Evolution, Creationism, and the Battle to Control America's Classrooms

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Science & Nature, Science
Cover of the book Evolution, Creationism, and the Battle to Control America's Classrooms by Michael Berkman, Eric Plutzer, Cambridge University Press
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Author: Michael Berkman, Eric Plutzer ISBN: 9780511852510
Publisher: Cambridge University Press Publication: September 20, 2010
Imprint: Cambridge University Press Language: English
Author: Michael Berkman, Eric Plutzer
ISBN: 9780511852510
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication: September 20, 2010
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Language: English

Who should decide what children are taught in school? This question lies at the heart of the evolution-creation wars that have become a regular feature of the US political landscape. Ever since the 1925 Scopes 'monkey trial' many have argued that the people should decide by majority rule and through political institutions; others variously point to the federal courts, educational experts, or scientists as the ideal arbiter. Berkman and Plutzer illuminate who really controls the nation's classrooms. Based on their innovative survey of 926 high school biology teachers they show that the real power lies with individual educators who make critical decisions in their own classrooms. Broad teacher discretion sometimes leads to excellent instruction in evolution. But the authors also find evidence of strong creationist tendencies in America's public high schools. More generally, they find evidence of a systematic undermining of science and the scientific method in many classrooms.

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Who should decide what children are taught in school? This question lies at the heart of the evolution-creation wars that have become a regular feature of the US political landscape. Ever since the 1925 Scopes 'monkey trial' many have argued that the people should decide by majority rule and through political institutions; others variously point to the federal courts, educational experts, or scientists as the ideal arbiter. Berkman and Plutzer illuminate who really controls the nation's classrooms. Based on their innovative survey of 926 high school biology teachers they show that the real power lies with individual educators who make critical decisions in their own classrooms. Broad teacher discretion sometimes leads to excellent instruction in evolution. But the authors also find evidence of strong creationist tendencies in America's public high schools. More generally, they find evidence of a systematic undermining of science and the scientific method in many classrooms.

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