Texas has had its share of controversy in the last few months. Most of the issues involved science education. The State Board of Education in Austin wrangled over the K-12 science education standards for Texas public school teachers and textbook publishers, eventually giving up the "strengths and weaknesses" terminology, but replacing it with language many believe is much more robust. The Texas legislature debated various bills before the House and Senate that involved education and education officials. By the end of the session, SBOE Chairman Don McLeroy--who favors examination of all aspects of evolutionary theory in the classroom--was narrowly defeated in his bid to retain chairmanship of the state's powerful education board.
Much of the political wrangling in Texas revolved around the issues of scientific theories and what we will allow our schoolchildren to hear in the classroom regarding evidence for these theories--or lack thereof. The popular press has portrayed this as a fight between creationists and evolutionists. In reality, teaching biblical creationism in public schools was never under consideration in these debates.
But Austin saw a flurry of activity from citizens and special interest groups on both sides of the issue. Evolution activists, like National Center for Science Education director Eugenie Scott, flew in more than once to push their dogma--that "real" science is only atheistic-based evolutionary science--on Texas schoolchildren. Rather than conducting evidence-based scientific inquiry, Dr. Scott "consults" with allies who are attempting to remove criticisms about Charles Darwin and his ideas from public literature and instruction altogether. She is just one of many evolution activists who use access to decision-makers in government to push an agenda that more than 60 percent of Americans reject.
ICR has been countering this kind of activism since its inception in 1970. Our focus has been conducting research in science, educating Christian school teachers with all sides of the evidence, and giving the Christian community confidence in their understanding of the Genesis record.
And we continue to proclaim the truth of our Creator. One of the more relaxing ways to discover the wonders of God's creation is by joining our Yosemite Creation Tour, September 12-20. Call our Tour Coordinator at 800.337.0375 to reserve your spot today. Space is limited.
This month sees the launch of the Science Education Essentials series of curriculum supplements for K-12 Christian schools and homeschools. Prepared by the researchers and science education faculty of ICR, these practical resources will allow teachers to focus on selected science topics from a biblical creationist viewpoint.
Also announced this month is the launch of the new School of Biblical Apologetics in Dallas, beginning October 6. Applications are now being accepted for this Master of Christian Education degree program. Look for our ad in this month's Acts & Facts for more details, or visit www.icr.edu.
Summer is a great time for family vacations. But before you head off to your favorite destination, consider dropping a note to ICR along with a gift to help us through the lean summer months. Our battle doesn't take a vacation, so your prayerful support is vital for the continued impact of truth around the world.
* Mr. Ford is Executive Editor at the Institute for Creation Research.
Cite this article: Ford, L. 2009. Science Education Roundup. Acts & Facts. 38 (7): 3.
