Articles

State School Board Agrees To Consider Revised Science Standards

Mary MacDonald, AJC Staff
February 19, 2004

State education officials agreed Thursday to consider revised science standards that reinstate evolution and discussion of the big-bang theory.

The scientific theories had been omitted in an initial draft released by state Schools Superintendent Kathy Cox in January. After a public outcry, the superintendent agreed to include strengthened standards from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the source initially recommended by teachers and science experts.

By last week, Cox had proposed a new science curriculum that introduces origins of the universe, specifically the big-bang theory, in middle school; and strengthened standards for evolution in middle and high school life science courses.

Meeting by conference call, the state Board of Education voted Thursday to post Cox's revised science curriculum for public comment for the next several months.

The board also agreed to discuss the entire curriculum package in May, but to push back the anticipated vote on the new standards to June.

The new curriculum will cover core courses in math, science, social studies and English/language arts. It is designed to replace standards that have been described by teachers and outside experts as too broad and lacking depth.

The revised standards will be available on the state's Web site, at http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/curriculum/instruction/qcc/portal.asp.

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