Evolution At Issue Again In Textbook Debate

AUSTIN (AP) - Texas is bracing for another clash over how to teach evolution and climate change as the board of education approves new science textbooks.

A final public hearing on proposed books is Wednesday, with a vote by the board's 10 Republicans and five Democrats coming Thursday.

That will determine textbooks approved for use statewide for at least eight years, beginning September 2014. School districts are no longer required to use books approved by the board, but most still do.

For years -- including at an emotional September board meeting -- some religious conservatives have argued for deemphasizing lessons on evolution and climate change. Many see God's hand in the universe and argue evolution and global warming are only theories.

Experts, though, have warned the board not to let ideology trump facts.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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