Florida "pretty much last in the nation for science"

If the new high-quality-schools lawsuit hinged on Florida science scores alone, it'd probably be a slam dunk.

"Florida students are pretty much last in the nation for science," says a power point presentation that Todd Clark, the Department of Education bureau chief for curriculum and instruction, gave to a statewide education group meeting in Lake Mary this week. (Hat tip to Orlando Sentinel School Zone blog.)

FSU physics professor Paul Cottle, who is a blogging beast when it comes to science instruction in Florida, has already highlighted the sad stats in that power point (go to page 30). But they bear repeating.

* In 2008, Florida students were 49th in average ACT science scores

* In 2008, they ranked 47th in the percentage passing AP science exams

* In 2005, Florida eighth graders ranked 36th on the National Assessment of Educational Progress science test

* In 2009, only 2 percent of fifth graders, 2 percent percent of eighth graders and 1 percent of eleventh graders scored at the highest level on the FCAT science exam

(Image from blogs.discovermagazine.org)

So you think your child's science homework is hard?

FSU physics professor Paul Cottle does, too.

On his blog, Cottle writes about the absurdity of assigning complex college-level science work to students who are far from ready for it.

The state has confused difficulty for rigor and process for understanding, he argues. And that's not good.

"I ... find some of the work my own kids are being assigned in their science and math classes inexplicable — and I helped write the new science standards that are coming into force in Florida shortly."

Do you share his pain?

*

Poll: Graduation requirements

Does Florida need more rigorous high school math and science courses?
Yes
No

Florida Senate report calls for stronger science, math instruction

A new interim report from the Florida Senate Pre-K-12 Committee gives us a detailed explanation why the state needs to improve education in science and math. Kids aren't doing well on the tests we use to gauge their performance, it notes, and the rigor demanded of them isn't all that great.

The need, meanwhile, remains clear:

"The business and education communities have stressed the importance of a talent pool of [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math]-skilled students, instructional personnel, and workforce employees, all with the math, science, and literacy skills to effectively compete in a global economy."

When it comes to recommendations, though, the proposals are somewhat thin. They focus on such things as making instruction "relevant" and better training teachers to impart the material, while saying little about the specifics of math and science requirements to graduate from high school (though there is a decent conversation on the need to increase students' math and science literacy).

The critics have pounced.

Creationism letter to Pinellas school board still making news

Remember that letter that former St. Petersburg City Councilman Bill Foster sent to the Pinellas County School Board, back when the fight over the new state science standards was heating up? The one where he linked Darwin to Hitler and the Columbine school massacre?

Foster's running for mayor now. And the letter's still dogging him.

See today's St. Petersburg Times story on Foster's religious beliefs here. See the original letter here.

Florida State professor's blog focuses on the state's science education

FSU physics professor Paul Cottle, whose views have appeared on the Gradebook many a time, has started a new blog. His first post takes a look at how Florida is falling behind Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi in science education.

Cottle is constantly raising good questions about science education in the Sunshine State, which continues to not get the attention it deserves. His blog joins the well-established one over at the Florida Citizens for Science in trying to change that.

*

Evolution opponent says church-state separation is 'lie'

Terry Kemple, a Christian activist from Brandon, was a leading voice against the state’s proposed new science standards. Now he’s railing against church-state separation. On billboards.

In case anybody has forgotten, critics of the new standards often argued that religion had nothing to do with their opposition.

Ron Matus, state education reporter

*

Tampa Bay science teachers to get evolution lessons

Via this workshop, “Controversial Issues in the Science Classroom,” at USF Tampa next week. Given all the political involvement, they probably need all the help they can get.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

Schools need more science, commission says

The United States needs to put science education front and center as it fundamentally remakes its schools, says a high-profile national report out today. The Carnegie Corporation of New York – Institute for Advanced Study Commission on Mathematics and Science Education is drawing support from an impressive who's who of education interest groups, even if they don't agree on all the specifics.

Among its recommendations: Stepped-up development of math and science teachers, especially for high-poverty schools, and experimenting with scholarships and "pay incentives" to help with recruiting. (Florida has taken a tiny step on the former , and virtually no steps on the latter. Math and science teachers always make the state's list of critical teacher shortage areas.)

"We believe that mathematics and science education as currently provided to most American students falls far short of meeting their future needs or the needs of society," the Carnegie report says. "Further, we contend that mathematics and science – and science in particular – have received too little attention in recent rounds of school reform."

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

Another school garden sprouts in Tampa Bay

Maybe this is a way to boost anemic FCAT science scores.

The Sustainability Club at St. Petersburg College is teaming up with educators at High Point Elementary in Clearwater next week to prep ground for a garden that will teach kids about nutrition and give them hands-on botany and biology lessons to boot.

High Point is just the freshest bud in a growing school garden movement, which includes a handful of schools around Tampa Bay. If the garden at Lakewood Elementary in St. Petersburg is any indication, High Point can expect engaged kids - and happily packed PTA meetings.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

Does Florida care about science education?

After looking at the latest dismal FCAT science scores, Brandon Haught of Florida Citizens for Science isn't totally sure.

In a piece for the Gainesville Sun, Haught notes that the state has good intentions, with strong new standards and many excellent teachers.

But it also saddles the FCAT science test with many weights, such as not having it count for anything for students.

"This leaves schools scrambling to find ways to motivate students to take the test seriously and to even show up in the first place," Haught writes. "Many schools resort to blatant bribery just to get butts into seats on test day." He continues:

"Our state’s leaders have been working hard to grow the bio-tech industry here, but Florida’s future workforce needs a sound basic science education to compete for these jobs. However, Florida’s budget woes will strangle the life out of the very future so many people are pinning their hopes on. We must pressure our political leaders from the local level all the way up to Tallahassee to find ways to properly fund science education, including recruiting and retaining qualified science teachers and giving them needed training and support."

Easy to say, right? But anyone have any thoughts about how to do this?

