That's the whole problem. In schools across the nation, evolution is presented as scientific fact. It is therefore, the schools that are teaching "evolution" wrongly.
The theory of evolution is being taught as a theory.
In science, a theory incorporates the following:
There is generally only one theory going in a particular field at a given time. There are often hypotheses being raised and studied and these are often incorrectly referred to as theories, using the layman's use of the term.Theory: a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena; theories can incorporate facts and laws and tested hypotheses. Theories do not grow up to be laws. Theories explain laws.
Theory: A scientifically testable general principle or body of principles offered to explain observed phenomena. In scientific usage, a theory is distinct from a hypothesis (or conjecture) that is proposed to explain previously observed phenomena. For a hypothesis to rise to the level of theory, it must predict the existence of new phenomena that are subsequently observed. A theory can be overturned if new phenomena are observed that directly contradict the theory.
When a scientific theory has a long history of being supported by verifiable evidence, it is appropriate to speak about "acceptance" of (not "belief" in) the theory; or we can say that we have "confidence" (not "faith") in the theory. It is the dependence on verifiable data and the capability of testing that distinguish scientific theories from matters of faith.
The theory of evolution is taught not as a fact (although it certainly is; see the definition below), but as the best explanation for the observations that have been made. There are no competing theories. There are religious beliefs that run counter to the theory of evolution, but within science there are no competing theories.
But what creationists are really demanding is that their religious beliefs be accorded the status of scientific theories without going through the rigorous process to be accepted as a scientific theory. (Kind of like a special affirmative action program for religion, eh?)
So, given that the theory of evolution is the only theory covering its field, and there is only religious belief without scientific evidence or standing in opposition, its only appropriate to teach the theory of evolution in schools and religion in churches.
Fact: when an observation is confirmed repeatedly and by many independent and competent observers, it can become recognized as a fact.