HB 911 -- Standard Science Instruction

Sponsor:  Cooper (155)

This bill prescribes definitions for the teaching of standard
science in public elementary and secondary schools by
distinguishing the differences between scientific law, scientific
theory, and hypothesis and by requiring the equal treatment of
viewpoints in written and orally presented material.  The bill
prescribes seven major criteria for the presentation of
information in course materials and instruction.  Textbook
publishers must certify that their books meet the requirements of
the bill, and the Commissioner of Education must post a list of
suitable textbooks by January 1, 2006.  Textbooks purchased after
January 1, 2006, must meet the requirements of the bill; and all
textbooks in use after January 1, 2016, must meet the
requirements.  The commissioner is required to appoint a
committee of no fewer than five supporters of intelligent design
who are knowledgeable about science to develop supplemental
materials for interim use by September 1, 2005.  Willful neglect
of the requirements of the bill is cause for termination of a
teaching contract.  State-controlled testing must conform with
the bill, and a copy of the bill must be posted in each eighth
through twelfth grade public school classroom in which only
science is taught.

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:14 am