(Times file photo)

*

Florida Virtual School says no evolution exceptions

In response to Monday’s Gradebook post, the Florida Virtual School just issued a statement saying its teachers do not allow FVS students to opt out of lessons in which they disagree – in this case, one involving evolution – without taking a zero on the assignment. An FVS spokeswoman also told the Gradebook that the student in question actually did the evolution-related assignment, but the girl made it clear in writing that while scientists may believe in evolution, she did not.

Here’s the three-paragraph statement from FVS Chief Learning Officer Pam Birtolo: “We’re a public school and follow the Sunshine State Standards that explicitly list the components of evolution that must be included in classroom instruction.

“Just as they can in traditional public schools, parents have the right to request that their child be allowed to opt-out of lessons with which they disagree. Students in all public schools are free to discuss or bring into the discussion their personal viewpoints.

“We do not modify our course content or the relevant tests based upon requests by parents or students. When these special circumstances arise, parents are notified that their child will receive a zero for the missed lessons.”

FVS spokeswoman Jodie Pozo-Olano said no special exception was made for the student in question, who lives in Brevard County. “She did the work,” Pozo-Olano said. “She just expressed her opinion, which is allowed.”

The student and her family were the subject of a World Net Daily story that was highlighted late last week by Florida Citizens for Science. The story quoted Elaine McCall, principal of Florida Virtual Global Schools (which is under FVS, and serves out-of-state students) as saying, “If you have a homeschooled student, we have alternative assignments or we would excuse the student from those assignments and they wouldn’t be counted in the grade book.”

Pozo-Olano said McCall was misquoted.

*

Evolution optional at Florida Virtual School?

The state-funded Florida Virtual School has gotten tons of positive ink. It’s innovative and cost effective. But is it also becoming a refuge for parents who don’t want their kids learning about evolution in traditional public schools? Maybe so, according to this May 20 article in the right-wing WorldNetDaily, which surfaced for mainstream consumption on the Florida Citizens for Science blog.

The article highlights the concerns of Christian parents in Palm Bay who say FVS teachers allow their daughter, who is home schooled, to opt out of assignments that conflict with their Christian beliefs. They cite an assignment in a marine science class in which the girl was supposed to create a marine life form (imaginary, we assume) that would evolve and adapt to its environment over time – an assignment in line with Florida’s new science standards.

“I spoke to the teacher and told her we don’t believe in evolution. We believe in creation,” said the girl’s mother, according to the article. “I told her my daughter was going to do this assignment in terms of creationism, which she did. The teacher had no problem with it, and she got an A.”

The story raises questions. But it’s Memorial Day, so we can’t immediately get answers. We’re assuming non-home-schooled FVS students would NOT be allowed to opt out of evolution-related assignments in science classes, right? Are FVS rules different for home-schooled kids? Should they be?

Science professors ask Crist for help

More than 100 Florida professors of physics, earth/space science and related fields want Gov. Charlie Crist to thwart legislative plans that they fear will put physics on the fringes of science instruction in high schools.

“Our state’s high schools must provide world-class instruction to our students in all of the fields covered by the new Sunshine State Standards in science,” they say in this letter to Crist, which raises concerns about HB 543 and HB 1293.

The professors also write that DOE’s professional development program for teachers is “inadequate,” and suggest that Florida should do for science instruction what it did for reading under Just Read, Florida!

Ron Matus, State Education Reporter

*

Hey kids. Maybe you can teach them a thing or two about science

The Florida Citizens for Science is hoping to eliminate some misconceptions about science with the help of the state's students.

The group is holding a Stick Science contest - that's where you draw a cartoon using stick figures (not everyone can draw) - in which kids illuminate the truth about a widely held but false belief about science:

"Your job is to create a cartoon that can be used to educate the general public and especially decision makers (state legislators, school board members) about the truth behind one false argument."

Children under 12 have a separate division in which they would draw about why understanding science is important.

They've got some impressive judges, including Genie Scott of the National Center for Science Education and Discover magazine science blogger Phil Plait. And  they've got some pretty cool science-oriented prizes, too. (We'll take the T-shirt and cap from the McMurdo Science Station in Antarctica, thanks.)

Want to play? Check out the rules and then, good luck.

*

Profs press to keep physics in curriculum

Five of Florida's university physics professors have an urgent plea for Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith: Save our science.

The five, who all sat on the state's science standards committee, worry that three bills supported by the Florida Department of Education make no mention of physics in proposed high school graduation requirements.

"In the present budget environment, that puts the physics community at the edge of the K-12
table next to the art teachers waiting for the next budget cut to nudge us off," FSU physics professor Paul Cottle said in an e-mail to the Gradebook. "I'll admit this is a tougher sell than PreK for economically disadvantaged kids, to take only one example. But we believe it's critical."

So the group has implored Smith (himself a science teacher) in a letter sent this morning to reconsider his backing of CS/HB 543, HB 1293 and SB 2654:

"With the emphasis you profess on preparing students for college, it is disappointing in the extreme that you have chosen not to consult with university physics faculty – especially those of us who devoted so much time to the new science standards - in formulating these proposals. We hope you understand our concerns and appreciate our input on these important issues, and we look forward to working with you in the future."

The letter writers are Cottle, Florida Gulf Coast associate professor of physics Michael Fauerbach, FSU associate professor of physics Hon Kie Ng, FSU professor of physics Harrison B. Prosper and FSU professor of physics Horst Wahl.

Hey, senator, leave evolution alone

Florida State University physics professor Paul Cottle, who's also a member of the Florida Science Standards Committee, is none too pleased with Sen. Steve Wise's proposal to change the way public school teachers teach science. He calls the ideas behind Wise's bill a threat to modern science education.

It's an issue Florida dealt with last year, Cottle says in a guest column for the Gradebook, and one we shouldn't be considering now. [The Gradebook welcomes original guest columns on Florida education issues. E-mail your contributions to solochek@sptimes.com for consideration.]

