Alabama public school children now required to study evolution and climate change

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The State of Alabama will now require its public school students to study evolution and climate change. The state school board last week unanimously approved new standards that make the two controversial subjects mandatory parts of the science curriculum.

According to advocates of the standards change, students will not be required to believe in the theory of evolution or climate change, but will have to show detailed knowledge of the subject matter and come to their own conclusions. They also note that local school officials will set the curriculum, and the science standards are not affiliated with Common Core, or College and Career Ready Standards, as they are known in Alabama.

“The Common Core is only in two subjects: ELA (English Language Arts) and Math, not Science,” explained state school board member Mary Scott Hunter. “There is no ‘Common Core Science.’”

Alabama’s Science Standards include a preface about sensitive subjects that specifically mentions evolution. It reads as follows:

Providing the K-12 students of Alabama with a foundational understanding of scientific theories and laws will enable them to excel in the scientific discoveries of the future. Scientific theories are developed from observations and evidence to explain the nature of phenomena, to predict future outcomes, and to make inferences about the past. Scientific laws are supported by replicable experiments from within a controlled environment. Both theories and laws have equivalent utility and are open for revision in light of new evidence.

The theory of evolution has a role in explaining unity and diversity of life on earth. This theory is substantiated with much direct and indirect evidence. Therefore, this course of study requires our students to understand the principles of the theory of evolution from the perspective of established scientific knowledge. The committee recognizes and appreciates the diverse views associated with the theory of evolution.

While the nature of the topics will undoubtedly raise eyebrows around Alabama, the state school board, which has often been divided by staunchly anti-Common Core and pro-Common Core factions, was united in their support of the latest changes to the science standards.

“I think the reason for unanimity is that these standards were developed over a three year period by Alabamians, using a variety of sources,” said Hunter. “Then, they were presented all over the state, put online for public comment, and 3,000 inputs were received and individually answered. I received many messages in support from parents, teachers, and our STEM business community. I received just three opposing positions — two related to a misunderstanding related to whether these are ‘Common Core Science,’ and one dealt with the lack of Marine Science. I felt confident voting for them because of the long and transparent process used to develop them.”

The updated standards will go into effect next year.