Today science education advocates have good reason to be encouraged by developments in Texas. But we’re not out of the woods just yet. After two hours of heated debate and nerve-wracking twists and turns, a majority on the State Board of Education very late last night gave preliminary approval to all of the proposed textbooks for […]
evolution
Oil and Gas Industry Advocates Launch Surprise Attack on Texas Environmental Science Textbook
When the State Board of Education‘s public hearing on new science textbooks for Texas public schools finally began late Wednesday night, it became clear that creationists were unable to mount a real attack on the biology textbooks. So all looked to be going well — until it became equally clear that oil and gas industry interests […]
Creationist 'Think Tank' Declares Defeat in Texas Textbook Battle — Days Before the State Board Even Votes
On Tuesday morning, the Seattle-based Discovery Institute mourned the failure to undermine the teaching of evolution in new science textbooks for Texas public schools. But that declaration of defeat actually has come days before the State Board of Education‘s scheduled final vote Friday on whether to adopt those new textbooks. We’re not ready to declare the fight […]
Live-Blogging the Texas Science Textbook Adoption Hearing
7:45 p.m. – Ok, folks. We’re going to hang in here until they finish, but we don’t expect you to. We’ll skip the live-blog tonight and post a recap tomorrow morning. We’ll watch so you don’t have to. Be safe out there. 5:40 – If this is true, then the science hearing is likely to […]
Big Week for Science Education in Texas: Textbook Debate Moves into Its Final Days
This week the State Board of Education decides whether the next generation of Texas public school students have textbooks that teach 21st-century science or junk science that once again makes the Lone Star State a national laughingstock. Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams has released the list of textbooks he recommends for adoption, and all of the […]