Evolution Debate
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Updated: 8:27 AM Jan 23, 2008
Evolution Debate
Explaining how time began has long been a controversial issue for many. Now, add another group to the list. Many area school boards are taking on the issue. The Jackson County Board is now concerned with how evolution is presented to students.
Posted: 7:51 PM Jan 22, 2008
Reporter: bobeth yates
Email Address: bobeth.yates@wjhg.com
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Explaining how time began has long been a controversial issue for many.

Now, add another group to the list. Many area school boards are taking on the issue.

The Jackson County Board is now concerned with how evolution is presented to students.

"It's a theory and I think it should be thought as such;" that's concerned parent Tim Reiney's opinion on teaching evolution.

Changes in the state’s teaching standard have brought the topic of how life came about to the forefront.

The group in charge of the new Sunshine State standards is proposing a change to the way evolution is taught.

Jackson County School Board Member Daniel Sims says they are opposed to those changes. "The Sunshine State standard says the fundamental concept underling all biology is evolution, we disagree."

Sims says the Jackson County School Board voted to approve a resolution against the change in their last board meeting.

"The board isn't opposed to the theory of evolution, just the way it's presented," Sims added.

Sims believes the change will force teachers to present the theory of evolution as fact.

He says that leaves no room for other explanations for the beginning of time.

One of the biggest concerns is that the change excludes the theory of creation.

Jackson County Resident Ken Lanier says both creation and evolution should be thought in schools. “I don't believe we can say either is a fact, the science is on going," he says.

Even though school officials opposed to the Sunshine State stand of presenting evolution, Sims says if the guidelines are approved they will follow them. "If the standards are voted on and they ware approved, that's what we will teach," he said.

And, officials say that final approval is totally out of their hands. "The proposed standard will ultimately be decided on by the state's board of education"

That vote will be made in February.

Parents can review the proposed changes by visiting the Department of Education's website. (CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO FIND OUT MORE)


Latest Comments

Posted by: MikeF Location: Lakeland, FL on Jan 25, 2008 at 09:40 AM

Jackson County School Board Member Daniel Sims says they are opposed to those changes. "The Sunshine State standard says the fundamental concept underling all biology is evolution, we disagree." Based on what??? The standards never represent evolution as a 'fact' -- a common complaint. Is Mr. Sims a biologist?
Posted by: Ronald Location: NY on Jan 23, 2008 at 09:08 AM

As a biologist, I suggest teaching science in the science classroom. It doesn't come prelabeled as Creation or evolution . Teach both sides as an opportunity to give students a learning experience in the scientific of problem solving using an actual contemporary controversy. This should be what the public school system should welcome, a real learning experience!
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