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`Evolution' Stirs Curriculum Bill

Posted on: Wednesday, 9 June 2004, 06:00 CDT

ATLANTA - A short-lived plan to delete the word "evolution" from Georgia's science curriculum inspired some lawmakers to propose new rules Monday for how the state decides what to teach in schools.

Two powerful House Democrats proposed a bill to require a state curriculum that conforms to national standards. The move would give the Legislature more control over what's taught in public schools. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Kathy Ashe, of Atlanta, said the guideline would prevent gaffes such as the recent debate over evolution.

Superintendent Kathy Cox, a Republican, proposed a new science curriculum that would replace the word "evolution" with "biological changes over time."

Ms. Cox reversed her position after a week of scrutiny from science teachers and college professors. The National Science Teachers Association and other national groups suggest teaching evolution.

"We need to be making sure those kinds of organizations have a look at our curriculum," Ms. Ashe said.

The idea was quickly rejected by Republicans, who defended Ms. Cox's handling of the curriculum. The evolution debate surfaced during a planned public comment period on the new curriculum, so the process worked fine, they said.

"I don't think the people of Georgia want a bunch of left-wing curriculum people writing our standards here," said Republican Sen. Joey Brush, the chairman of the Senate Education Committee.

Ms. Cox did not immediately respond to calls for comment on the bill. The Department of Education is part of the executive branch, with an independently elected superintendent. Its board is appointed by the governor and ultimately approves or rejects curriculum plans.

Lawmakers have very little control over the subject matter taught in schools. The education department is required to submit curriculum plans to the Legislature for review, but it's unclear in the law whether the Legislature can reject those plans.

Republicans argue that Ms. Ashe's bill is a power grab intended to give lawmakers more say over what's taught.

Rep. Brooks Coleman, a Republican member of the Curriculum Subcommittee of the House Higher Education Committee, said national standards should be encouraged but not required.

"I'm not sure we should mandate them," said Mr. Coleman, of Duluth. "Our curriculum should encompass national standards because our children are going to compete nationally, and we should encourage that. But you can run into trouble when you start mandating things."

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