State Board Approves Revised Science Standards

Starting next year, science students will learn about the theory of evolution in their classrooms.

The State Board of Education today approved the optional revised Science Sunshine State Standards in a four-to-three vote.

Evolution is not mentioned in the existing standards. Controversy on the proposed new standards centered on introducing the theory of evolution as being supported by scientific evidence.

The members of the School Board of Highlands County had individually spoken out against evolution being taught as fact, to the exclusion of other theories on the origins of life.

According to the Florida Department of Education, the "optional standards" consistently applied the terms "scientific theory" and "law of" to all appropriate areas throughout the standards document.

The revised science standards incorporate the latest scientific research, concepts and techniques for students to compete in the global economy of the future, according to the FDOE.

District science curriculum will be aligned to the revised standards beginning in the 2008-09 school year and the Science Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) will begin testing students on the material in 2012.

"As a former science teacher, I cannot stress enough the importance of a focused, well-designed set of standards for scientific instruction in the classroom," Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith said in a prepared statement. "Florida's students continue to make significant learning gains and these standards will give our teachers a firm understanding of what our students need to learn to be competitive in today's workforce and will make Florida a true leader in science education.