www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,109939,00.html
The change, which drew criticism from both liberals and conservatives, is included in more than 800 pages of draft revisions to Georgias curriculum that have been posted by the Department of Education on its Web site. The middle and high school standards are expected to be voted on by the state Board of Education in May, after public comments. Superintendent Kathy Cox said the concept of evolution would still be taught under the proposal, but the word would not be used in the curriculum. The proposal would not require schools to buy new textbooks omitting the word evolution and would not prevent teachers from using it. Cox, a Republican elected to the post in 2002, repeatedly referred to evolution as a buzzword Thursday and said the ban was proposed, in part, to alleviate pressure on teachers in socially conservative areas where parents object to its teaching. If teachers across this state, parents across this state say, This is not what we want, then well change it, Cox said. Educators and legislators criticized the proposal, saying science teachers understand the theories behind evolution and how to teach them. Here we are, saying we have to improve standards and improve education, and were just throwing a bone to the conservatives with total disregard to what scientists say, said state Rep. Former President Jimmy Carter search had harsh words for the change on Friday, calling it an embarrassment and saying it exposes the state to nationwide ridicule. As a Christian, a trained engineer and scientist, and a professor at Emory University search , I am embarrassed by Superintendent Kathy Coxs attempt to censor and distort the education of Georgias students, Carter said in a statement. Social conservatives who prefer religious creation to be taught instead of evolution criticized the proposal as well.
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