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LOCAL NEWS
SaturdayNovember212009



x59
State Board of Education approves new science curriculum
3/27/2009 8:43 PM
By: Jenna Hiller

The State Board of Education carefully looks at the wording that is used to teach scienctific theories in Texas schools.  
Texas' school children will continue to be given instructional options for questioning the relationship between man and his natural origin.

Last minute amendments helped the The State Board of education approve a new science curriculum Friday.

Much of the debate over the new curriculum has centered on whether the keep the term "strengths and weaknesses."

"What we have to do is find language that replaces what we've been told has been tainted, of strengths and weaknesses having a religious implication, and using scientific language," Cynthia Dunbar, State Board of Education member, said.

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Science Curriculum

News 8's Jenna Hiller tells us about the outcome of the war of words concerning Texas schools' science curriculum.



The approved curriculum replaces that controversial term with "analyze, evaluate and critique."

That wording was enough to gain the board's approval, but some are still concerned the wording allows for creationist teaching in Texas schools.

"The word weaknesses no longer appears in Texas science standards. There's plenty of footholds for creationists to force attacks on evolution into the Texas classroom," Kathy Miller, president of the Texas Freedom Network, said.

Others believe "strengths and weaknesses" allows children to ask critical questions in classrooms.

 
They are happy with the approved curriculum.

"This is a huge victory for Texas students for Texas teachers and really for scientific progress in the state of Texas and in our classrooms," Jonathan Saenz, director of legislative affairs for the Free Market Foundation, said.

The science curriculum doesn't just tell teachers how to teach...it determines what makes it into textbooks.

The state board of education will approve new science textbooks
using the new curriculum in 2011.



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Troubled Waters
News 8's Jenna Hiller explored the troubled waters in Central Texas and traveled down the Colorado River in search of information. Click on the links to watch, read and interact.

Part 1: Regional cooperation drying out
Part 2: Texas rice farmer takes on water wars
Part 3: Security of supply saturates perception
Part 4: Bad news travels near and far
Part 5: Bad news travels near and far

Where does your water come from?

Find what you're looking for at Louis Shanks. We'll make you feel right at home.

For News 8's continuing coverage of the Fort Hood mass shootings visit our Fort Hood Shooting section, watch video from reporters in the field and press conferences with officials, and view our photo galleries: The Day Of The Shootings | The Memorial | The Victims
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