The public might not agree with the teaching of evolution in Florida's science classrooms. But the number of scientists voicing their support for the idea continues to grow.

The National Academy of Sciences is the latest organization to lend its backing to the state's proposed science standard that would treat evolution as a key concept underpinning biology.

"We applaud the efforts of the writing committee and the product of their work," academy president Ralph J. Cicerone wrote with Institute of Medicine president Harvey V. Fineberg in a letter to State Board of Education member Roberto Martinez. "These standards are both explicit in recognizing evolution as a central organizing principal of modern biology and lay out the many types and levels of evidence about evolution about which all Florida students should learn."

The group joins with the American Institute of Biological Sciences, the Council of the Florida Academy of Sciences and a fairly hefty list of Florida's top academicians including several current and former university presidents. On the other side stand several Florida school boards and, apparently, much of the voting public.

The State Board of Education is scheduled to vote on Feb. 19 (that's Tuesday).