Written by Don Byrd
Every year it seems, the Texas Board of Education is embroiled in some dispute over proposed changes to its textbooks. Typically, those seeking changes are not expert in the field, and are attempting to address a perceived slight in the curriculum to their conservative religious viewpoint.
Associated Press reports:
Among the changes approved Friday was a mandate that teachers or professors be given priority for serving on the textbook review panels for subjects in their areas of expertise. They also enable the board to appoint outside experts to check objections raised by review panels and ensure they are based on fact, not ideology.
“It won’t eliminate politics, but it will make it where it’s a more informed process,” said Thomas Ratliff, a Republican board member who pushed for the changes, which he said “force us to find qualified people, leave them alone, and let them do their jobs.”
This makes sense. Scientists should determine the science curriculum. History experts should review the history books.
