[WITHDRAWN] Scientific Education Act

[The Saint James Islands]

Sadly, the repeal of GA#48 is passing by a large margin, so please don't grill me for posting this while the repeal vote is going on. This is my first resolution, so any and all constructive criticism is welcomed.

Scientific Education Act
Category: Education and Creativity | Area of Effect: Educational | Proposed by: The Saint James Islands

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The The World Assembly

RECOGNISING the value of a diverse education covering a multitude of disciplines;

CONVINCED that exposure to multiple viewpoints and ways of thinking fosters debate and encourages critical thinking and tolerance of cultural diversity;

MINDFUL that any scientific theory may be nullified at any time by additional research, doing so in a way by which no other societal institution operates;

BELIEVING that scientific literacy is a requirement for economic competitiveness in the modern world, as only with scientific literacy may individuals and organisations innovate and understand the way the world operates;

FULLY AWARE that scientific theories can be quite contentious in the eyes of the general public and are often perceived as a danger to religious tradition, despite most religions embracing scientific theories;

DEEPLY REGRETTING that, out of this hostility to scientific theory, many wish to undermine and stifle scientific education, whether through teaching mistruths or defunding the sciences;

HEREBY

1. DEFINES "state school" as any institution of learning that receives aid from the state, excluding institutions of higher learning specialising in law, business, trades or arts;

2. MANDATES the inclusion of peer-reviewed science in the curricula of state schools, funds for which shall be included in the national education budget and/or provided by foreign nations or private organisations willing to do as such;

3. CREATES the “Scientific Education Agency” (SEA) to review current scientific research, provide curriculum guidance and audit nations for compliance with this resolution;

4. REAFFIRMS the freedom of private schools to establish their own curricula that may or may not include science, subject to local law;

5. FURTHER MANDATES that peer-reviewed science be given at least the same amount of class time as religious theories when the two shall be presented as being in opposition to each other;

6. NOTES that nothing in this resolution shall be construed as to prohibit the teaching of religious views in public schools;

7. URGES nations to include religious diversity awareness courses in state school curricula;

8. CALLS UPON all schools to not take advantage of their influential position to indoctrinate young minds with any sort of religious or scientific belief and to allow and encourage rational and productive debate between opposing viewpoints.

EDIT: to change "science education" to "scientific education"; proposal renamed

[Slafstopia]

I think Scientific Education sounds better. Science Education sounds kind of weird to me. I dunno.

Slafsy, CHAMPION of extremely minor points.

[The Saint James Islands]

I think Scientific Education sounds better. Science Education sounds kind of weird to me. I dunno.

Slafsy, CHAMPION of extremely minor points.

Methinks you may be right. I'll save the change for a more substantive edit, since it would be merely cosmetic.

And yes, I'll say you're the champion of extremely minor points.

[Slafstopia]

Other than that, this looks good. It'll have my approval when you submit it, however long that takes, and I'd campaign for it if I wasn't lazy.

[Chinese Regions]

Pro.
Though at which age (pre university) should the sciences no longer be a requirement? 15, 16? Never?

[The Remean Lordship]

You should add something about science history being tied into this education. Nonetheless, I'll vote for that as soon it reaches the table.

[The Saint James Islands]

Pro.
Though at which age (pre university) should the sciences no longer be a requirement? 15, 16? Never?

I would lean towards through secondary school (maybe you might have an exemption for the last year), with basic courses during university. But at some point, the mandatory science classes would end.

You should add something about science history being tied into this education. Nonetheless, I'll vote for that as soon it reaches the table.

Not quite sure how to fit that in, but I would see no reason why a university wouldn't offer courses on the subject.

[Auralia]

Opposed (at least in its current form). As I have stated several times, the World Assembly should not be micromanaging the curricula of individual schools. It does not matter what any individual school teaches or doesn't teach, so long as every student receives a quality science education. The latter is what the World Assembly should be focusing on.

I also note that this proposal makes no exception for religious institutions of higher education, such as seminaries and religious colleges.

