A first draft of new Texas state science standards removes language that says students should understand the “strengths and weaknesses” of scientific theories and hypotheses in biology, such as the theory of evolution—terminology that has rankled many scientists.
Critics say that language, found in the current standards, wrongly suggests that the theory of evolution should be viewed skeptically, when in fact it is one of the best-established theories in all of biology.
The draft document was completed by a committee of parents, business leaders, employers, and others.
The Texas state board of education is expected to discuss the draft in November, and a final vote on the proposed document could occur in March, said Suzanne Marchman, a spokeswoman for the Texas Education Agency.
