SC PIE - Feature Article

To perform the duties of a State Board of Education member is a tireless, thank-less position with very little compensation. We need to be in prayer for the State Board of Education members over the next few months as they face battles over science standards and health textbook adoption.

As noted in this edition and recent editions of Parents In Focus, the State Board will review and adopt revisions to the State’s science academic standards, which lack any mention of alternative theories to biological evolution and they will wrestle with the recommended adoption of health textbooks that Texas rejected last year for their questionable presentation of family, marriage and sex education. These very important issues will rest in the decisions made by the State Board of Education in their upcoming agendas.

SC PIE is encouraging parents and other concerned citizens to review the proposed health textbooks and make written comments to the State Department of Education Adoption Coordinator (see page 3). It is important that you send copies of your comments to each State Board member as well as the Coordinator. SC PIE also encourages your writing and calling State Board members verbalizing concerns for the lack of inclusion of the viable alternative theories to biological evolution in the proposed science academic standards. Also, both of these issues can and should be voiced to your State Representatives. Your representatives are responsible for appointing State Board of Education members. If your elected officials hear from enough constituents on this matter, they will influence the Board’s decisions.

The State Board of Education needs to have its membership reflect South Carolina’s citizenry on these and other important topics. Please review the State Board membership list (page 5) for appointment cycles and consider who from your county would be a good representative to be considered for appointment when a current term expires. Contact SC PIE for direction in making these recommendations.