Critical Analysis of Evolution Removed from 10th-grade Science Standards
At its Feb. 14 meeting, the State Board of Education voted 11-4 to adopt a resolution that removes portions of a tenth grade benchmark as well as an indicator from Ohio's science standards. The resolution below removes a related model lesson plan and directs the Board's Achievement Committee to review this issue. We will keep you updated on any further developments.

RESOLUTION TO MODIFY OHIO'S SCIENCE STANDARDS AND MODEL CURRICULUM

RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Instruction be, and she hereby is, directed to take the following actions immediately:

1. Delete the model lesson plan, "Critical Analysis of Evolution," from the State-Board-approved curriculum and remove its availability from print sources, technology sources, and any other State Board of Education/Ohio Department of Education mechanism that makes it available for use.

2. Delete the following sentences from the Grade 10 Life Science Benchmark H: "Describe how scientists continue to investigate and critically analyze aspects of evolutionary theory. (The intent of this benchmark does not mandate the teaching or testing of intelligent design.)" and delete Indicator 23 in its entirety, and adjust all print sources, technology sources, and any other State Board of Education/Ohio Department of Education documents to reflect the removal.

3. The Achievement Committee of the State Board of Education is charged to consider whether the deleted model lesson, Benchmark H, and Indicator 23 should be replaced by a different model lesson, benchmark and indicator, and if so, to present any recommendation to the entire State Board for adoption.

4. Communicate the fact of the above actions to all public school superintendents and high school principals in Ohio.