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CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The Senate Education Committee has approved legislation that would allow the state to consider adopting all or part of the Next Generation Science Standards.
The committee voted 5-0 on Monday to advance House Bill 23 and send it to the Senate floor. The bill has already passed the House.
The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports the proposal would repeal a provision attached to last year's budget bill that prohibits the state Board of Education from spending money to study or debate the K-12 science standards.
The standards are a popular educational framework created by national science groups and representatives from 26 states.
Lawmakers added the provision last year amid concerns over how the standards treat climate change and evolution.
Education leaders and groups, including the state Board of Education, support the repeal.
"We want the best science standards for kids, regardless of whoever develops them or wherever they come from," said Paige Fenton-Hughes, the state Board of Education coordinator.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow said a review process being developed by the Wyoming Department of Education will ensure that Next Generation Science Standards, as well as any alternatives, receive adequate public debate.
The proposal must pass three readings in the Senate before it can go to Gov. Matt Mead for his consideration.
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Information from: Wyoming Tribune Eagle, http://www.wyomingnews.com
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