Concern About Evolution As Kansas Helps Set National Science Standards

Kansas education officials are working with 25 other states to develop new science standards that could serve as a model for the rest of the country. 

But one conservative on the State Board of Education says he’s concerned the new standards will put too much emphasis on evolution.

Ken Willard, a Republican from Hutchinson, says he has heard from people around the country who are also skeptical of evolution.

“It’s much broader than  just a Kansas matter, and it’s broader than a national issue.  It’s something that affects all of us,” said Willard.

The project, known as the Next Generation Science Standards, has been underway for more than a year. A final draft of the proposed standards could be ready for the Board to vote on early next year.