A House committee advances a science education bill panned by critics as unnecessary and an opening for misinformation.
Rep. David Brumbaugh says the intent of Senate Bill 393 is to promote critical thinking by exposing students to a broader range of scientific data than what textbooks offer.
"Aristotle, even this far back, talked about that, that, you know, the mind that can entertain, uh, different thoughts without, you know, changing their mind but looking — reason obeys itself, OK?" Brumbaugh said.
The bill says teachers may help students evaluate controversial theories without state or local administrators interfering. It also offers teachers protection against being fired or sued, which critics say thwarts local control.
Beth Allan is a past or current member of several science teachers organizations and says none supports the bill.
"This bill will not prepare students to be competitive in a very competitive environment," Allan said. "Our STEM workforce must know accurate science that is verified."
Critics say the bill is aimed at climate change and evolution and is meant to infuse science with Biblical theories. The bill says it is not intended to favor a religion and deals only with scientific information.
Brumbaugh said critics are wrong to claim SB393 will damage Oklahoma schools’ reputations.
"Doesn't promote anything wacko. Doesn't promote anything but free discussion in the classroom," Brumbaugh said.
Aysha Prather disagreed. Her sixth-grader recently learned about giants not for a lesson in skepticism but because the teacher thought they’re interesting.
"So, here are some other things that people might find intriguing and might choose to share with their classes: Bigfoot, a flat Earth, Atlantis, the Bermuda Triangle, that the pyramids were built by aliens," Prather said.
SB393 passed the House government and general accountability committee rather than the education committee.
