West Virginia science standards

[ranson]

Given the inroads that ID has made in many states and districts, I wondered if they had taken a shot at my old home state. I was dismayed when I saw this:

Summary of Revisions:
To respond to concerns about the overemphasis on evolutionary theory, a statement was inserted in the introduction to the science content standards reinforcing the investigative nature of science. No change was made to the structure of the current coordinated and thematic science content standards.

Once I read the revision, though, I felt a bit better:

Standard 2: Science as Inquiry
Science is a process of discovery. Students will engage in active inquiry through investigations and hands-on activities a minimum of 50% of the instructional time. Developing scientific literacy requires a learning environment in which students actively participate in meaningful hands-on activities. These investigations explore the natural world, require critical thinking and develop process skills. Learning activities are sequenced to shape, modify and develop students’ knowledge in order for them to become independent inquirers.

I think that equates to a big 'ol "bugger off".

This, too, for the tenth graders:

Evolution and Interdependence of Organisms
SC.10.4.8 compare the embryonic development of invertebrate and vertebrate animals (e.g., ontogeny and phylogeny, diversity, taxonomy).
SC.10.4.9 construct and manipulate models which show variations in living things.
SC.10.4.10 recognize that fossil records provide a scientific explanation for variation in the species and common ancestors.
SC.10.4.11 relate the role of natural selection to the development, diversity and or extinction of a species.

I'm less worried now.

 

[JamesDillon]

Nice to meet a fellow ex-pat West Virginian on here. I still think there's reason to be concerned about a reference to "overemphasis on evolutionary theory," but you're right that the standards don't seem to open much of a door for creationism/I.D. Back when I took 10th grade biology in rural WV, there was no mention made of evolution whatsoever. The teacher wasn't a religious nut, but I think she realized that it was just easier to avoid the subject altogether so as to avoid being whipped by the Bible belt.

 

[brodski]

I still think there's reason to be concerned about a reference to "overemphasis on evolutionary theory," .

I like to think that it is a very nice use of "weasel words", the first statement indicates that they think evolution is unproven, and are doing something about it- but only if you choose to read it like that it doesn't say the education board had "concerns" only that their are concerns (in the minds of fundies), and who can argue that?

IMHO the statement is as Ranson believes, telling the fundies to go to hell, is such a way as they look forward to the trip.

 

[ranson]

Yeah, my reading on it is that "Standard 2" is the response to the "concerns". Not only that, but the 10th grade requirements are far stricter than I experienced, and I was in honors courses. The whole document seems geared toward experimentation and questioning, rather than memorization of fact. I saw the words "critical thinking" a lot. This makes me happy.

James: Also glad to meet another expat. There are a few more of us, as well as some natives floating around on the boards. Looking at your profile, you're right at my age. What area are you from, originally?

 

[JamesDillon]

James: Also glad to meet another expat. There are a few more of us, as well as some natives floating around on the boards. Looking at your profile, you're right at my age. What area are you from, originally?

I'm surprised; the West Virginia I remember is not exactly the pinnacle of Enlightenment philosophy. I did learn the fundamentals of critical thinking at WVU, though, so I shouldn't be too critical.

I'm from Madison, in Boone County, originally. What about you?

 

[Zbu]

I think WV is starting to realize that ID may get a lot of support from those with low self-esteem falsely boosted by the Invisible Friend, but teaching these kids crap is a surefire way to get them killed. Especially if they're not scienifically-minded and heading down into a mine to get killed by some capitalists who think that a Bible is cheaper than following regulations.