South Dakota Senate OKs alternative teachings on scientific theories
PIERRE -- The South Dakota Senate advanced a bill Wednesday that would give teachers the ability to discuss strengths and weaknesses of scientific theories, including evolution and climate change.
Members of that chamber on a 23-12 vote advanced the bill despite guidance from the State Department of Education, state school boards, school administrators, teachers and scientists, who all said the change was unnecessary and could lead to the instruction of unauthorized theories. They also warned that the rule change could cause serious legal problems for school districts.
Sen. Jeff Monroe, R-Pierre, said he heard from teachers who didn't feel comfortable speaking to the weaknesses of scientific theories like evolution and climate change. He said providing additional latitude for teachers to explain potential flaws in theories and allowing them to provide alternate scientific theories without fear of retribution would benefit students' critical thinking skills.
Other proponents of the bill said it would help students learn how to think and analyze scientific information rather than being indoctrinated.
Read more: http://www.argusleader.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/25/sd-senate-oks-alternative-teachings-scientific-theories/97031900/
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