Read on for Cottle's views on evolution education:

"Stephen Wise, the powerful Chair of the K-12 Appropriations Committee in the Florida Senate, has filed a bill (SB 2396) that would require that science classrooms in Florida's public K-12 schools provide a "thorough presentation and critical analysis of the scientific theory of evolution."  To the casual reader, such language seems as if it should be good news to someone like me who is both a scientist and an educator who helped write the state's new science standards.

After all, who could be opposed to a "thorough presentation and critical analysis" of such an important scientific topic?

But I, along with nearly all my colleagues on the science standards committee, recognize Senator Wise's language as a threat to the teaching of one of the most important ideas in modern science.

Bill calls for 'critical analysis' of evolution

Here we go again. As expected, state Sen. Stephen Wise, R-Jacksonville, followed up on a promise from three weeks ago and filed a bill today that would require Florida teachers to offer a "thorough presentation and critical analysis of the scientific theory of evolution."

As the Florida Citizens for Science noted on its blog, SB 2396 also calls for changes in civics instruction, including adding "the historical context in which the Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed." We haven't seen a House counterpart yet. The ACLU has already promised a fight.

*

Darwin, still the bad man of science

Today, guest blogger Jonathan P. Smith writes in honor of Charles Darwin's 200th birthday. Smith is a board member of Florida Citizens for Science, a professional member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a member of the National Center for Science Education. He writes:

"Charles Darwin was born on February 12, 1809, and published On the Origin of Species some 50 years later. That of course means that 2009 is the bicentennial of Darwin’s birth and the sesquicentennial of the publication of his most famous -- or infamous -- work. Celebrations are planned worldwide, many taking place in America and several in our own state of Florida.

"However, just how many members of the general public will attend these events is another matter.

"In this country, one that at present leads the world in science and technology, Darwin is still the 'Bad Man of Science.' Americans have readily embraced and utilized the theories of Pasteur, Einstein and Marconi. We have even forgiven Galileo for suggesting that, contrary to biblical text, the earth is not the center of the universe. But not so with Darwin.

"His revolutionary ideas that turned science on its head are the very ones that alienate him from much of religious America. For many, the implications are just too hard to comprehend -- that man does not possess a divinely gifted domain in an anthropocentric universe, but rather our species is the result of purely natural processes.

'Why would you pass a law that would invite a very expensive lawsuit?'

We all knew, didn't we, that the ACLU was prepared to go to the mat if state lawmakers filed new legislation akin to last year's "academic freedom" bills. But since news dropped that state Sen. Steve Wise, R-Jacksonville, plans to do just that, we figured we'd dutifully play our Groundhog Day roles and call 'em up.

Here's what Larry Spalding, the ACLU's legislative staff counsel in Tallahassee, told the Gradebook: "I have no doubt we will oppose the bill very vigorously. And I also have no doubt that if the bill passes, the ACLU or some other group will challenge this bill. Like I said, we're not breaking new ground here." He referred to the Dover decision.

"I would hope that if they get this bill, that they have legal staff in the House and the Senate take a hard look at this and let the sponsors know what the legal position is … In tough economic times, why would you pass a law that would invite a very expensive lawsuit?"

Last year's bill missed by a hair, because the Senate and House versions couldn't be reconciled. This year, it appears Wise has lined up companion bills and that may mean "a bill that's very difficult to stop," Spalding said.

Hmm. We may be jumping way ahead -- because the actual bill isn't out there yet and everything depends on exactly what it says -- but could it be that this will all come down to Gov. Crist, whose views on teaching evolution are … what?

Ron Matus, State Education Reporter

(Image from Pennsylvania Game Commission)

Evolution vs. intelligent design: The Tallahassee battle returns

Just in case you missed it over the weekend, state Sen. Stephen Wise has decided to run the intelligent design issue back through the Legislature this spring.

"If you're going to teach evolution, then you have to teach the other side so you can have critical thinking," Wise, A Republican and the powerful Senate Education Appropriations chairman, told the Florida Times-Union.

News of the pending bill filings drew nearly universal groans from Democratic lawmakers this morning. Several said that if the proposed legislation echoes last year's so-called academic freedom bills, which most Democrats opposed, then it's wrong in both substance and timing.

"It's time the other side joined us in the 21st century, whether it's this issue or global climate change and global warming," Rep. Rick Kriseman, D-St. Petersburg, told the Gradebook. "This bill, if it's filed again, will give voters a chance to see which political party has evolved."

Evolution again? Hallelujah!

It's not clear if the Department of Education will have to revisit its new, evolution-embracing science standards a few years sooner than expected. But Christian activist Terry Kemple said the possibility sure sounded "providential."

"Hallelujah," he told the Gradebook after hearing the news. "This is an opportunity for both sides to step back and let this be fairer endeavor."

At issue is some overlooked wording in one of last spring's new education laws and the opinion of a key legislative staffer. The law (based on SB 1908) says the Board of Education must adopt new academic standards by 2011. And since the new science standards were passed in February, a few months before the law took effect, an attorney with the Legislature's joint Administrative Procedures Committee says the state has to do it all over again.

Does that mean the DOE has go through the same, full-blown process it did before? Nobody seems to know for sure. And the DOE isn't saying much. "We are currently researching the matter so there are no specifics to offer at this point," spokesman Tom Butler said in a written statement. "However, we stand by our current science standards and the comprehensive process that was used to develop them."

To read more on this story, click here.

By coincidence, Kemple said he met with area pastors this week to talk about upcoming issues, now that the fight over Amendment 2 is over. High on their to-do list: Another stab at the "academic freedom" bills that barely failed in the Legislature last year.

Ron Matus, state education reporter

*

Evolution again?

After the bruising battle over the new state science standards ended in February, everybody thought the new standards were good to go until 2014. But are they? Maybe not, according to some overlooked wording in one of last spring's major education bills and the opinion of a key legislative staffer.

