First of all, I think this is a very interesting tread. Second many of the post do seem angry and somewhat offensive.
As a science teacher I really do not like the idea of state wide law that specifically addresses the teaching of evolution or intelligent design. However, from what I know the law dose not force schools to teach intelligent design, it could be worse. In my opinion this is a local issue that should be treated differently is different schools. In some districts there is little or no wish for intelligent design to taught in classrooms.
However, it is important to teach students about evolution. Evolution and Natural Selection (natural selection is often presented as being evolution) have become important issues in many scientific fields, not just biology. It is also important to realize that evolution covers a wide Varity issues. Few people would argue that microevolution or natural selection occurs in the wild. We can observe this in the wild. The controversy arises when people discuss the extent of macroevolution and the origins of the earliest life. There are numerous theories which give possible explanations to how that happens. This is a very exciting and controversial part of Paleontology (study of past life) and recently has taken a close look at how DNA and RNA really function within organisms.
I believe that many biology teachers explain that some of the theories about how life first formed are imperfect. Not necessarily wrong, but unfinished. I also think it is important to explain why students are being taught evolution, and to give maturing student the opportunity to express their ideas about evolution. I have seen this done may different ways, class debates, written papers, and general class discussion. Any teacher should gauge the maturity and level tolerances levels of their class before attempting this. A teacher should also do their best to keep their personal opinions in check when providing constructive feedback. Unfortunately, there are also many bad science teachers; teacher too nerves to delve into this subject, or teachers that simply do not have the time.
Teachers should also take they time to thoroughly discuss what a scientific theory is.
In my short career I have only worked with younger students and haven’t dealt much with this topic (Although I would love to teach it). I do think that evolution is a fascinating and feasible subject. I personally do not doubt that it has been going on for billions of years. This does not mean I think it leave no room for religion or a creators hand. This belief of mine is my personal belief that I constructed while learning about the particulars of evolution. I think students should be given all the good scientific information they can get, and then allowed to form their own opinions, without being shunned. In high school many students are just starting develop the ability to make difficult rational and emotional decisions.
Lastly someone mentioned that science does not prove things, I agree science tries to give the best (often but not always simplest) explanation of natural phenomenon it can. Scientist also often tries to disprove certain things. Science is always evolving, and no doubt will teach something to students that will be seen as at least partly incorrect in the future. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t bother to teach science. It means that we should teach student to understand what science is, and that being skeptical is a good thing.
Sorry that was crazy long, but there is no simple answer to such a complicate topic.
