Science vs. the Texas State Board of Education?
by Steve Earle
Providing our K-12 students a firm foundation in the sciences is absolutely critical for Texas and the United States if we hope to stay competitive globally. Regular readers of my column will note that I have already written variations on this theme, but it’s worth re-iterating: a properly educated populace is necessary for making appropriate technological decisions to solve problems facing our country.
With this in mind, the HGS Board took up the issue and recently approved the following public policy statement: The Houston Geological Society supports the teaching of science in Texas schools that is based upon the scientific method. Part of the mission of the HGS is to disseminate geological information and to aid and encourage academic training in the geosciences. The Houston Geological Society believes that earth science education must include the concepts of an old and continually evolving Earth as documented by empirical and measurable evidence.
For most geoscientists, this position is mostly a "mom and apple pie" statement. Clearly, we endorse the teaching of concepts that adhere to the principles of science. We do not support teaching nonscientific theories in science classes.
The geosciences were instrumental in building the Texas economy and have helped fund much of the education in the state. Although we are more diversified now, the oil and gas industry is still a major part of the Texas economy. Scientific research is still a critical part of our economy, and outstanding science is being done at places such as the NASA Space Center in Clear Lake, the many medical research facilities in Houston and computer science labs in Austin. Yes, science remains very important to our state.
Other geological organizations and teacher groups have also taken public positions. The opening line of GSA’s position statement reads: "The Geological Society of America strongly supports teaching evolution and the directly related concept of deep time as part of science curricula."
The supporting discussion cites the important role geology has played in our understanding of such things as the rich fossil record and isotopic age dating. If we as geoscientists are to communicate effectively on this topic, there are some important points to keep in mind. These are well put in the implementation section of the GSA document. I encourage you to read the full document; however, I summarize them here:
1. Separation of science and religion does not mean they are incompatible;
2. Science cannot prove or disprove the existence of God;
3. The core concepts of evolution are firmly established, even if our understanding of evolution itself is still evolving;
4. Arguments supporting intelligent design focus on gaps in our understanding, but these are a natural part of the scientific method and do not require a creator;
5. Solving future environmental, agricultural and human health challenges depends on using best scientific methods.
The Science Teachers Association of Texas is legitimately concerned that certain education officials are working to under-mine the teaching of evolution in the classroom. The February "Government Update" reported the firing of the science director at the Texas Education Agency (TEA); Chris Comer was a strong advocate for teaching evolution. Membership on the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) is a low-visibility elected position, but it has more power than most people imagine. Textbook publishers write books for the large Texas and California markets, and then sell these to the rest of the country. If the Texas SBOE rules that concepts of intelligent design must have equal footing with evolution in its textbooks, the effects will have national impact.
When I say low visibility, I was shocked at how difficult it was to find a complete list of the Texas SBOE members. I used several search engines and was unsuccessful. I finally found it through the TEA website: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/sboe/members.html. Texas is divided into 15 SBOE districts and people elect representatives to this board. I’d be surprised if even 1% of our readers know who represents them on this important state board.
As scientists we understand that the contributions science and technology played were critical in making America strong. Recently though I read an article in the New York Times that asked the question if American culture is becoming antiknowledge and, by extension, antiscience. There is certainly anecdotal evidence to support this proposition. However, I believe that unless we are willing to let our children inherit a second-rate nation, a cultural bias against science is a luxury we simply cannot afford.
Proper education of the next generation should be one of our highest priorities. Science education must be a critical part of their studies. You and the HGS have an important voice in any discussion on issues involving science. Please make your opinion heard by writing letters or editorials to your newspapers and by contacting your state legislators and school board representative. You can find yours by going to http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/. I’m eager to hear about what actions you take and responses you get in advocating for science education. Write me at steve.hgseditor@gmail.com, and we’ll continue this discussion, which is especially critical in an election year.