SB 1908 requires the state Board of Education to adopt top-notch Next Generation academic standards by the end of 2011. And that apparently includes another set of science standards, because the BOE adopted the latest standards a few months before the bill passed and was signed into law by Gov. Charlie Crist.

The Department of Education recently asked an attorney with the Legislature's joint Administrative Procedures Committee for his opinion. And the lawyer, Brian Moore, said the law seems to be clear. "I think they have to adopt everything again," he told the Gradebook this morning.

Does that mean the DOE has to undertake another full-blown, monthslong review of the standards? That's not clear. But SB 1908 says the education commission must submit proposed Next Generation standards to teachers, experts and others for "review and comment." Then they go to the governor, the Senate president and the House speaker at least 21 days before the BOE considers adoption.

God, science and life on Earth

If your brain likes to chew on deep thoughts about the Big Picture, then you'll find no better treats than two upcoming lectures at Eckerd College.

On Sunday, University of Oxford scholar John Lennox, author of "God's Undertaker: Has Science Buried God?," will lecture on his view that modern science "most impressively supports traditional theistic religious belief," as an Eckerd press release puts it. Lennox recently tangled with leading atheist Richard Dawkins in a debate you can watch here.

On Nov. 13, Eckerd presents Harvard professor Edward O. Wilson, who'll give a talk on "The Future of Life." Wilson is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and recently launched "The Encyclopedia of Life," which aims to offer a Web site for each of the 1.8 million known species on the planet. Click here for a recent New York Times interview with Wilson.

Both lectures are free and open to the public. Lennox's begins at 8 p.m. in Fox Hall. Wilson's begins at 7:30 p.m. in Fox Hall. Eckerd is at 4200 54th Ave. S. For more information, call (727) 864-7979 or e-mail events@eckerd.edu.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

The Bigfoot lecture is next

Aliens, extraterrestrials, UFOs – they all have something to do with physics, right? The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science in Tallahassee apparently thinks so.

In an effort to drum up attendance for two upcoming lectures by high-profile "ufologist" Stanton T. Friedman, the museum sent emails yesterday to Florida State University physics professors, asking them to offer extra credit to their students to attend. The professors were not amused: "Apparently, the 'science' part of the 'art and science' museum has gotten a little off course,'" one told the Gradebook.

The lectures by Friedman, who is a nuclear physicist, are tied in to the museum's Roswell Exhibit. The first is "The Real Roswell Story." The second is "Star Travel? Yes!" "We hope that these lectures will be of interest to your students – whether looking at this topic as something as part of popular culture or exploring the possibility of life on other planets," a museum official wrote in the email.

Ron Matus, state education reporter

(Image from Labnews.co.uk)

*

FSU scientist: Catholic Church should lead on evolution

The evolution debate in Florida may be over, for now, but it's still inspiring a fair amount of ink. Here's the latest: A polite and thoughtful piece from Florida State University physicist Paul Cottle in America: The National Catholic Weekly.

Cottle – who is Catholic, and was a member of the committee that wrote the new science standards – says he is disappointed that so many Florida Catholics oppose evolution education, given the church's official position otherwise. He also noted that no Catholic priests in Florida have signed the Clergy Letter Project.

"The Catholic Church in the United States has an opportunity to lead the nation to a resolution of this matter by educating its own followers about the church's embrace of modern science," Cottle wrote. "They can also point out to their Christian brothers and sisters, as Bishop Wenski did, that the teaching of evolution need not go hand in hand with a materialistic atheism."

Ron Matus, state education reporter

*

An academic look at Florida's evolution battle

Remember all the back-and-forth earlier this year about whether evolution is "just a theory"? An article in a new academic journal, Evolution: Education and Outreach, uses the Florida fight as a frame for discussing some of the philosophical/historical reasons why the debate goes on. (It has a lot to do with Francis Bacon.)

Heavy stuff maybe, but if you care about the issue, check it out.

While we're on the subject again, is the Florida Legislature going to let sleeping dogs lie? Or should we expect to see the "academic freedom" bills resurface in, oh, six to eight months? Louisiana Governor (and potential John McCain running mate) Bobby Jindal signed a similar bill into law three weeks ago.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

But that's in Louisiana

Not content with its victory in the Florida Legislature, the Florida Citizens for Science is now lobbying Louisiana's governor over the issue of "academic freedom" in the teaching of evolution.

Though bills to open the scientific theory of evolution to criticism and alternatives failed here, they've received support in Louisiana. And that matters to us, Florida Citizens for Science spokesman Brandon Haught says.

"If such tactics successfully take root in Louisiana, (supporters) could then more easily spread elsewhere, including Florida," Haught suggests in a media advisory.

So on his blog he's urging Floridians who care to e-mail Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and ask him not to sign the bill into law: "Let him know that the bill absolutely does not help science education in any way, but rather will cause great harm."

And you thought the debate was over.

Evolution debate hits Louisiana

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again, right?

Well, it looks like the Discovery Institute and its supporters, who tried to convince Florida lawmakers to allow for some "academic freedom" when teachers present lessons on the evolution of species, have taken their efforts to Louisiana with greater success.

The Louisiana State Senate has unanimously approved a bill that looks strangely like the one that failed in Florida. It's now on the way through the Louisiana House, where one committee already has given the measure the thumbs-up. Here's a piece:

C. A teacher shall teach the material presented in the standard textbook supplied by the school system and thereafter may use supplemental textbooks and other instructional materials to help students understand, analyze, critique, and review scientific theories in an objective manner, as permitted by the city, parish, or other local public school board.

D. This Section shall not be construed to promote any religious doctrine, promote discrimination for or against a particular set of religious beliefs, or promote discrimination for or against religion or nonreligion.

The Americans United for Separation of Church and State already is on the case, calling the legislation a sneak attack to put religion into the classroom: "If this passes, Louisiana legislators will be harming children's education, undercutting the Constitution and holding the state up to national ridicule," the Rev. Barry Lynn, the group's executive director, said in a recent news release.

