If there is one issue being taught in schools that could win the contest for the most contentious it would be the subject of evolution. Ever since Charles Darwin came out with his theory there have been debates raging on both sides of the issue between science and faith. Whether or not to teach evolution alongside creationism is an issue that is raised every time a local school board decides issues pertaining to curriculum. The most recent was the Texas Board of Education voted overwhelmingly to allow public middle schools in the state to continue teaching evolution.
At this same session the Texas board also rejected any materials that referred to Darwin’s theory as being unproven. This matters a lot because Texas is where many school book publishing firms are located. The textbooks that are written in Texas end up being shipped out all across the country. Obviously a decision like this is not to make everyone happy. There are some on the conservative fundamentalist side who would like to see intelligent design taught right alongside evolution as an alternative theory of the beginning of our world.
This decision comes on the heels of a previous Texas school board vote that was leaning more conservative and made many changes in history text that some feel had a more conservative slant. As they say elections have consequences and nowhere can this be felt more directly then with school board elections. If you really care a great deal about her child’s education you might just consider running for a school board position in your community.