The Iowa Department of Education has sparked controversy by proposing changes to state science standards that remove references to "climate change," leading to concerns from educators and scientists about potential political interference in science education, according to a report.
Iowa's current science standards, adopted a decade ago, include explicit mentions of climate change and evolution.
A revision committee of 37 members worked for months to update these standards, aiming to maintain robust language on key scientific concepts, KCRG reported.
However, the proposed updates released publicly differ significantly from what the committee approved, with references to human-caused climate change and evolution removed or altered to say "climate trends," reportedly without committee consent.
The revised standards, open for public comment until February 3, have been met with strong criticism from educators, scientists, and community members who argue that the changes downplay scientific consensus on climate change and evolution.
Public forums have revealed widespread frustration over the lack of transparency and the removal of critical language.
Department of Education officials defend the updates, stating that "climate trends" is a term used by other government agencies and asserting that the revisions align with broader educational goals.
"We expect science teachers to be teaching their students about science in the way scientists understand it. Scientists simply don't mince their words like this," said Glenn Branch, National Center for Science Education deputy director.
Public forums and an online feedback process will allow Iowa residents to voice their opinions on the proposed changes. Meanwhile, educators and scientists are calling for greater transparency and a reevaluation of the revisions.
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