And to think, that special place in the national spotlight once was ours.

- Jeff Solochek

Calling all geeks!

How could we resist a press release with a headline like this: "Science Center Targets Science Geeks." That would be the Science Center of Pinellas County, which for the first time this summer will offer more intensive science classes for fifth and sixth graders.

"This is something extra we're trying for die hard science fans," said Madeline McNaughton, the center's executive director.

The one-week sessions, spent entirely in labs, will be offered several times over the summer, even as the center continues to offer its regular classes, too. To find out more, call the center at (727) 384-0027 or go to its website here.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

Evolution bill passes House, back to Senate

The bill requiring that teachers present a "scientific critical analysis" of the theory of evolution just passed the Florida House on a 71-43 vote, despite concerns from opponents who say it isn't necessary and will allow the teaching of religious theories like creationism and intelligent design in public schools.

"A true scientist is searching for the truth, and that's what this is encouraging," said bill sponsor Alan Hays, R-Umatilla.

"This bill is basically playing meatball surgery with our science curriculum," said Minority leader Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach. "We should get on to more pressing issues in our state."

But the version that passed the House is markedly different from the Evolution Academic Freedom Act (SB2692) that narrowly passed the Senate last week, leaving its fate in doubt.

The House legislation now goes back to the Senate for consideration, but the Senate already rejected Sen. Ronda Storms' attempts to make her bill look like the House's.

Moreover, it's the final days of session so time is running out. "Tick, tick, tick, tick," Storms acknowledged last week.

House advances different version of evolution bill

The House moved forward its own version of the "evolution academic freedom" act today, taking the Senate's bill number and striking all the Senate language in favor of its own. Sponsor Rep. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, accepted an amendment from Rep. Marty Kiar, D-Davie, changing the language from requiring a "critical analysis" of evolution to require a "thorough presentation and scientific critical analysis" of the theory of evolution.

Kiar had argued that the bill as originally presented would have been unconstitutional, because it would mandate the introduction of all points critical of evolution, including religious points. He and others argued over and again that religion belongs in the place of worship, not in a classroom.

The debate was spirited, much along the same lines as that in the Senate. Hays ended by asking critics, "Why are you so afraid of scientific scrutiny if you're so confident in your theory?" He rejected the talk of pushing religion into schools as "hot air."

"This does not allow for religious teaching in the classroom. Again, ladies and gentlemen, it's about academic freedom," Hays said. The bill moved ahead to third reading, which cannot be amended. Key senators have indicated they did not expect to take up the measure again if it drastically differs from their already approved bill.

See the bill's progress here. To see the reaction from the Florida Citizens for Science, click here.

Just to be clear

Lawmakers pushing for teachers to have the "academic freedom" to explore all aspects of the theory of evolution continually say that they're not trying to open the door to teaching creationism or Intelligent Design in public schools.

State Rep. Marty Kiar (left), D-Davie, wants to hold them to their word. Kiar has proposed an amendment to the House version of the bill, which could come up for debate in the House on Friday. It add this to the legislation:

The provisions of this section shall not permit any member of the instructional staff of a public school to teach or promote any religious doctrine, teach or promote discrimination for or against a particular set of religious beliefs, or teach or promote discrimination for or against religion or nonreligion.

Regardless of whether this proposal passes, the whole issue looks to be in jeopardy as the House version differs greatly from the Senate bill, which already has won approval. The Senate refused an amendment to make its bill in line with the one in the House, and as Sen. Stephen Wise told the Herald-Tribune, House sponsor Rep. Alan Hays "must be hitting the sauce if he thinks he's going to send the bill back here."

UPDATE: Kiar withdrew his amendment about an hour after this post went up. He still has two other amendments filed for the bill.

"Evolution Academic Freedom" bill passes Senate

The Florida Senate has approved legislation that would allow public school teachers "to objectively present scientific information relevant to the full range of scientific views regarding chemical and biological evolution." The 21-17 vote showed most Democrats opposed and most Republicans in favor.

GOP senators Paula Dockery of Lakeland, Dennis Jones of Seminole, Jim King of Jacksonville, Evelyn Lynn of Ormond Beach and Mike Bennett of Bradenton voted no. Democrat Gary Siplin of Orlando voted yes.

During debate, Democrats saw the bill as a way to get religion into schools, with little to do with science or the standards that the State Board of Education approved earlier this year.

"This bill is not really about evolution. It's not really about academic freedom, either," said Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa. "It's about a desire to open up the controversy of teaching creationism in the public schools."

Republicans who spoke rejected that notion. Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, said the bill does not either require the teaching of creationism or ban the teaching of evolution. Rather, he said, it opens the door for debate.

Throwing fuel on the fire

As if the issue of evolution hasn't been controversial enough in Florida, two state senators have moved to fan the flames by proposing a sex ed amendment to the "academic freedom" bill that's scheduled for second reading on the Senate floor today.

Riffing off the question of why some lawmakers have singled out evolution for special treatment in law, senators Ted Deutch (left) and Nan Rich have pitched the concept that teachers who instruct the equally contentious subject of sex education might deserve similar protection as those who raise questions about the origin of species.

Their amendment states, in part:

A public school teacher in the state's K-12 school system may not be disciplined, denied tenure, terminated, or otherwise discriminated against for objectively presenting scientific information relevant to the full range of scientific views regarding biological or chemical evolution and comprehensive sexual education that is age-appropriate and factual in connection with teaching any prescribed curriculum regarding chemical or biological evolution and any prescribed abstinence-only curriculum regarding human sexuality, respectively.

Deutch's own bill requiring schools to teach medically accurate, factual and age-appropriate sex education curriculum has shown no sign of life in committees. So why not try to attach the concept, which Republicans seem to dislike, onto the evolution bill that so many Democrats disdain, right? (Deutch was the lone nay vote on the evolution bill when it passed the Senate Education committee.)

