Dana Ferguson

dferguson@argusleader.com

PIERRE -- South Dakota teachers should have the freedom to discuss strengths and weaknesses of scientific theories, including evolution and climate change, a panel of senators said Tuesday.

The Senate Education Committee on a 4-3 vote approved a bill that would allow teachers to discuss scientific theories with students and point out any weaknesses in said theories or provide alternative views that could counter them.

Supporters of the measure, including religious groups and one self-described science enthusiast, stood to support the measure, which they said was needed to ensure teachers wouldn't be penalized for sharing information outside state science standards. Opponents, meanwhile, from the state's public school and teaching communities said the bill is redundant as teachers already present scientific information with the explanation that theories might not be perfect.

The Sioux Falls School Board on Monday took a position opposing the bill.

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Sen. Jeff Monroe, R-Pierre, said he heard from teachers who didn't feel comfortable teaching alternatives to climate change or who said they were not to able teach about the development of embryos as the lessons weren't in the state's science education standards and strayed from local school district curricula.

"The only thing I’m trying to accomplish here is to show strengths and weaknesses," Monroe said. "We’re not allowing anybody to bypass anything."

Meanwhile, opponents said the bill, if approved, could have the effect of allowing teachers to weave desired information into a curriculum where it might not be accepted as part of the state standard.

"What this is saying is you can bypass what your local school board is saying,” Sen. Troy Heinert, D-Mission, said. "A vote for this is a vote against your local school board."

The measure moves now to a full vote in the Senate.

Follow Dana Ferguson on Twitter @bydanaferguson, call (605) 370-2493 or email dferguson@argusleader.com

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