Texas Adopts Controversial Textbooks

kamr ^

[chance33_98]

Texas Adopts Controversial Textbooks

AMARILLO -- It has been a heated debate for months, but the Texas Board of Education finally adopted some new biology textbooks containing the controversial theory of evolution. But this doesn't mean our local schools have to adopt them. River Road Assistant Superintendent Laura Zanchattin said, "Just because a textbook may take information a little further than what we're expected to cover in the classroom doesn't mean that we use it."

In fact, River Road ISD has its own review process. Zanchattin said, "We have a textbook committee that is formed by educators that are actually involved in using the textbooks. Plus, they have already received samples of a new biology textbook and in just a few months teachers will make decisions on whether their kids will read it."

River Road teachers say they will decide on textbooks based on compliance with state law not based on their own beliefs. David Creswell, a biology teacher at River Road said, "I believe it's a place to teach about beliefs, I'm not here to instill anything we're to provide knowledge and help kids make informed decisions."

When it comes to evolution in River Road's curriculum, students are expected to learn about change in species using fossils, natural selection and extinction. Zanchattin said, "I think there is a misconception on what evolution actually means to the general public and I think they fall back on their personal beliefs or don't believe when they think about that and apply it to the school system."

Regardless of the definition, the theory of evolution is not controversial to this science teacher. Creswell said, "What it says about evolution is not what governs what biology book I'm gonna pick."

The River Road textbook committee should make a decision on the new biology books next spring.

[PatrickHenry]

Related story previously posted: HERE. And HERE.

[WackyKat]

Evolution is only "controversial" to the Kent Hovind brigade.

[mtbopfuyn]

River Road Assistant Superintendent Laura Zanchattin said, "Just because a textbook may take information a little further than what we're expected to cover in the classroom doesn't mean that we use it."

Hey, he sounds good only it's all hot air. Let there be one question on the TAKS involving evolution, basket weaving, or homosexual postions and watch out for the stampede to the book store.

[jokar]

Bump

[gcruse]

As a product of the Amarillo public school system of the fifties, my scientific education was notably uncontroversial. It took college to make me realize what an anemic travesty it had been.

Much like a marxed-up college student graduating into a capitalist world, a high school graduate from religious-swayed local curriculum is in for a shock.