The poison pill is not likely to win adoption. But it's entertaining to note. UPDATE: The amendment failed on voice vote.

UPDATE 2: After some spirited debate, the highlight of which was sponsor Sen. Ronda Storms answering in several ways except "yes" or "no" to the question whether Intelligent Design could be taught under her bill, the legislation was moved ahead for its third and final reading.

Darwin, Hitler and the Anti-Defamation League

It didn't do any good last week, but it should not be overlooked that the Anti-Defamation League opposes the "academic freedom" bills now moving with ease through the Florida Legislature.

The legislation "should be rejected because it would impede our children's understanding of science and the scientific method in an increasingly science and technology-oriented word," said Andrew Rosenkranz, ADL's Florida regional director, in a statement issued before the House Schools & Learning Council passed the bill Friday in a 7-4 party-line vote.

The ADL's position is especially significant given its core mission of fighting anti-Semitism, and attempts by some evolution opponents to link Darwin and Hitler.

St. Petersburg City Councilman Bill Foster made that pitch three months ago, and actor Ben Stein does so in his movie, "Expelled," which is set for national release on Friday.

In a related development, the Florida Citizens for Science blog issued a "public challenge" yesterday to Rep. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, chief sponsor of the House bill. Hays and other supporters have repeatedly said the bills have nothing to do with religion, but with a desire to present critical, scientific analyses of evolution.

So, FCS asks: "Give examples of critical analysis of evolution that have no religious connotations and are also legitimate, up-to-date scientific ideas. If Hays refuses to give a straight answer, or even worse cites discredited, unscientific ideas, then the intent of these bills is questionable at best and the bills needs to be dropped."

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

"Academic freedom" bill clears first House hurdle

The bill that has drawn criticism and praise for its effort to permit Florida teachers to challenge the theory of evolution in the classroom this morning won approval in the first of two House council stops before heading to the House floor.

The proposal - a stripped down version of the similar measure that remains pending in the Senate - passed the Schools and Learning Council along strictly partisan lines. So far, no Republican lawmakers have voted against it.

During the hearing, sponsor Rep. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, offered more generic language than initially proposed, hoping to blunt some of the criticism that the legislation aimed to create a wedge that paves the way for creationism to be taught in science classes. His new bill calls for teachers to have room to critically analyze the theory of evolution without fear of reprisal.

Rep. Marty Kiar, D-Davie, still questioned whether the amended version wouldn't open the door to religion being taught, suggesting an opposing view to evolution clearly is creationism. "I am a staunch, diehard Catholic. But I believe I should get my religion at church," Kiar said. This bill "practically mandates" the teaching of creationism.

"Don't try to read something in there that isn't already there," Hays said. "It's direct and to the point. Any good science theory that is a valid theory should be able to withstand a critical analysis."

Will it prohibit teaching creationism, Kiar countered.

"The Supreme Court has said you can't teach religion in the public schools," Hays responded.

Let's talk about evolution

Hoping to stave off "legislative threats" to Florida's new science curriculum - particularly the sections dealing with evolution of species - the Florida Citizens for Science will have a public roundtable discussion about the issue at 7 p.m. Monday in Tallahassee. The forum will include some high-profile panelists who will "address why the so-called 'Evolution Academic Freedom Act' introduced in the state House and Senate is bad for science education in Florida and the growth of Florida's economy," the group's press release states.

The speakers include FSU chemistry professor Dr. Harold Kroto, winner of the 1996 Nobel Prize in chemistry, and ACLU of Pennsylvania legal director Vic Walczak, who won the landmark Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District case that challenged the teaching of intelligent design in public schools.

The event, to be held at Challenger Learning Center, Digital Dome/Planetarium, 200 South Duval Street, is free and open to the public. And as for Ben Stein's showing of his documentary "Expelled," lawmakers are invited "and encouraged" to attend.

Florida Citizens for Science announced the roundtable after the "academic freedom" bill passed its final Senate committee on its way to the floor. A companion bill in the House has not received any hearings.

Round 2 for Storms’ bill

Sen. Ronda Storms' "academic freedom" bill faces its next hurdle tomorrow in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill blew through the Senate education committee two weeks ago and, at first glance, it doesn't appear the judiciary committee is predisposed to do anything different. But who knows? There have been a few twists and surprises in this still-unfolding debate over Florida's new science standards, and tomorrow may bring another.

On a related note, the Florida Citizens for Science blog posted this revealing tidbit last week, which again calls into question the motivations of bill supporters who insist they have no religious motivation. In short: Supporters are looking for Florida public school teachers who have faced discrimination for criticizing evolution, and they're going to the Christian Educators Association International and injesus.com to find them. Both bills insist there are "many instances" of this, though supporters have had trouble naming more than two.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

What's not there

As you check out the calendars for this week's action in Tallahassee, you might be struck by two glaring absences.

First, the Senate Education Pre-K-12 committee isn't scheduled to convene. All the other education-related Senate panels are getting together, but check under Don Gaetz's committee notices and it says "04/08/2008, 03:15 P.M., Not Meeting."

There's plenty of unsettled business here. What's going on?

Consider this: Much of that unfinished business is coming from the House, where members have not taken up all of the Senate's education pet projects or, if they have, they've got different specifics in play. This could be the first round of political gamesmanship, where they start trading this idea for that one. Wait and see.

Second, the House Schools and Learning Council has not placed Rep. Alan Hays' "academic freedom" bill (HB 1483) on its agenda, which is expected to be its last of the session. If the bill doesn't get a vote coming out of the council, it can't go to the House floor. (Though that doesn't stop the House from taking up the Senate version, if it ever gets sent over.)

One key education lawmaker in the House tells the Gradebook that many council members think the State Board of Education's action of adding evolution to the science standards as a "scientific theory" is quite sufficient and no further action is needed. (For more on that whole matter, see our many past posts here.) But recall Speaker Marco Rubio said back in February that he expected the battle to go on in the House.

