Well, if you want to keep your job it's best to teach it as a theory, you might not want complaining parents either. I was taught this theory as a theory not so long ago. But I happen to believe that there is an intelligent designer and that life can adapt and overcome natural problems by changing over time. I don't see why there has to be one single option, why can't we have both? The school board just doesn't want to go into court trials and stuff again.

Absolutely teach that it is a theory, as are most things generally held to be true.

Here is a very useful hand out. http://www.fsteiger.com/theory.html

"As used in science, a theory is an explanation or model based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning, especially one that has been tested and confirmed as a general principle helping to explain and predict natural phenomena.

Any scientific theory must be based on a careful and rational examination of the facts. A clear distinction needs to be made between facts (things which can be observed and/or measured) and theories (explanations which correlate and interpret the facts.)"

Present this, the now famous open letter to the Kansas School board which wanted to teach Creationism alongside Evolution. http://www.venganza.org/about/open-letter/ while it is satire it really stabs to the heart of the issue.

In science, the word "theory" is highly revered. Perhaps you are going about this the wrong way, as it seems you are using the layman's definition of the word. Gravity is a scientific theory. The word "theory" is the highest level to which an initial hypothesis can rise! To teach anything scientific as absolute fact goes against the concept of science itself, which is to always be willing to re-evaluate absolutely everything should new information become available. You should be thrilled that the concept you personally believe in is valid enough to be called a "theory", and take pride in teaching it as such.

You can teach whatever you want.

Our education system is based around a hierarchy. There are senior teachers, department heads, vice principles, principles, superintendents, etc, etc, etc.

Who teaches the children? Who gets the job done? Well, it's the individual teacher, right?

Sure, school and board policies exist for a reason but when dealing with core values, in my mind that is up to the teacher. If you don't think that the parents of these students will agree with your views, ensure that you tell them beforehand what you're teaching and allow them to opt-out. It's not up to you what the students are exposed to, only the lessons that are available.

Give your students the option, tell EVERYONE what you're doing but I wouldn't stand down on this issue. Just ensure that there is a no penalty way for students to opt-out of your lessons about this subject if they want to.

Hey,@jazzlover

Sorry for a sad situation.....
You said 'disagree' that means you do not believe that as a theory.

If you do not believe that as a theory, how can you teach that as a theory? My suggestion is please teach them as your believe.Please do not try to to avoid it with strategy.BECAUSE: If I were a student of you,I would ask you politely that"Sir,do you believe that?If not, why you telling that as a theory to us?"

What will be your answer then?Do you thought about it?

I will tell you a story of "Nicolaus Copernicus". He was the first man who said that not earth sun is center of the universe.When he teach among students about center of universe,he said that "earth is the center" he said it from text book of then. Then a student asked him that "why you teach ourself about sun is the center,which is not believed by you? "

Then he could not answered anything, after that he left his job.Sorry because I unable to find any online resource about it.I found it in a Bengali.(Language of Bangladesh)

So WILL you repeat it? No, man just teach about which is in your mind.Because you can explain why you believe that.


I am student of high school and I respect your job very highly.I think teachers are only great person.So please make well justify your job title that is "Teacher". Don't play a role as a politician.

Teach it as a theory....

BUT

Before you do that, teach about the history of science and the scientific method. Explain about theories being tested and the need for evidence. Talk about "The Ether" and Phlogiston. Carry out experiments to show why neither of them exist although for years people thought they did (including scientists). Set the pupils challenges. Invent a set of theories yourself. Some valid some crazy (keeping fruit under a pyramid keeps it fresh, seat belts can save lives. Encourage them to apply that sort of thinking to EVERYTHING.

Then when you come to Evolution be perfectly honest with them. Explain that the school board requires you to teach it as a theory. And they should treat the theory in exactly the way that you described above. Present them with the evidence and you don't have to teach it as fact. Your young scientists will be able to draw their own conclusions without you having to tell them.

Your integrity, the school boards wishes, your pupils and your beliefs will all be satisfied.... Everyone is a winner.

As a student I would love to have a teacher who would give me insight on both theory and fact but ultimately leave it up to me decide. That way certain students who believe either side won't judge or dislike you because you feel strongly one way therefore that is the only way you will teach. You don't want half the class who feels the same as you to be the ones learning when the other half of the class feels the opposite and what you're saying isn't teaching them a thing. Being open minded in the classroom and being able to teach both sides will lead the students from both sides, to respect you and respect seems to be something teachers have to really fight to earn now days. You know what you believe in your heart but teaching is your job. :) Good luck!
An example I just thought of was in a religion class you may be a strong christian but you can't sit there, discussing buddism but continually saying Christians are best end of story.