The Orlando Sentinel has reported significant concerns regarding Florida’s proposed new academic standards for science, particularly concerning their treatment of evolution and climate change. Experts, including NCSE’s Deputy Director Glenn Branch, have criticized these standards for representing a regression in public education.
The proposed standards, released for public comment on September 25, 2026, aim to replace the existing standards from 2008. However, many educators and experts argue they downplay essential scientific concepts. Bertha Vazquez, a former science teacher, expressed disbelief at the need for revision, stating that the existing standards effectively covered evolution.
Critics highlight that the new standards omit crucial terminology regarding climate change, an ironic oversight given Florida’s vulnerability to its impacts. Branch criticized the proposed benchmarks as superficial and lacking depth, stating they resemble an outdated educational approach.
The standards also appear not to align with the National Research Council’s framework for K-12 science education, a departure from the majority of current state standards.
At online meetings, educators voiced their discontent. Comments included the assertion that evolution is fundamental to biology, and several teachers pointed out the disorganization of the comment process, which hindered effective review.
Only one more meeting for public input remains before the state board of education is set to vote on the proposed standards in December 2026. The situation reflects wider concerns about the direction of science education in Florida.