Has Rubio relented? Is the fight over evolution in the school curriculum over (for now)? Again, wait and see.

Not today

When the House Schools and Learning Council meets this morning, it won't be taking up Rep. Alan Hays' "academic freedom" bill relating to the origin of species. The legislation, which already has been heavily amended as it moves through the Senate, has yet to receive one hearing on the House side, and the Legislature wraps at the end of the month.

Don't read much into this lack of action.

The council has one more meeting planned, and chairman Joe Pickens tells the Gradebook that the bill isn't dead yet.

"We still may hear something," Pickens says, adding that he plans to consult Speaker Marco Rubio on the issue. "It's not determined. It's definitely not a 'no' yet."

He noted that the House doesn't have an Ethics in Education bill similar to the one that won Senate approval last week. Yet the chamber expects to take up the measure, which would impose harsher sanctions on teachers convicted of misconduct against students. It's just waiting for the Senate to send it over.

In other words, don't think of the remaining three weeks as a short time, but rather as a period where anything can happen.

(Image from BBC.com)

"Academic freedom" bill passes Senate committee

By DAVID DECAMP
Times Staff Writer

TALLAHASSEE — A Senate panel endorsed “protections” Wednesday for students and teachers who offer alternative theories to evolution — despite a report saying there’s never been a case alleging such discrimination in Florida.

Sen. Ronda Storms’ “academic freedom” bill, which won a 4-1 vote by an education committee, says teachers cannot be punished or denied tenure if they “objectively” present scientific information, even if it questions evolution. Students receive the same shield in their coursework.

“It’s interesting for me to note that the only folks who have brought up religion today have been those in opposition,” said Storms, R-Valrico, who suggested the bill helps foster critical thinking, not faith-based teaching.

The bill (SB 2692/HB 1483) has prompted stiff defense by cultural conservatives, and equally stiff objections from scientists and the American Civil Liberties Union — and renewed the debate over evolution and creationism in schools. The bill was introduced after the State Board of Education voted 4-3 last month to adopt new science standards that embrace evolution, but refer to it as a “scientific theory.”

Storms' evolution bill passes first panel

The Senate's committee on K-12 education voted 4-1 Wednesday to approve Sen. Ronda Storms' bill to protect teachers who offer alternative theories to evolution and students who offer other theories. Only Sen. Ted. Deutch opposed it, despite criticism from some science instructors and the ACLU.

Storms, R-Brandon, said the bill doesn't say creationism or other religious-based ideas should be taught, but critics said it was a back-door way to allow religious theories counter to Darwin. She did amend it with Sen. Steve Wise to tight a few weaknesses, such as allowing Holocaust deniers to be heard.

"This is very confusing to me, because I believe this will open the door to very serious problems in the school system," said Sen. Larcenia Bullard, who suggested she might oppose the bill in a full Senate vote.

Here's the vote tally, in case you wondered -- Bullard, Wise, Lisa Carlton, and Alex de la Portilla supported the bill, Deutch opposed it, and chairman Don Gaetz and vice chair Frederica Wilson were absent.

-- David DeCamp, Times Staff Writer

Where's the problem?

As the Senate education committee gears up to debate Sen. Ronda Storms "academic freedom" bill today, a recently released committee staff analysis raises this point: "According to the Department of Education, there has never been a case in Florida where a public school teacher or public school student has claimed that they have been discriminated against based on their science teaching or science course work."

Sound familiar? The Gradebook raised this issue three weeks ago.

The staff analysis also references the nature-of-science component of the new science standards to conclude: "Taken as a whole, the science standards encourage teachers and students to discuss the full range of scientific evidence related to all science, including evolution." Does that mean Storms' bill – which would give teachers the "right and freedom to objectively present scientific information relevant to the full range of scientific views" on evolution – is redundant?

The committee packet also includes a proposed amendment from Sen. Stephen Wise, who is co-sponsoring Storms's bill. We'll hear more about all this in a bit …

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

Science, non-science, nonsense

Calling all you die-hards who can’t get enough of the evolution debate. Eckerd College in St. Petersburg has a treat for you: A guest lecture Thursday night from Lawrence Krauss, who heads the physics department at Case Western Reserve University and is one of the few living scientists often described (by no less than Scientific American, for example) as a "public intellectual."

Krauss's lecture, free and open to the public, is entitled, "Science, Non-science and Nonsense: From Aliens to Creationism." For a taste of what Krauss thinks about this issue, see this essay he wrote for the New York Times.

Krauss has written seven books, including "The Physics of Star Trek," an international bestseller. And in recent months he has helped push ScienceDebate2008, which calls for a presidential debate on science and technology.

Krauss's lecture begins at 7:30 in Miller Auditorium. Eckerd College is at 4200 54th Avenue South. For more info, e-mail events@eckerd.edu or call (727) 864-7979.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

(PS. The Senate "academic freedom" bill is scheduled for its first public hearing today in the Education Pre-K-12 Committee. Click here for a short story on the hearing from the Fort Myers News-Press.)

Storms' bills heads for showdown

Will it be the The Clash in The Committee? The Donnybrook over Darwin? The Smackdown in Tally-town?

Okay, we're putting the thesaurus down, but you can't blame us: Sen. Ronda Storm's "academic freedom" bill (SB 2692) goes before the Senate education committee this week, and who knows what will happen.

Maybe we're too far removed from the action, but from way down here in Tampa Bay, it appears the education committee's decision could have as much drama, if not import, as the Board of Education vote on Feb. 19.

The committee has seven members – four Republicans and three Democrats – and one of the Republicans, Sen. Stephen Wise, R-Jacksonville, is co-sponsoring Storms' bill. Two members – Chairman Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and Sen. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami – have commented about the issue (see this recent St. Petersburg Times story here), but not enough to comfortably predict how they will vote. As for the other four, who knows?

