By: Christian H.B. No. 4224
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the teaching of science in public schools.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 28, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 28.0027 to read as follows:
Sec. 28.0027. STUDY OF SCIENCE. (a) As part of the
essential knowledge and skills of the science curriculum under
Section 28.002(a)(1)(C), the State Board of Education by rule shall
establish elements relating to instruction on the scientific
hypotheses and theories for grades 6-12.
(b) Instructional elements for scientific processes: the
student uses critical thinking and scientific problem solving to
make informed decisions. The student is expected to analyze,
review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses
and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific
evidence and information;
(c) Students may be evaluated based upon their
understanding of course materials, but no student in any public
school or institution shall be penalized in any way because he or
she subscribes to a particular position on scientific theories or
hypotheses;
(d) No governmental entity shall prohibit any teacher in a
public school system of this state from helping students to
understand, analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations,
including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and
weaknesses using scientific evidence and information.
SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2009-2010
school year.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2009.