Florida Science Standards Face Criticism for Downplaying Evolution and Climate Change
Experts argue proposed K-12 benchmarks ignore key scientific concepts, sparking debate over public education quality in the state.
Florida’s Department of Education has released proposed new academic standards for science instruction, drawing sharp criticism from experts who argue the benchmarks downplay evolution and ignore "climate change." The proposal outlines what students in kindergarten through 12th grade should learn, aiming to create lessons that are "content-rich" while ignoring "trendy themes" and "adult ideological contests," according to a press release. However, reviewers state these changes represent a step backward for public education by removing key scientific concepts.
Expert Concerns Over Scientific Accuracy
Bertha Vazquez, director of the Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science and former middle school science teacher, stated that Florida is "moving backwards" with the new plan. She noted that the current standards were adopted in 2008 after a statewide fight over evolution, resulting in benchmarks that declared it one of biology's fundamental concepts supported by evidence. In contrast, the proposed high school life sciences standards barely mention evolution and do not define the term.
David Griffith, national research director for the Fordham Institute, described the omission as disappointing. He warned that failing to specifically mention evolutionary theory could prevent teachers from including it in lessons, potentially leaving students ill-equipped for college. Vazquez added that students might progress through K-12 without ever hearing about evolution, calling such an outcome "unconscionable." Regarding climate science, the new standards refer to "anthropogenic activities" affecting Earth's systems but ignore human-made climate change, a point highlighted by Glenn Branch of the National Center for Science Education.
Department Response and Public Input
An unnamed Department of Education spokesperson insisted that Florida still intends for students to learn about evolution and "climate science." The department stated it is not removing these areas but includes topics such as evidence for common ancestry. Despite this defense, critics argue the removal of specific terminology undermines scientific literacy in a state vulnerable to climate effects, more context in UN Report Warns Global Climate Threshold Will Be Overshot Despite Urgent Action.
Education Commissioner Henry Mack defended the proposal in a statement, emphasizing that science should begin with wonder rather than ideology. He described the standards as an opportunity to restore science as a discipline focused on observation and evidence. The education department is currently conducting a "science standards listening tour" to gather public comment. Following a session at a high school in Hillsborough County, officials will hold another virtual hearing before meeting again in Walton County.
