The ongoing dispute between educators and professors in Florida has come to an end. Florida’s State Board of Education has confirmed the proposal to use the term “scientific theory of evolution” instead of the terms “change over time” and “biological changes” in their science standards. The proposal was submitted by committee members early this week and was approved with votes 4-3.

According to ABC News, not all of the committee members are happy with the new proposal. On one hand committee member Roberto Martinez has named it “the best possible standard,” while on the other hand Terry Kemple, the executive director of the Community Issues Council in Tampa, has expressed his deep concerns that this standard cannot meet all of the objectives that public education has in Florida.

“We’re watering down the best possible standards we could have,” Martinez said.

“Scientific theory does not begin to even address the problems,” Kemple added.

According to Sun-Sentinel.com, the term evolution will acceptably replace the previously used term, “biological changes over time,” which is said to have been used only by religious conservatives.

The decision to overhaul the program occurred after a national education group flunked Florida’s science standards. Not once, but twice. The absence of the word “evolution” was part of the reason.

Photo © Colin Purrington