PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - In a story Jan. 27 about concerns over legislation that could bring nonscientific theories into science classes in South Dakota, The Associated Press erroneously reported that Anne Lewis was a spokeswoman for the South Dakota Discovery Center in Pierre. Lewis is the center’s special projects director, and she spoke on her own behalf, not on behalf of the center.
A corrected version of the story is below:
South Dakota lawmakers approve scientific bill
South Dakota parents and educators are concerned that an approved bill could bring nonscientific theories into science classes
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota parents and educators are concerned that a bill approved this week could bring nonscientific theories into science classes.
State lawmakers approved a bill on Wednesday that would “protect the teaching of certain scientific information in classrooms,” the Argus Leader (https://argusne.ws/2kaQiwE ) reported.
Rachelle Smith, a parent of two children, said she fears her second-grade daughter will not learn the subject properly.
“Really, what we’re doing is robbing our kids of education,” Smith said.
Those in favor of the bill cite the importance of showing the “strengths and weaknesses” of scientific theories. But others noted that such terms can be problematic.
Anne Lewis is special projects director at the South Dakota Discovery Center in Pierre. Speaking on her own behalf, she said scientists use the terms “probability and uncertainty” when discussing theories, not the terms “strengths and weaknesses.”
“’Weakness’ says, ’Hey, this looks like it’s wrong,’” said Lewis, who also testified against the legislation in Pierre on her own behalf. She noted that the term “uncertainty” calls for further investigation.
“It appears as though this opens the door for whatever you want,” said Jarod Larson, superintendent of the Brandon Valley School District. “Versus the framework and the standards that are provided for our teachers.”
The state senate voted 23-12 to move forward with the bill, despite opposing testimonies from public school groups.
Republican Sen. Jeff Monroe, who has sponsored the bill, has proposed similar statutes annually since 2014.
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