Texas' process for deciding public school science curricula has been in the news lately, with the national spotlight on debates over the drafting of revised science standards by the State Board of Education. The final version of the standards, slated for a vote in March, will affect how evolution is presented in biology and earth science curricula for the next ten years. Panel members will comment on the how the political process is unfolding in Austin and what the stakes are for the economic future of Texas. The panel will also consider how science classes can be affected by the local demands of school district superintendents and parents, a reminder that struggles over curriculum and evolution occur at all levels in Texas. This panel explicitly focuses on politics and process, considering the sites of struggle and the stakes involved in decisions on the science curriculum. It will not engage in debate about the relative scientific merits of evolution vs. creationism/intelligent design.

Biography of Kathy Miller: http://tfnblog.wordpress.com/

Biography of William R. Brinkley: http://www.bcm.edu/star/?PMID=3002

Biography of Richard A. Perzan: http://www.conroeisd.net/schools/6.asp