[Chinese Regions]

Pro.
Though at which age (pre university) should the sciences no longer be a requirement? 15, 16? Never?

I would lean towards through secondary school (maybe you might have an exemption for the last year), with basic courses during university. But at some point, the mandatory science classes would end.

You should add something about science history being tied into this education. Nonetheless, I'll vote for that as soon it reaches the table.

Not quite sure how to fit that in, but I would see no reason why a university wouldn't offer courses on the subject.

Last year? Wouldn't that be backtracking? Just keep it as it is then (at least nations like me who base their system on the British one), mandatory science throughout secondary school and make it optional at sixth form.
On a side note, should calculus be taught earlier?

[The Saint James Islands]

Opposed. As I have stated several times, the World Assembly should not be micromanaging the curricula of individual schools. It does not matter what any individual school teaches or doesn't teach, so long as every student receives a quality science education. The latter is what the World Assembly should be focusing on.

I also note that this proposal makes no exception for religious institutions of higher education, such as seminaries and religious colleges.

Note that the exemptions list was based on the list of schools where you deemed science courses to be irrelevant.

In addition, I would agree with you in part. I accept your premise that the WA should be concerned with guaranteeing quality education for all students. If this were a proposal on mathematics, I would be staunchly opposed. No reasonable country would go out of their way to sabotage maths education. However, science seems to be uniquely under attack. The threat religious fundamentalism poses to science education is very real, and it our duty to ensure that religious fundamentalism does not impose upon science classes.

Last year? Wouldn't that be backtracking? Just keep it as it is then (at least nations like me who base their system on the British one), mandatory science throughout secondary school and make it optional at sixth form.
On a side note, should calculus be taught earlier?

I would say that would be simpler, but we do have people on NS who were educated in the American system and who wouldn't know what sixth form is. This is the main reason why "state school" is explicitly defined in the resolution: to avoid the argument over the definition of "school" that plagued the debate of "Access to Science in Schools" and was used as an argument in Auralia's repeal. I'd say you could reasonably make science education mandatory throughout secondary school and optional at sixth form, as long as its a course option.

And I'd see mandating an earlier start to calculus lessons as a tad bit of a stretch. That would definitely be considered micromanagement, considering that maths education is (generally) not under attack anywhere in the world.

[Auralia]

Note that the exemptions list was based on the list of schools where you deemed science courses to be irrelevant.

That was not intended to be an exhaustive list.

In addition, I would agree with you in part. I accept your premise that the WA should be concerned with guaranteeing quality education for all students. If this were a proposal on mathematics, I would be staunchly opposed. No reasonable country would go out of their way to sabotage maths education. However, science seems to be uniquely under attack. The threat religious fundamentalism poses to science education is very real, and it our duty to ensure that religious fundamentalism does not impose upon science classes.

But can't you accomplish that goal without micromanaging specific educational institutions? Why can't you simply require that member nations provide a science education to each of their citizens, and let individual member nations handle the implementation of that mandate?

[The Saint James Islands]

But can't you accomplish that goal without micromanaging specific educational institutions? Why can't you simply require that member nations provide a science education to each of their citizens, and let individual member nations handle the implementation of that mandate?

The idea is not to micromanage. This proposal only deals with science. This proposal only mandates science education and imposes just one limited regulation upon religious education. If you wish to teach your children about religion and faith, there is nothing prohibiting it. If you wish to teach it alongside science, the only requirement is that science get at least equal time.

The point of this proposal is to encourage debate and critical thinking. It does not force one worldview on any nation. This proposal is fairly adamant about not limiting religious education and encouraging religious awareness. If you truly deem that scientific theories are nonsense after being exposed to them, I will respect that and your right to do that. But, a nation has a duty to provide its citizens with an opportunity to make those decisions themselves and with ample knowledge.

[Auralia]

But can't you accomplish that goal without micromanaging specific educational institutions? Why can't you simply require that member nations provide a science education to each of their citizens, and let individual member nations handle the implementation of that mandate?

