For immediate release; 10 September 2002
Feel free to use this information in any way which might promote the science education standards supported by Ohio Citizens for Science

• Introductory Letter
• Position Statement presented to the Ohio Board of Education on Sept. 10, 2002
• Background Material
• Contacts

Dear Members of the News Media,

The Ohio Citizens for Science want to see all Ohio's school children receive the best possible science education. We think Ohio's proposed Science Standards, as currently drafted, will help Ohio reach that goal.

Today the Ohio Board of Education was presented with our "position statement" as copied below. We think it is essential to include evolution in the new Science Standards being developed under the direction of the Ohio Board of Education. It is also critical to exclude from these standards Intelligent Design creationism (the newest form of creationism), traditional creationism or the so-called "teach the controversy" approach. There is no scientific controversy ... only a political one.

The Ohio Board of Education faces a dilemma. Board members are public servants, representing the citizens of Ohio, but they are also duty bound to make professional decisions about what is the best educational policy. Whereas many citizens are uncomfortable with evolutionary theory, the scientific community is firmly behind evolution and has found no viable scientific alternative. We think that our position statement provides the board with the best avenue for resolving this dilemma. So while we are troubled that the science standards have been compromised, we recognize that it is time for Ohio to move forward.

Sincerely,

Steven A. Edinger, M.S.
President, Ohio Citizens for Science

Jeffrey K. McKee, Ph.D.
Board Member, Ohio Citizens for Science

Position Statement presented to the Ohio Board of Education on Sept. 10, 2002

Ohio K-12 Academic Content Standards for Science

The Ohio Citizens for Science accept the current draft of the Ohio Academic Content Standards for Science, albeit with reservations. The Ohio Department of Education, with their appointed science writing and advisory committees, have proposed a commendable package of standards that establish a sound foundation for quality K-12 science education in Ohio.

On some issues the standards for biological science have been compromised for political rather than pedagogical reasons. Previously we have offered our support and suggestions via every available avenue, but must express our regrets on two key issues:

1. The uniform deletion of the term "origin" from the standards is pedagogically unsound and indefensible. All scientific disciplines are relevant to issues of "origins", and the Ohio standards should reflect that reality.
2. Using the term "Evolution theory" depicts the dynamic nature of biological science, but the word "theory" is too often neglected in other realms of science. It would be preferable to validate the theoretical dynamics of disciplines such as chemistry and physics. Ohio should not subtly call into question the basic tenets of biological science with the vernacular use of the term "theory". We encourage critical thinking regarding all scientific hypotheses and theories in each scientific discipline.

There are also specific indicators and benchmarks that could have been worded with greater precision and accuracy, including those regarding the origin of life. Nevertheless, we recognize that a qualified science educator in the Ohio K-12 educational system who reads the standards carefully should still be able to implement the standards appropriately in the classroom, and effectively portray contemporary scientific consensus and methodology.

We are pleased that the standards have moved forward rather than backward. The previous "Ohio Model Curriculum" was devoid of evolutionary theory; now our students can benefit from standards that reflect the evolutionary cornerstone of biology. Moreover, the new standards, while compromised, do not include doctrines that fall outside the realm of science.

Thus, we recommend that the Ohio Board of Education adopt the set of science standards proposed by the Ohio Department of Education.

The Ohio Citizens for Science are keenly aware that some people of faith have serious concerns about the teaching of evolutionary theory in Ohio schools. Our members represent many religions and include clergy, each of whom see no conflict between their beliefs and the teaching of evolutionary theory in the science curriculum. Yet in order to address the genuine and sincere nature of religious beliefs held by some Ohio citizens, we recommend that the Ohio Board of Education consider developing curricular materials on the history of science and religion that could be offered as potential topics for social studies teachers throughout the state.


Background Material:

Ohio Citizens for Science http://ecology.cwru.edu/ohioscience/

The National Academy of Sciences report On Teaching about Evolution and the Nature of Science
http://www.nap.edu/books/0309063647/html/index.html
Please note their statement on religion and evolution as well as numerous statements from other religions about evolution.

Letter to the Ohio Board of Education from the Presidents of the Inter-University Council of Ohio
http://www.acs.ohio-state.edu/osutoday/0201/iucletter.html

National Center for Science Education http://www.natcenscied.org/


Contacts:

Patricia Princehouse
Department of Philosophy
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH 44106
Office: 216-368-2632
pmp7@cwru.edu

Steven A. Edinger, OCS President
064 Irvine Hall
Department of Biological Sciences
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio 45701-2979
Office: 740-593-9484
Fax: 740-593-0300
steven.edinger.1@ohio.edu

Jeffrey K. McKee
Department of Anthropology
The Ohio State University
124 W. 17th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210-1364
Office: 614-292-2745
Fax: 614-292-4155
mckee.95@osu.edu

Other contacts are available at our web site: http://ecology.cwru.edu/ohioscience/