Opinion
Education Letter to the Editor

Science Demands ‘Critical Analysis’ of Evolution

March 06, 2006 1 min read
  • Save to favorites
  • Print

To the Editor:

In your Feb. 22, 2006, article “Ohio Removes Anti-Evolution Language,” I was amazed to read that the Ohio state school board had voted to remove from its academic standards wording that challenges students to “critically analyze” evolution. I wonder how many scientists sit on the Ohio state board of education?

Though I have not read the language, it would seem to me that removing critical analysis from a science curriculum is, in fact, removing an essential part of the scientific method.

Without the process of critically analyzing the results of a scientific phenomenon, the results are left to arbitrary convenience and academic dogma. Critical analysis is the energy of science that brings new ideas, expanded concepts, and the victory of new horizons.

The Ohio state board has committed intellectual censorship. This action is not, as board member Martha W. Wise is quoted as saying, “a win for science, a win for students, and a win for the state of Ohio.” It is a win for removing the heart and spirit of the discipline from the experience and excitement of the state’s students.

Stephen E. Taylor

Bear, Del.

To the Editor:

I am very concerned, as a teacher and a parent, about the prospect that we may teach our students not to “critically analyze” every piece of information presented to them. I fail to see how this action by the Ohio board is a victory for science, if evolution cannot stand up to the scrutiny of even a high school student.

As a teacher, I challenge my students to be critical thinkers and question what I teach, even evolution.

Todd Baker

Hemet, Calif.

Events

This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Reading & Literacy Webinar
The Future of the Science of Reading
Join us for a discussion on the future of the Science of Reading and how to support every student’s path to literacy.
Content provided by HMH
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
College & Workforce Readiness Webinar
From Classrooms to Careers: How Schools and Districts Can Prepare Students for a Changing Workforce
Real careers start in school. Learn how Alton High built student-centered, job-aligned pathways.
Content provided by TNTP
Student Well-Being Live Online Discussion A Seat at the Table: The Power of Emotion Regulation to Drive K-12 Academic Performance and Wellbeing
Wish you could handle emotions better? Learn practical strategies with researcher Marc Brackett and host Peter DeWitt.

EdWeek Top School Jobs

Teacher Jobs
Search over ten thousand teaching jobs nationwide — elementary, middle, high school and more.
View Jobs
Principal Jobs
Find hundreds of jobs for principals, assistant principals, and other school leadership roles.
View Jobs
Administrator Jobs
Over a thousand district-level jobs: superintendents, directors, more.
View Jobs
Support Staff Jobs
Search thousands of jobs, from paraprofessionals to counselors and more.
View Jobs

Read Next

Education Briefly Stated: July 16, 2025
Here's a look at some recent Education Week articles you may have missed.
5 min read
Education Follow Education Week’s K-12 Coverage on Bluesky
Education Week has joined the social media platform Bluesky.
1 min read
Illustration of Education Week and Bluesky logos.
F. Sheehan/Education Week
Education Quiz Who Qualifies to Receive the First-ever Federal School Voucher? Take the Quiz to Find Out
Test your knowledge on the latest news and trends in education.
1 min read
Education Quiz Trump’s Surprise Freeze on School Funding—How Much Do You Know?
Test your knowledge on the latest news and trends in education.
1 min read