Requiring Peer Reviewed Science in the Science Classroom: New Legislation in Massachusetts

As a science teacher at Curry College in Massachusetts, Abby Hafer is a staunch advocate of teaching peer-reviewed, scientifically accurate content in her college classes. In an effort to protect science education in the state, Hafer recently worked with legislator Kenneth Gordon to draft a bill that adds language to existing curriculum standards that seeks to limit science instruction in Massachusetts to age-appropriate, peer-reviewed scientific fact. In addition to combating academic freedom legislation recently passed in Tennessee (2012) and Louisiana (2008), Hafer hopes this bill will also provide model legislation that protects science education, science teachers and students of science across the nation. Hafer joins Lab Out Loud this week to discuss the bill and its potential impact, while describing how she worked with her legislator to impact science education through politics. Show notes at: https://laboutloud.com/2019/09/episode-210-requiring-peer-reviewed-science/