Kansas Board Committee Finishes Draft of New Science Standards

Last night, a 3-member subcommittee of the Kansas Board of Education completed a draft of new standards for the teaching of science in the state, according to a report in today's Topeka Capital-Journal. The standards question the theory of evolution, though as proposed they eliminate any specific mention of "intelligent design" theory. Specific examples of the criticism of evolution theory have been added to the standards. The full Board will consider the changes today. Opponents argue that many of the changes are misleading and would invite the teaching of supernatural or religious explanations in science courses.