What will Texas children learn about climate change, evolution?
What will Texas children learn about climate change, evolution? The Dallas Morning News
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What Texas children will learn about climate change and evolution
The State Board of Education is meeting this week in Austin to discuss proposed science textbooks. They will take public testimony before an expected vote on Friday.
Conservative groups and politicians
- Conservative groups and politicians are attacking the books for how they address evolution and climate change.
- Public education advocacy groups are concerned political interference will derail students’ access to accurate science lessons with high-stakes.
Historical context
These fights are not new in Texas, instead rearing whenever state officials choose new instructional materials. The SBOE decides which textbooks will be on the state’s adoption list; local districts can then decide which materials to use with their students.
Evolution proponents, critics clash at Texas school board’s textbook hearing
Texas Values’ perspective
- Texas Values, a religious advocacy organization, is urging people to speak out against classroom materials that emphasize evolution.
- The group believes creationism should be “given just as much attention as the theories of Evolution, and the Big Bang Theory.”
Railroad Commissioner’s letter
Earlier this month, Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian sent a letter to the SBOE saying the Texas textbooks don’t need a “woke environmentalist agenda.”
His letter encouraged the board members to choose materials that promote the importance of fossil fuels and reject the promotion of green energy. The railroad commission has primary regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and natural gas industry.
Evaluation of proposed textbooks
An analysis from the Texas Freedom Network Education Fund and the National Center for Science Education found that almost all proposed textbooks met state’s standards.
Reviewers’ recommendations
- The reviewers wanted to see additional information about the reality of human activity behind present climate change.
- They also wanted more information about the seriousness of the problem, ways to mitigate the consequences, and strategies for students to identify disinformation on the topic.
The DMN Education Lab deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas.
The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative, with support from Bobby and Lottye Lyle, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Garrett and Cecilia Boone, The Meadows Foundation, The Murrell Foundation, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University, Sydney Smith Hicks and the University of Texas at Dallas. The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Lab’s journalism.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the State Board of Education’s meeting to discuss proposed science textbooks, which directly relates to SDG 4 – Quality Education. The article also mentions the debate surrounding how the textbooks address evolution and climate change, which connects to SDG 13 – Climate Action.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
- SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
The article highlights the importance of accurate science lessons and the need for students to have access to information on climate change and evolution. This aligns with SDG 4.7, which aims to ensure that learners acquire knowledge and skills related to sustainable development. Additionally, the article mentions the need for students to understand the reality of human activity behind climate change, which relates to SDG 13.3.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 4.7: Proportion of schools with curriculum content on climate change and sustainable development (implied)
- Indicator for SDG 13.3: Proportion of individuals who have undergone training on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning (not mentioned in the article)
The article does not explicitly mention indicators for measuring progress towards the identified targets. However, it implies the need for curriculum content on climate change and sustainable development in schools, which can be used as an indicator for SDG 4.7. The article does not mention any indicators for SDG 13.3, but a potential indicator could be the proportion of individuals who have undergone training on climate change-related topics.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles. | Proportion of schools with curriculum content on climate change and sustainable development (implied) |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. | Proportion of individuals who have undergone training on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning (not mentioned in the article) |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: dallasnews.com
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