The idea is not to micromanage. This proposal only deals with science. This proposal only mandates science education and imposes just one limited regulation upon religious education. If you wish to teach your children about religion and faith, there is nothing prohibiting it. If you wish to teach it alongside science, the only requirement is that science get at least equal time.

The point of this proposal is to encourage debate and critical thinking. It does not force one worldview on any nation. This proposal is fairly adamant about not limiting religious education and encouraging religious awareness. If you truly deem that scientific theories are nonsense after being exposed to them, I will respect that and your right to do that. But, a nation has a duty to provide its citizens with an opportunity to make those decisions themselves and with ample knowledge.

That doesn't really answer my question, though. Why are you choosing to address this issue on a per-school basis instead of a per-student basis? I mean, wouldn't the latter be more effective at accomplishing your aims, anyways? As it is, a nation with no publicly funded school system (and an extremely religious private school system) would be in compliance with this proposal.

[Discoveria]

Scientific Education Act
Category: Education and Creativity | Area of Effect: Educational | Proposed by: The Saint James Islands

---

The TheWorld Assembly

RECOGNISING the value of a diverse education covering a multitude of disciplines;

CONVINCED that exposure to multiple viewpoints and ways of thinking fosters debate and encourages critical thinking and tolerance of cultural diversity;

MINDFUL that any scientific theory may be nullified at any time by additional research, doing so in a way by which no other societal institution operates;

BELIEVING that scientific literacy is a requirement for economic competitiveness in the modern world, as only with scientific literacy may individuals and organisations innovate and understand the way the world operates;

FULLY AWARE that scientific theories can be quite contentious in the eyes of the general public and are often perceived as a danger to religious tradition, despite most religions embracing scientific theories;

DEEPLY REGRETTING that, out of this hostility to scientific theory, many wish to undermine and stifle scientific education, whether through teaching mistruths or defunding the sciences; I think you could shorten this preamble by about a third with some judicious editing. Your main points are (1) Diverse education is good (2) Science is necessary for economic reasons (3) religion is sometimes a threat to science.

HEREBY

1. DEFINES "state school" as any institution of learning that receives aid from the state, excluding institutions of higher learning specialising in law, business, trades or arts; Seems okay to me.

2. MANDATES the inclusion of peer-reviewed science in the curricula of state schools, funds for which shall be included in the national education budget and/or provided by foreign nations or private organisations willing to do as such;

3. CREATES the “Scientific Education Agency” (SEA) to review current scientific research, provide curriculum guidance and audit nations for compliance with this resolution; Why does SEA need to review current scientific research? No agency could possibly keep up with the vast multitudes of published papers each year. I would specify "for the purposes of ensuring educational material is relevant and up to date" somewhere.

4. REAFFIRMS the freedom of private schools to establish their own curricula that may or may not include science, subject to local law;

5. FURTHER MANDATES that peer-reviewed science be given at least the same amount of class time as religious theories when the two shall be presented as being in opposition to each other;

6. NOTES that nothing in this resolution shall be construed as to prohibit the teaching of religious views in public schools;

7. URGES nations to include religious diversity awareness courses in state school curricula;

8. CALLS UPON all schools to not take advantage of their influential position to indoctrinate young minds with any sort of religious or scientific belief and to allow and encourage rational and productive debate between opposing viewpoints. I would prefer a clearer operative term than "CALLS UPON". Is this mandatory or not?

I think if you're going to push for universal exposure to science, you should take Auralia's suggestion and mandate scientific education at the level of the student rather than the school. If you just want to prevent the state running all state schools as places for indoctrinating students, then this approach is fine.

[Chinese Regions]

Last year? Wouldn't that be backtracking? Just keep it as it is then (at least nations like me who base their system on the British one), mandatory science throughout secondary school and make it optional at sixth form.
On a side note, should calculus be taught earlier?

I would say that would be simpler, but we do have people on NS who were educated in the American system and who wouldn't know what sixth form is. This is the main reason why "state school" is explicitly defined in the resolution: to avoid the argument over the definition of "school" that plagued the debate of "Access to Science in Schools" and was used as an argument in Auralia's repeal. I'd say you could reasonably make science education mandatory throughout secondary school and optional at sixth form, as long as its a course option.

