The Florida Board of Education has assigned a committee of science professionals to rewrite the official Florida Science Standards.  The draft of the new standards is complete and can be accessed HERE.  A serious concern has surfaced over the way that the theory of evolution is described in the new Science Standards.  The primary point of unease is found in the Life 'Science body of Knowledge' section which starts with the statement "Evolution is the fundamental concept underlying all of biology and is supported by multiple forms of scientific evidence."  This approach does not encourage an accurate and thorough presentation of the scientific evidence currently available regarding the theory of evolution.

CLICK HERE to read a Florida Baptist Witness editorial by James Smith about this issue.

There are three ways that you can make a difference regarding the new Science Standards:

First, you can contact members of the Florida Board of Education and encourage them not to accept the current language of the new Science Standards.  CLICK HERE for contact information for each of the seven Board of Education members. Explain that our desire is to see the Science Standards reflect a balance of presenting the evidence for and against the theory of evolution.  Critical thinking skills should be encouraged among our children and they should be taught to simply follow all of the available scientific evidence regardless of where it leads.

Second, you can attend the final public hearing regarding the new Science Standards.

Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith has scheduled a final hearing where he will listen to public input related to the specific standards in the final document. This is a very important meeting since we will not be allotted time to speak at the February 19th meeting when the State Board of Education will be voting.

Monday, February 11th10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Hyatt - Orlando International Airport 

Third, you can attend the Florida State Board of Education meeting in Tallahassee where the members of the board will deliberate and vote on the Proposed Science Standards.

Tuesday, February 19^th8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Room LL03 of the State Capitol in Tallahassee

(LL03 is the Governor's Cabinet Room - lower level - under the Governor's office.)