Ohio Schools' Adopt Curriculum Critically Challenging Evolution
by Jim Brown
March 12, 2004
(AgapePress) - The Ohio State Board of Education's adoption of an optional science lesson for schools called "Critical Analysis of Evolutionary Theory" is being hailed as a victory for Ohio public school students and families.By a 13-5 vote, Ohio's education board members decided to implement a first for public schools in America -- a curriculum that allows for the discussion of evidence supporting and opposing the theory of macroevolution, or common descent. Dr. Bob Lattimer, a research chemist and co-founder of the group Science Excellence for All Ohioans, says he hopes the board's vote will set a precedent -- not only for Ohio, but also for the entire United States.
"I think over time other states will look at this lesson and develop similar ones of their own," Lattimer says. He notes that each state has its own processes, but all review their science standards periodically.
"When those [standards] come up for adoption, I think other states will certainly look at this lesson, and we're certainly hopeful that they'll adopt similar ones," the says.
The "Critical Analysis of Evolutionary Theory" lesson plan contains exploration of five basic problem areas with the theory of evolution. Lattimer says the two areas that are the most obvious and that will receive the most attention are the fossil record and the idea of homologies, or comparisons between various organisms.
Lattimer also notes that, despite what has been portrayed by the secular media, the lesson does not include religious content or the promotion of any alternative theories. "Our opposition has been very intent to paint this lesson as something that promotes religion -- intelligent design, creationism or both."
But in fact, "It actually has no content that is religious at all. It's totally science," Lattimer says.
The scientist and educational excellence advocate adds that the next step for his group is to get test questions pertaining to criticisms of evolution included on Ohio's statewide assessment exams.