So make sure every student has at least have the option to learn the sciences?

[The Saint James Islands]

I would say that would be simpler, but we do have people on NS who were educated in the American system and who wouldn't know what sixth form is. This is the main reason why "state school" is explicitly defined in the resolution: to avoid the argument over the definition of "school" that plagued the debate of "Access to Science in Schools" and was used as an argument in Auralia's repeal. I'd say you could reasonably make science education mandatory throughout secondary school and optional at sixth form, as long as its a course option.

So make sure every student has at least have the option to learn the sciences?

Yes, I would have to say that students should at least have the option to learn the sciences.

The idea is not to micromanage. This proposal only deals with science. This proposal only mandates science education and imposes just one limited regulation upon religious education. If you wish to teach your children about religion and faith, there is nothing prohibiting it. If you wish to teach it alongside science, the only requirement is that science get at least equal time.

The point of this proposal is to encourage debate and critical thinking. It does not force one worldview on any nation. This proposal is fairly adamant about not limiting religious education and encouraging religious awareness. If you truly deem that scientific theories are nonsense after being exposed to them, I will respect that and your right to do that. But, a nation has a duty to provide its citizens with an opportunity to make those decisions themselves and with ample knowledge.

That doesn't really answer my question, though. Why are you choosing to address this issue on a per-school basis instead of a per-student basis? I mean, wouldn't the latter be more effective at accomplishing your aims, anyways? As it is, a nation with no publicly funded school system (and an extremely religious private school system) would be in compliance with this proposal.

I will consider changing the remit to per-student rather than per-school. I anticipated that an entirely privatised school system would not exactly be common; that at least some schools would receive some state funding. It was a question of making the coverage as wide as practicably possible.

[The Saint James Islands]

Scientific Education Act
Category: Education and Creativity | Area of Effect: Educational | Proposed by: The Saint James Islands

---

The TheWorld Assembly
Honest mistake; I'll fix that

RECOGNISING the value of a diverse education covering a multitude of disciplines;

CONVINCED that exposure to multiple viewpoints and ways of thinking fosters debate and encourages critical thinking and tolerance of cultural diversity;

MINDFUL that any scientific theory may be nullified at any time by additional research, doing so in a way by which no other societal institution operates;

BELIEVING that scientific literacy is a requirement for economic competitiveness in the modern world, as only with scientific literacy may individuals and organisations innovate and understand the way the world operates;

FULLY AWARE that scientific theories can be quite contentious in the eyes of the general public and are often perceived as a danger to religious tradition, despite most religions embracing scientific theories;

DEEPLY REGRETTING that, out of this hostility to scientific theory, many wish to undermine and stifle scientific education, whether through teaching mistruths or defunding the sciences; I think you could shorten this preamble by about a third with some judicious editing. Your main points are (1) Diverse education is good (2) Science is necessary for economic reasons (3) religion is sometimes a threat to science.
I'll go back and look this over to take out some of the redundant and useless parts.

HEREBY

1. DEFINES "state school" as any institution of learning that receives aid from the state, excluding institutions of higher learning specialising in law, business, trades or arts; Seems okay to me.
The definition will change slightly in response to comments from the Auralian ambassador, but it'll have the same practical effect.

2. MANDATES the inclusion of peer-reviewed science in the curricula of state schools, funds for which shall be included in the national education budget and/or provided by foreign nations or private organisations willing to do as such;

3. CREATES the “Scientific Education Agency” (SEA) to review current scientific research, provide curriculum guidance and audit nations for compliance with this resolution; Why does SEA need to review current scientific research? No agency could possibly keep up with the vast multitudes of published papers each year. I would specify "for the purposes of ensuring educational material is relevant and up to date" somewhere.
The idea was to have them check for research that could be included in scientific curricula. I'll either add the caveat or delete the review section.