The meeting begins at 1 p.m. in Room 110 of the Senate Office Building. There are six other bills on the agenda.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

Science committee opposes Storms' bill

Thirty-seven members of the committee that drafted the state's new science standards have lined up against the recently filed "academic freedom" bills, saying in a statement this morning that the bills are a subterfuge for injecting the religious beliefs held by some into the science classroom."

"Evolution is the only explanation of the development and diversity of life that relies entirely on scientifically verifiable laws of nature and accounts for a huge set of observations without requiring the intervention of a supernatural agent," the statement also says.

The bills, based on model legislation from the Discovery Institute, the Seattle center known for its advocacy of intelligent design, would provide teachers with "a right to present scientific information relevant to the full range of views on biological and chemical origins." Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Brandon, and Rep. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, filed the bills in the wake of the state Baord of Education's Feb. 19 decision to adopt new standards that describe evolution as the fundamental pillar of modern biology.

It's anyone's guess how much traction the bills will get, but it's not hard to envision a scenario where they end up on Gov. Crist's desk. On the House side, the bill has the support of House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-Miami, who is widely considered to be a future candidate for governor and could use the bill to shore up support from religious conservatives. On the Senate side, the education committee headed by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, is shaping up to be the key hurdle.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

What's it all about?

Actor-economist-political adviser-celeb Ben Stein made his pitch today in Tallahassee for SB 2692/HB 1483 - the "Academic Freedom" bill on the teaching of biological origins. It's not about dogma, the Palm Beach Post quotes him as saying. "It's about freedom of speech."

The ACLU of Florida would beg to differ.

After Stein's press conference, ACLU exec director Howard Simon released his own statement on the subject matter. Simon says it's about science, and what should be taught in the science classroom:

The presumption of this bill is that all you have to do to teach something in a science class is to call it science. Simply saying something is science does not make it so and calling Intelligent Design science, does not make is science. Intelligent Design relies on the assertion that there is a supernatural creator, which inherently precludes it from being scientific, as the ACLU proved in our landmark case in Dover, PA.   

The issue is not whether theories such as Intelligent Design can be taught in our public schools, but in what setting. Controversies about theories that rely on a supernatural explanation may be suitable in a political science or literature class, but to be included in a science class it must be a theory that is scientifically verifiable. Allowing schools to masquerade Intelligent Design as science would be a blunder and an embarrassment for the Florida Legislature. The courts have spoken on this issue and the message was clear: Intelligent Design, because it relies on a supernatural power, is a religious view not a scientific view.

The State Board of Education recently added evolution to the science curriculum, calling it a "scientific theory" that undergirds much of biology. Critics see the bill as an attempt to get from lawmakers what they couldn't get from the State Board, namely, an entry point for creationism and/or Intelligent Design into the curriculum. The bills have yet to progress in either house of the Legislature.

Some members will be viewing Stein's documentary on the topic this evening.

Calling all "offensive Christians"

Before you start sending hate e-mails, read on.

Amid the many blogs out there weighing in on Florida's heated debate over teaching evolution in schools, there's a new one called Offensive Christians that's caught our eye. Its author, who posts as "OC," writes that Christians need to go on the offense in the war of ideas: "We must not stand idly by only preparing to defend against the latest attack. We must seek positions to attack humanism, atheism, radical Islam, and 'arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ.'"

And OC has put out the all-call to Florida's offensive Christians, asking them to stand up for the "academic freedom" bill that Sen. Ronda Storms and Rep. D. Alan Hays have filed in the Legislature. It takes particular aim at the Florida Citizens for Science, which has led an active campaign to add evolution as a key standard (something many scientists across the country also advocated).

Florida Citizens for Science (as if Creationists like Newton, Pastuer [sic], Kelvin, Boyle, Kepler, Pascal, and Babbage were anti-science) is mobilizing the humanists to defeat this bill. You've got to get out there and counter their initiative if you want to be able to even discuss any scientific concerns anyone has with macroevolution. Florida Citizens for Science has a link tracking the bill and tips for contacting legislators. Wouldn't it be ironic if we used their link to track and ensure the passage of this bill? I think it would also be wise to read their background and talking points so we can make effective counter-points.

Florida Citizens for Science has, of course, already responded.

Funny. Many of our members are Christians. For example, our president is a deacon in his church and in the church choir. One of our board members is president of Pacesetters Bible School, Inc. Groups like Offensive Christians really need to get the message that our side of the fight is focused on science education. ... It's not about fighting for or against any religion. Unfortunately, many of those on the other side of the fight are focused on religion to a fault.

Don't want to take sides in this one. We'll just sit back, as reporters do, and watch the fireworks (and tell you about them). Probably tomorrow, when Hays shows Ben Stein's documentary "Expelled" to his colleagues in Tallahassee. Ben Stein is even supposed to be there.

"Expelled" can't be expelled?

And now for yet another development in the evolution debate …

The director of a Tallahassee science center said today that the center had no choice but to allow a group to rent the facility for an upcoming showing of the movie "Expelled" – which many scientists consider to be anti-science – to members of the Florida Legislature.

Challenger Center Director Norman Thagard (left) told The Gradebook this afternoon that the center was not in any way endorsing the movie, and that not allowing its IMAX movie center to be rented for the showing of "Expelled" could open the door to a discrimination lawsuit. "I just don't want the center to be portrayed as sponsoring this," Thagard said. "We're just allowing our facilities to be used per our policies."

The Challenger Center in downtown Tallahassee is an educational outreach facility for the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, where Thagard, a former astronaut, is a tenured professor. "Expelled" is a new documentary by Ben Stein that posits that "educators and scientists are being ridiculed, denied tenure and even fired – for the 'crime' of merely believing that there might be evidence of 'design' in nature."

The showing in Tallahassee comes as the Legislature is set to consider "academic freedom" bills that would allow teachers to veer from new science standards passed last month by the state Board of Education.