Devolution in Education

Regularly updating the subject matter taught in public schools would seem such a basic good idea as to be a no-brainer - and noncontroversial. . . [In Texas] This summer and fall, the science curriculum comes under scrutiny. But far from being a yawner, the review may turn out to be a key battleground between scientists and science teachers on one hand and the religious right on the other

[TedHOhio]

And here is the Discovery Institute rebuttal. What a shock!

http://www.evolutionnews.org/2008/09/fort_wor...

If you have any interest in my rebuttal of their rebuttal, here it is. It was too large for Topix.

http://sciencestandards.blogspot.com/

Bottom line is it's another 'masterpiece' in misdirection and misleading comments -- plus the usually attacks on the journalist.

[John]

This is all fine. But fundies need to consider another consequence of their political activities. I, for one, am becoming more convinced that they should not be supported politically, and under no circumstance should be supported on school or public health management bodies.

I don't have a problem with their position on abortion or social responsibility. I oppose their effort to censor information people need to make intelligent contributions and decisions in education, politics and society.

[The Dude]

John wrote:

This is all fine. But fundies need to consider another consequence of their political activities. I, for one, am becoming more convinced that they should not be supported politically, and under no circumstance should be supported on school or public health management bodies.
I don't have a problem with their position on abortion or social responsibility. I oppose their effort to censor information people need to make intelligent contributions and decisions in education, politics and society.

Problem is, they're quite good at the PR game, and they know their audience. Willfully ignorant people who already agree with them anyway, and average Joe-public who doesn't have a clue so can quite easily buy into their sound-bites. They also have lots of funding, and some fundies in high political places.

[Teacher]

Keep your God out of our public schools!!!

[Bob of Quantum-Faith]

Teacher wrote:

Keep your God out of our public schools!!!

Actually, I have no beef if the kids wish to bring their particular god along with them to school.

Just ask ANY kid prior to a surprise test (or a real one, for that matter) if god is "there".

What I DO have issue with, is STATE SPONSORED god and/or gods.

Prayers in school? Never, ever going to be eliminated, as long as tests are given.... <eyeroll>

It IS legal for a kid to pray in school-- always has been, in fact. Free speech protects that, if nothing else.

It is NOT legal for the kid to REPRESENT the state school in prayer in an OFFICIAL position.

Nor should it ever BE legal-- that kid cannot possibly say a prayer that would represent ALL beliefs held by ALL kids, could he/she?

Such a "prayer" would be longer than the event!

[Teacher]

Bob of Quantum-Faith wrote:

<quoted text>
Actually, I have no beef if the kids wish to bring their particular god along with them to school.
Just ask ANY kid prior to a surprise test (or a real one, for that matter) if god is "there".
What I DO have issue with, is STATE SPONSORED god and/or gods.
Prayers in school? Never, ever going to be eliminated, as long as tests are given.... <eyeroll>
It IS legal for a kid to pray in school-- always has been, in fact. Free speech protects that, if nothing else.
It is NOT legal for the kid to REPRESENT the state school in prayer in an OFFICIAL position.
Nor should it ever BE legal-- that kid cannot possibly say a prayer that would represent ALL beliefs held by ALL kids, could he/she?
Such a "prayer" would be longer than the event!

God = Santa Claus for grownups.

[jerb1]

Teacher wrote:

<quoted text>
God = Santa Claus for grownups.

Jesus Was A Community Organizer, while Pontius Pilate Was A Governor

[Bob of Quantum-Faith]

jerb1 wrote:

<quoted text>
Jesus Was A Community Organizer, while Pontius Pilate Was A Governor

Good point!