4. REAFFIRMS the freedom of private schools to establish their own curricula that may or may not include science, subject to local law;

5. FURTHER MANDATES that peer-reviewed science be given at least the same amount of class time as religious theories when the two shall be presented as being in opposition to each other;

6. NOTES that nothing in this resolution shall be construed as to prohibit the teaching of religious views in public schools;

7. URGES nations to include religious diversity awareness courses in state school curricula;

8. CALLS UPON all schools to not take advantage of their influential position to indoctrinate young minds with any sort of religious or scientific belief and to allow and encourage rational and productive debate between opposing viewpoints. I would prefer a clearer operative term than "CALLS UPON". Is this mandatory or not?
I saw this as an add on to the rest of the resolution. I'd prefer it to mandatory, but this might get chucked.

I think if you're going to push for universal exposure to science, you should take Auralia's suggestion and mandate scientific education at the level of the student rather than the school. If you just want to prevent the state running all state schools as places for indoctrinating students, then this approach is fine.

That does bring up the question of how to approach the mandate; I'll see if I can rewrite this with an individual mandate, rather than a school mandate. Also, another version of "Access to Science in Schools" is up on the approvals floor. I'd like to see where that goes before I get much further involved with this.

[Legendardisch]

Auralia is a theological nation and should be avoided, we will fully support this proposal.

Auralias repeal was stupid and unnecesary.
if auralia does not stop, we will sanction them

[The Saint James Islands]

Auralia is a theological nation and should be avoided, we will fully support this proposal.

Auralias repeal was stupid and unnecesary.
if auralia does not stop, we go to war.

We Saint James Islanders thank Legendardisch for their support and realise that Auralia is a theocracy and we shall keep that in mind during this session. We Saint James Islanders would also like comment that it is poor form to declare war on the floor of the WA. I urge Legendardisch to withdraw its threat of war.

[Legendardisch]

We changed it to sanctions.



Auralias presence on WA Floor is however unwanted.

[Separatist Peoples]

We changed it to sanctions.



Auralias presence on WA Floor is however unwanted.

Well, shucks, son, aint that just a shame, because the Auralian delegates have just as much right to be here as you do. So swagger you're swagger sticks all you want, Generalissimo, it ain't working.

[Chinese Regions]

Is there enough of modern science in schools? That is most of it is Newtonian with only little mention on quantum physics.

[Legendardisch]

We changed it to sanctions.



Auralias presence on WA Floor is however unwanted.

Well, shucks, son, aint that just a shame, because the Auralian delegates have just as much right to be here as you do. So swagger you're swagger sticks all you want, Generalissimo, it ain't working.

That might be, but his logic is wrong, see the Repeal to acces to science act, and here he just confirms our feelings on him being a theocracy.

He repealed a good proposal for no reason.

[Auralia]

I will consider changing the remit to per-student rather than per-school.

Please do. As I posted in another thread, certain schools should have to teach science (in Auralia, those would include elementary and high schools). Certain schools shouldn't (in Auralia, those would include certain institutes of higher learning and schools intended to supplement certain aspects of primary and secondary education). Member nations should be allowed to determine which do and which don't, so long as the ultimate outcome is that every child receives a quality education in the sciences.

Also, another version of "Access to Science in Schools" is up on the approvals floor. I'd like to see where that goes before I get much further involved with this.

That proposal plagiarized the original resolution and my repeal. It won't be up on the approvals floor for long.

We Saint James Islanders thank Legendardisch for their support and realise that Auralia is a theocracy and we shall keep that in mind during this session.

Auralia is a federal constitutional ecclesiocracy and parliamentary democracy, not a theocracy.

[Separatist Peoples]

Well, shucks, son, aint that just a shame, because the Auralian delegates have just as much right to be here as you do. So swagger you're swagger sticks all you want, Generalissimo, it ain't working.

That might be, but his logic is wrong, see the Repeal to acces to science act, and here he just confirms our feelings on him being a theocracy.

He repealed a good proposal for no reason.

The democratic process clearly supported such a removal. Seems to me that the will of the people has again asserted itself. Are you unhappy about the system as a whole, or just when it doesn't go your way?