The state uses the tests to evaluate how well schools are teaching certain topics. However, Sharon Freden, assistant education commissioner, said the board is telling the department that some questions about evolution, including the theory that species can evolve into new species, and the origins of the universe, won't be included. Although previous standards did not list specific concepts to be included in statewide tests, they said evolution was something students should know before graduating from high school. They also mention natural selection, the idea that advantageous traits increase in a population over time. The issue of evolution education continues to raise passions in American schools more than 70 years after teacher John Scopes was convicted of violating a Tennessee law against teaching it.
Evolution is the theory that all life evolved from common ancestors.
Those opposed to it say it contradicts the biblical account of the creation of life, and they object to the idea that human life resulted from a lower life form. Kansas is one of several states, including Arizona, Alabama, Illinois, New Mexico, Texas and Nebraska, where school boards recently have attempted to take evolution out of state science standards or de-emphasize evolutionary concepts. Critics of the Kansas board's action worry it took a step toward permitting schools to teach creationists' view that the earth is only a few thousand of years old, based on the Bible's account. Conservative board members said they wanted to make sure that schools teach sound science, arguing that evolution is a flawed theory that cannot be proven. But Waugh and board member Bill Wagnon of Topeka, both Democrats, said the new standard will put Kansas students at a disadvantage with students from other states on college entrance exams.