Divisions arise as Texas education board approves new science textbooks while facing criticism for removing material on climate change and fossil fuels.
The Texas State Board of Education recently approved new science textbooks, but not without controversy. The board faced criticism from some Republicans who called for the removal of material they deemed incorrect or negatively portrayed fossil fuels. This vote highlighted the ongoing divisions within the board regarding the teaching of climate change, as it has previously faced heated debates on topics such as evolution and U.S. history. The impact of Texas’ textbook decisions on other states has also raised concerns, although publishers claim that their influence has diminished.
Publisher Criticized for Climate Change Lesson
During the approval process, one publisher, Green Ninja, faced criticism from GOP board members for a lesson that asked students to write a pretend story warning family and friends about climate change. Despite the publisher’s willingness to make changes to the content related to oil and gas, the board ultimately rejected their textbooks. Democratic board member Staci Childs expressed disappointment, emphasizing the importance of having quality materials for teachers.
Conditions Imposed on Approved Textbooks
Four publishers had their books moved to the approved list, but with conditions. Changes were required for content related to energy, fossil fuels, and evolution. In one case, a biology textbook was approved on the condition that images portraying humans sharing an ancestry with monkeys be removed. Some Republicans on the board argued that the current textbook options were too negative towards fossil fuels and lacked alternatives to evolution. Republican Wayne Christian, a regulator in the oil and gas industry, urged the board to choose books that promote the importance of fossil fuels for energy production.
Scientific Consensus and Concerns
The textbooks that met the standards set in 2021 aligned with the scientific consensus on climate change, recognizing human factors as contributors. The National Center on Science Education confirmed that multiple books complied with scientific consensus. However, concerns were raised about the influence of the board’s decisions on other states’ curriculum choices. The National Science Teaching Association, representing 35,000 science educators across the U.S., urged the board not to let objections to evolution and climate change hinder the adoption of science textbooks in Texas.
Impact on Texas Education System
While the Texas State Board of Education approves textbooks, school districts are not obligated to use them. However, the endorsements still carry weight, given Texas’ large number of school districts. The state’s purchasing power has raised concerns about the influence of its decisions on what students learn in other states. Publishers, however, claim that their clout has diminished over time.
Conclusion:
The approval of new science textbooks by the Texas State Board of Education has once again brought attention to the ongoing battles over curriculum content. Divisions within the board regarding the teaching of climate change, fossil fuels, and evolution have been laid bare. While some textbooks were approved with conditions, others were rejected due to perceived inaccuracies or negative portrayals. The impact of the board’s decisions extends beyond Texas, raising concerns about the influence on other states’ curriculum choices. As the scientific consensus on climate change remains clear, the adoption of accurate and comprehensive science textbooks is crucial for the education of future generations.
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