External Roadblocks

On occasion, teachers find themselves on the receiving end of parental questions about the inclusion of evolution in the curriculum. We should keep the same ideas in mind when responding to parents as when working with students.

However, sometimes community members may present intentional challenges to individual teachers, to school districts, or even to statewide entities by attempting to influence science education standards or by changing legislation.

In addition, full-time “professional” evolution opponents work to selectively influence what is taught in the science classroom. Though Newton’s laws are not challenged and the theory of plate tectonics and germ theory are not challenged, when it comes to evolution the rules change. Like it or not, there are well-organized efforts to disrupt our teaching. The question is—what do we do?

• Select appropriate strategies.
• Get to know the antievolutionists and their tactics.
• Be aware of some of the legal issues.