In March 2009 Texas adopted new standards for science education. High school students are expected to
In all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student.
So far, so good. The statement has all the right buzz-words, no problem, right? Wait, hold the phone, not so fast, says Jonathan Osborne, the chair of science education at Stanford University in this commentary on EdWeek.
As I read I kept getting distracted. Every so often I found myself checking to see if I had not experienced a serious transporter malfunction. Like when I read this statement:
Science education seeks to offer students an understanding and vision of a body of knowledge that is beyond question.
How did I get from EDWeek to the Onion? But no, I am still on EdWeek. Then I read this:
After all, the stock in trade of the school classroom is knowledge that has been placed beyond doubt.
Huh.
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