Intelligent Design Advocate Optimistic About New Science Standards in Kansas
by Jim Brown
August 12, 2005
(AgapePress) - An intelligent design advocate in Kansas believes the state's new science standards will open up classrooms to discussion of weaknesses in the theory of evolution. The Kansas Board of Education recently voted 6-4 to include a more comprehensive discussion of evolution in its science standards. The standards are used in developing state tests for fourth-, seventh-, and tenth-graders, though local schools have the final say on what is taught in their classrooms. Students will be tested on the new standards in the 2007-2008 school year. Following an outside review of the standards, the board is expected to vote on final approval in October.
John Calvert represented critics of evolution at the state board's hearings in May. Calvert, who heads the Intelligent Design Network -- based in Shawnee Mission, Kansas -- says scientific criticism of evolutionary theory is currently suppressed in that state's classrooms. New standards, he says, should alleviate that.
"It will remove some of the fear and the apprehension on both sides, both the teacher and the pupil," he explains. "Polling data both in Kansas and throughout the country show parents want a dialogue about this subject that unavoidably impacts religion. They want a more open dialogue."
The Intelligent Design Network leader says the new standards will likely pass the outside review scheduled before the vote this fall.
"We have had a number of expert witnesses vet these changes, looking at them very, very carefully, and they've all testified as to their validity," Calvert says. "And so, for that reason, I would be surprised if there is a change. I know that the board itself is not about to adopt something that's not scientifically valid or educationally appropriate."
Calvert believes teachers are uncertain and apprehensive about how to teach evolution in classrooms, and sometimes are reassigned, disenfranchised, or even disciplined for discussing with students the controversy surrounding evolution.
Jim Brown, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
