An academic look at Florida's evolution battle

JULY 18, 2008

Remember all the back-and-forth earlier this year about whether evolution is "just a theory"? An article in a new academic journal, Evolution: Education and Outreach, uses the Florida fight as a frame for discussing some of the philosophical/historical reasons why the debate goes on. (It has a lot to do with Francis Bacon.)

Heavy stuff maybe, but if you care about the issue, check it out.

While we're on the subject again, is the Florida Legislature going to let sleeping dogs lie? Or should we expect to see the "academic freedom" bills resurface in, oh, six to eight months? Louisiana Governor (and potential John McCain running mate) Bobby Jindal signed a similar bill into law three weeks ago.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

Posted by Times Editor at 10:37:03 am on July 18, 2008 in

Science standards

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About the blog

Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going in on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.

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THE TEAM

Rebecca Catalanello covers Pinellas County schools. E-mail her: rcatalanello@tampabay.com.

Tony Marrero covers Hernando County schools. E-mail him: tmarrero@tampabay.com.

Marlene Sokol covers Hillsborough County schools. E-mail her: sokol@tampabay.com.

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Jeffrey S. Solochek covers Pasco County schools. E-mail him: solochek@tampabay.com.

Kim Wilmath covers the University of South Florida. E-mail her: kwilmath@tampabay.com.

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