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Here is the text of the bill summary.
Jack Cannon


http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/billinfo/BillSummaryArchive.aspx?BillNumber=SB0893&ga=107

SB 0893 by *Watson, Beavers, Johnson. (*HB 0368 by *Dunn, White, Hensley, 
Faison, Lollar, Evans, McCormick, Shipley, Weaver, Eldridge, Rich, Maggart, 
Carr, Alexander, Floyd, Miller D, Hill, Holt, Butt, Sparks, Powers, Cobb , 
Roach, Parkinson.)

Teachers, Principals and School Personnel - As introduced, protects a 
teacher from discipline for teaching scientific subjects in an objective 
manner. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 6, Part 10.

Fiscal Summary
NOT SIGNIFICANT

Bill Summary
This bill prohibits the state board of education and any public elementary 
or secondary school governing authority, director of schools, school system 
administrator, or principal or administrator from prohibiting any teacher in 
a public school system of this state from helping students understand, 
analyze, critique, and review in an objective manner the scientific 
strengths and scientific weaknesses of existing scientific theories covered 
in the course being taught, such as evolution and global warming. This bill 
also requires such persons and entities to endeavor to:

(1) Create an environment within public elementary and secondary schools 
that encourages students to explore scientific questions, learn about 
scientific evidence, develop critical thinking skills, and respond 
appropriately and respectfully to differences of opinion about controversial 
issues; and

(2) Assist teachers to find effective ways to present the science curriculum 
as it addresses scientific controversies.

ON MARCH 19, THE SENATE SUBSTITUTED HOUSE BILL 368 FOR SENATE BILL 893, 
ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1, AND PASSED HOUSE BILL 368, AS AMENDED.

AMENDMENT #1 clarifies that the bill would apply to scientific subjects and 
science courses "taught under the curriculum framework developed by the 
state board of education." This amendment requires the department of 
education to notify all directors of schools of the provisions of the bill 
by "the start of the 2012 - 2013 school term", instead of by "the start of 
the 2011 - 2012 school term".

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