Teachers can now say 'evolution'

TAMPA - The word evolution has been taboo in Hillsborough County schools for years – teachers were not allowed to say the word. The subject of evolution has been taught, but it was something teachers had to approach very carefully.

All that is about to change. For the first time, teachers can say it, they are now being taught how to handle this controversial subject.

The word evolution appears in student's textbooks.

But when teachers get to that chapter, they say it's always been a juggling act -- how to teach evolution, without actually using the word.

Florida science teaching standards didn't allow the word "evolution" to be used.

Instead teachers had to say the phrase, "biological change over time."

But that's about to change.

"One of the things we can now discuss is human evolution. Which has been a very taboo topic in the past. Now as science teachers, we're excited," explained teacher Kristy Chiodo.

The Robinson High School science chair said they now have the permission and the authority to address the scientific theory.

The Board of Education recently voted to adopt new standards. It doesn't change how teachers teach the subject. But it gives them the right "wording" to do it.

Third-year biology teacher Rebecca Rouch believes it will benefit students.

"Knowledge can never hurt them. And even if they chose to believe something else. If they would like to debunk evolution, they have to know about it. So knowledge can never hurt them. Knowing about something can never hurt you. Ignorance can, hurt you."

Subjects that are not science, like creationism, will not be taught in schools.

Evolution has always been a controversial topic. The Board of Education members barely voted the new standards in, at a 4-3 vote.

But Florida science standards in the past received an F, both nationally and internationally. Many worried students would not be able to compete with fellow students from other states or around the world.

Many Hillsborough County science teachers are going through a four-day workshop. They're hearing topics such as "The Glorious History of Creationism in Florida" and going over the top 10 myths about teaching evolution.

They are also discussing how to handle students or parents who don't agree with the scientific theory of evolution.

Teri Locke, who has taught every science subject in Hillsborough Schools, said teachers should just stick to what they know.

"Teachers need to know as long as they stick with the standards, they're going to be safe. they're not going to have a conflict with society," Locke said.

Most are excited with the prospect. Knowing now, the subject they love, will be taught, they way they believe it should be.