By Marilyn Stewart, NOBTS Communications NEW ORLEANS -- The state committee charged with writing new science standards for Louisiana schools has moved forward without the small edits lobbied for by Louisiana College biologist Wade Warren. Declined were edits no larger than two-word additions reflecting science information currently included in many textbooks such as the sudden appearance of body forms in the fossil record known as the “Cambrian Explosion.” The sudden appearance of fossil forms is viewed by some as problematic for the Darwinian idea of gradual change over large periods of time. “I think it was very clear there were no content answers for my content questions,” Warren said. “So, in that sense, it’s very disappointing, but not surprising.” Content standards, outlined in state law, are statements that define what a student should know or be able to accomplish at the end of a specific time period, grade level or at the completion of a course. A larger 86-member state committee convened as “work groups” throughout last fall to propose new set of standards to the 39-member Science Standards Review Committee, of which Warren is a member. The review committee met in New Orleans, Feb. 13., in a public … [Read more...]

By Message Staff College students, retirees and church staff members are coming together to minister to those affected by tornadoes that devastated parts of Louisiana Feb. 7. Members of the Louisiana State University Baptist Collegiate Ministry teamed up with a church from Wyoming to work on three homes heavily damaged from the powerful storms in New Orleans East. Like previous disasters such as the August 2016 flood, the students stepped up again to help a hurting community. “This was another good reminder of how thankful I am for Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and BCM students,” said Sarah Farley, associate director for the BCM at LSU. “BCM students had the desire to help and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief provides the means to do so. The need is great here in south Louisiana both in New Orleans and still in Baton Rouge.” The disaster hit home for Ari Saravia, a sophomore at LSU. Her family’s home in Millerville took in 3 feet of water and when the opportunity to give back to someone in similar need was available, she signed up to help. “Being able give back today was fulfilling to say the least,” she said. “Hearing descriptions of the tornado, empathizing, picking up debris, tarping a roof, sharing a meal, … [Read more...]