Cox defends decision to remove ‘evolution’ in science guidelines

By J. FRANK LYNCH
jflynch@theCitizenNews.com

State School Superintendent Kathy Cox is standing firm by her decision to remove the word “evolution” from Georgia’s proposed new science curriculum, a move receiving loud and fierce criticism from scientists, teachers and some  lawmakers who say it will further tarnish Georgia’s image as an educational wasteland.

A petition drive late Thursday had already attracted more than 1,000 names statewide, according to news reports.

In a hastily arranged news conference Thursday afternoon, Cox defended removal of the word “evolution,” though she insisted that the theory of evolution will still be taught starting in the earliest grades.

“The unfortunate truth is that ‘evolution’ has become a controversial buzzword that could prevent some from reading the proposed biology curriculum comprehensive document with multiple scientific models woven throughout,” Cox said Thursday. “We don’t want the public or our students to get stuck on a word when the curriculum actually includes the most widely accepted theories for biology.”

Cox, a Republican from Peachtree City and a member of Peachtree City United Methodist Church, insisted the decision had nothing to do with her faith or pressures from religious conservatives offended that the theory of evolution is often taught as fact, though never proven.

She implored critics to go online and read the changes themselves before forming an opinion.

“Ironically, people have become upset about the exclusion of the word again, without having read the document,” Cox said.

The Department of Education’s Web site (www.gadoe.org) has features that allow teachers, students, parents and others across the state to offer feedback and suggest change.

“If the public wishes that changes be made, we will do so,” Cox said.

Cox was scheduled to guest-teach a class at McIntosh High School Friday afternoon, which was unchanged as of press time. Cox taught social studies at McIntosh until resigning in May of 2002 to run for the state’s highest elected education post.

The changes to the science terminology are just a part of the massive overhaul of the state-mandated curriculum taught to every Georgia public school student.

Public review and revisions of the new standards will continue through spring. The state Board of Education is tentatively set to vote on passage in May, which is necessary in order to start altering the methods and subject matter taught in the earliest grades.

COX SAYS EVOLUTION WILL STILL BE TAUGHT

While standing by her call to leave the word “evolution” out of Georgia’s proposed new science teaching goals, State School Superintendent Kathy Cox insisted the theory itself will still be taught:

• “Those who read the draft of the science curriculum will find that the concepts of Darwinism, adaptation, natural selection, mutation, and speciation are actually interwoven throughout the standards at each grade level. Students will learn of the succession through history of scientific models of change, such as those of Lamarck, Malthus, Wallace, Buffone, and Darwin.”

• “They will become scientifically literate by learning the process of scientific inquiry and seeing the way science changes as a result of new discoveries and theories.”

• “They will become familiar with the development of living organisms and their changes over time, including inherited characteristics that lead to survival of organisms and their successive generations.”

• “And they will be prepared for college by having been exposed in detail to the models that the scientific community currently embraces.”

CURRICULUM ONLINE

The proposed Georgia curriculum for kindergarten through grade 12 can be viewed at www.glc.k12.ga.us/spotlight/gps1.htm. There is an online form for people to offer feedback.

The proposed biology standards are based on the American Association for the Advancement of Science benchmarks. Its complete approach to teaching evolution can be found at www.aaas.org/project2061/.