Science lessons to stir debate

New arguments have erupted on how to teach evolution in Louisiana public schools.

Last year lawmakers enacted a law to overhaul the way evolution and other controversial science topics are taught in middle and high schools.

Now the focus is the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, which is required by the new law to come up with guidelines for local school districts that seek assistance.

An advisory panel set up by the state Department of Education has recommended guidelines that won praise from opponents of the law.

Barbara Forrest, of Holden, a professor and co-founder of the LA Coalition for Science, said the rules would block any efforts to inject creationism or intelligent design under the guise of science.