Texas Citizens for Science
Encyclopedia
Texas Citizens for Science (TCS) is a Midland
-based advocacy group
that works to protect the accuracy and reliability of science education
in Texas
. Its main activity is to oppose organized creationism
in Texas, especially at the Texas State Board of Education, Texas Education Agency
, Texas Legislature
, and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
.
TCS was formed in January 2003 as the successor to the Texas Council for Science Education that was active during 1980-1994.
Steven Schafersman
, the president of the organization, is a geologist and former university professor.
In 2003, TCS was involved in opposing the introduction of creationism in hearings conducted by the Texas State Board of Education on biology textbooks. Schafersman testified before the board.
In 2007-2008, TCS provided information to the public about the forced resignation of Christine Comer
from the Texas Education Agency and the attempt of the Institute for Creation Research
to win Texas certification to offer masters degrees in science education
.
Midland, Texas
Midland is a city in and the county seat of Midland County, Texas, United States, on the Southern Plains of the state's western area. A small portion of the city extends into Martin County. As of 2010, the population of Midland was 111,147. It is the principal city of the Midland, Texas...
-based advocacy group
Advocacy group
Advocacy groups use various forms of advocacy to influence public opinion and/or policy; they have played and continue to play an important part in the development of political and social systems...
that works to protect the accuracy and reliability of science education
Science education
Science education is the field concerned with sharing science content and process with individuals not traditionally considered part of the scientific community. The target individuals may be children, college students, or adults within the general public. The field of science education comprises...
in Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. Its main activity is to oppose organized creationism
Creationism
Creationism is the religious beliefthat humanity, life, the Earth, and the universe are the creation of a supernatural being, most often referring to the Abrahamic god. As science developed from the 18th century onwards, various views developed which aimed to reconcile science with the Genesis...
in Texas, especially at the Texas State Board of Education, Texas Education Agency
Texas Education Agency
The Texas Education Agency is a branch of the state government of Texas in the United States responsible for public education. The agency is headquartered in the William B...
, Texas Legislature
Texas Legislature
The Legislature of the state of Texas is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Texas. The legislature is a bicameral body composed of a 31-member Senate and a 150-member House of Representatives. The Legislature meets at the Capitol in Austin...
, and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is an agency of the Texas state government that oversees all public post-secondary education in Texas. It is headquartered at 1200 East Anderson Lane in Austin....
.
TCS was formed in January 2003 as the successor to the Texas Council for Science Education that was active during 1980-1994.
Steven Schafersman
Steven Schafersman
Steven Dale Schafersman is an American geologist and current President of Texas Citizens for Science, an advocacy group that opposes teaching creationism as science in the public schools. In addition, he is also known for his blog .-Biography:Schafersman holds a B.S. in Geology and Biology from...
, the president of the organization, is a geologist and former university professor.
In 2003, TCS was involved in opposing the introduction of creationism in hearings conducted by the Texas State Board of Education on biology textbooks. Schafersman testified before the board.
In 2007-2008, TCS provided information to the public about the forced resignation of Christine Comer
Christine Comer
Christine Castillo Comer is the former Director of Science in the curriculum division of the Texas Education Agency . Comer spent nine years as the Director of Science until she resigned on November 7, 2007...
from the Texas Education Agency and the attempt of the Institute for Creation Research
Institute for Creation Research
The Institute for Creation Research is a Christian institution in Dallas, Texas that specializes in education, research, and media promotion of Creation Science and Biblical creationism. The ICR adopts the Bible as an inerrant and literal documentary of scientific and historical fact as well as...
to win Texas certification to offer masters degrees in science education
Science education
Science education is the field concerned with sharing science content and process with individuals not traditionally considered part of the scientific community. The target individuals may be children, college students, or adults within the general public. The field of science education comprises...
.