimper and apologize for you.
2,629 posted on 07/14/2003 9:59:23 PM PDT by Skywalk
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To: Skywalk
Or better yet, end your presence on this earth.
2,582 posted on 07/14/2003 11:27 PM CDT by Skywalk
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/943130/posts?page=2582#2582


If he took his own life, do you think I'd be to blame? Heck, I wouldn't even feel good about it.
2,614 posted on 07/14/2003 11:52 PM CDT by Skywalk
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/943130/posts?page=2614#2614
2,630 posted on 07/14/2003 9:59:55 PM PDT by ALS (http://designeduniverse.com Featuring original works by FR's finest . contact me to add yours!)
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To: Skywalk
I made my point

Indeed you did.

Thanks for showing us all what an a$$hole you are. It's perfectly evident now..

2,631 posted on 07/14/2003 10:00:14 PM PDT by conservababeJen (http://abortiondebate.org/forums)
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To: ALS
*crying*

Oh no, my own words that I chose to employ?? OH NO!

Please don't post that.

Bah! I won't go now. Well, I will but not because of this.

You see how the game can be played? We can sit here all night completely distracted from the original topic of the thread or even the larger issues surrounding the original topic.

I have to admit, your way works.
2,632 posted on 07/14/2003 10:00:54 PM PDT by Skywalk
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To: Skywalk; Admin Moderator
Very well, you do then openly admit to not abiding by the no personal attack policy of this forum, and in an especially repellent fashion.
2,633 posted on 07/14/2003 10:01:08 PM PDT by AndrewC
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To: Skywalk
whatever game you are playing, you play it poorly.

What you did was make several threats online.


enjoy
2,634 posted on 07/14/2003 10:02:10 PM PDT by ALS (http://designeduniverse.com Featuring original works by FR's finest . contact me to add yours!)
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To: gore3000; HalfFull; Stultis; ALS
Check out this link, from a Christian perspective:

The Ape that bears God's image

Lots of examples of pseudogenes and other unique genetic markers shared by the various primates (monkeys, apes and people.)

2,635 posted on 07/14/2003 10:02:17 PM PDT by Virginia-American
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2048 | View Replies]

To: ALS
You don't know who I am, because I've refrained from being involved in threads when you make an appearance, but we certainly tussled once.

Besides who better to evaluate your conduct than someone who does not continuously involve themselves in the fracas?
2,636 posted on 07/14/2003 10:03:39 PM PDT by Skywalk
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To: AndrewC
I don't want his posts removed, but he certainly needs a clue.
2,637 posted on 07/14/2003 10:04:20 PM PDT by ALS (http://designeduniverse.com Featuring original works by FR's finest . contact me to add yours!)
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To: AndrewC
Ahh, but Andrew, it is the same tactic that your boy ALS uses.

Hitler used Darwins theory, so I Must be a NAZI for understanding that evolution is the best scientific theory to explain the available evidence, Darwin was a racist, so I must be a racist for understanding and defending the theory of evolution, I must be a socialist, because Stalin used Darwins theory, if you don't like the guilt by association crap, then perhaps you should speak to your own side first. Oh, and of course the biggest crock of crap there is, since I understand that the Theory of evolution is the best scientific theory to explain the available evidence, I must be an atheist.

If your side is gonna use it, then it's fair game, if you don't like the tactic, then stop your little buddy there from using it.

Guilt by association? That's the creo creed it seems, at least looking at ALS's posts, G3K's posts, Conservababes posts, FC's posts, Apes for evolutions posts, etc, etc, ad nauseum.

Again, if you don't like the tactic, then perhaps you should stop your side from using it.

Because it doesn't look good for ANY of you.

Guilt by association, I don't like to use it at all AndrewC, but you were defending him, and he just LOVES that tactic, so I think that I shall use it too. He opened the box, he needs to close it, about time you guys policed your own.
2,638 posted on 07/14/2003 10:04:36 PM PDT by Aric2000 (If the history of science shows us anything, it is that we get nowhere by labeling our ignorance god)
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To: Skywalk
evaluate your conduct

WhoTF are YOU? Got EGO???????

2,639 posted on 07/14/2003 10:05:10 PM PDT by conservababeJen (http://abortiondebate.org/forums)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2636 | View Replies]

To: ALS; Admin Moderator
I made no threats. A threat would be me saying I or someone I know would do something to you. I said it'd be better if you simply did it yourself. how is that a threat? That's barely a request.

Why do you seek to lie? Isn't the statement I made fuel enough for you?

No one issued threats here.
2,640 posted on 07/14/2003 10:05:29 PM PDT by Skywalk
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