The National Center for Science Education (NCSE) is a not-for-profit, membership organization providing information and resources for schools, parents and concerned citizens working to keep evolution in public school science education. The Center’s 4000 members are scientists, teachers, clergy, and citizens with diverse religious affiliations. NCSE’s mission is to educate the press and public about the scientific, educational, and legal aspects of the creation and evolution controversy, and supply needed information and advice to defend good science education at local, state, and national levels. In that regard, NCSE works with affiliate organizations such as Oklahomans for Excellence in Science Education (OESE) to monitor and respond to efforts that might reduce or diminish high-quality science education. The following is from NCSE’s February 20, 2009 report by Anton Mates on the status of certain bills in the current session of the Oklahoma Legislature:
Oklahoma’s SB 320, the “Scientific Education and Academic Freedom Act,” was defeated this Monday in the Senate Education Committee by a 7-6 vote. This is very good news for science education! We owe particular thanks to Senator Jim Halligan (R-Stillwater), who argued strongly against the bill and crossed party lines to vote it down. If you are a constituent of Senator Halligan, I’m sure a message of thanks would be appreciated.
Two other 2009 education bills may negatively affect the teaching of good science. They do not directly reference either evolution or science education, so the NCSE does not plan to take a position on them, but we encourage you to learn about them and make up your own mind.
HB 1001, the “Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act,” sponsored by Representatives Mike Reynolds and Sally Kern, would prohibit teachers from grading students based on any “religious content” of their schoolwork. You can learn more about this bill at the website of the Oklahoma Science Teachers Association:
https://www.oklahomascienceteachersassociation.org/?p=476
SB 834, sponsored by Senator John Ford, would deregulate all public schools by 2014. The deregulated schools would be exempt from all state regulations which do not apply to charter schools, yet would not be required to adhere to a charter or contract either. This would appear to nullify all state curriculum standards and guidelines, including those for science education. For more on the effects of this bill, please see the Oklahoma Education Association: http://capwiz.com/nea/ok/issues/alert/?alertid=12715871