Resolution on Non-Verified Science Curriculum Funding Exposed

The Resolution on Non-Verified Science Curriculum Funding was adopted by ALEC's Education Task Force at the States and Nation Policy Summit December 6, 2000, approved by the full ALEC Board of Directors in January, 2001. ALEC has attempted to distance itself from this piece of legislation after the launch of ALECexposed.org in 2011, but it has done nothing to get it repealed in the states where it previously pushed for it to be made into law.

CMD's Bill Summary

The "political" agenda targeted by this Resolution is unclear. It is also not clear how it squares with educational principles of academic freedom.

ALEC Bill Text

Summary

This resolution declares that all school students should have the right to study and learn from a curriculum based on sound scientific data and that text books should be written in language appropriate for education that is understandable and based on truth and fact. This resolution further declares that the federal and state governments stop appropriating funds for any educational programs and activities conducted by schools, universities and agencies that promote non-verified scientific findings. Resolution

WHEREAS, the people of this nation and of the state of {name of state} have become increasingly aware of the use of non-verified scientific information in text books and classroom curriculum in order to promote a particular point of view; and

WHEREAS, many text books and curriculum are designed to change students behavior, attitudes and values; and

WHEREAS, many text books and curriculum are including instruction in political action skills and are encouraging political action activities; and

WHEREAS, students should have the right to study and learn from a curriculum based on sound scientific data and that text books should be written in language appropriate for education that is understandable and based on replicable data; and

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the {name of legislative body} does hereby request/require the {State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education or existing or created curriculum review body} to comprehensively examine all educational programs and activities conducted by schools, universities and agencies, during a period of public notice and comment to determine if said programs are specifically designed to enhance the acquisition of knowledge and are based on scientific principles, concepts and facts that are presented in language appropriate for education and with clear and verifiable references and citations.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said educational programs and activities should provide instruction in critical thinking so that students will be able to objectively evaluate the information presented.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if the educational program or activity does not meet the above criteria, that the {name of state legislative body} urges the Congress of the United States and the federal government and the state of {name of state} to stop said program until such time as it does meet the above criteria.

Adopted by ALEC's Education Task Force at the States and Nation Policy Summit December 6, 2000.

Approved by full ALEC Board of Directors January, 2001.