It's official. For the fifth time in eight years, new standards are in place for what your child should learn in science class.

The State Board of Education's vote came just before 5 pm Tuesday. The six to four decision reflects the board's conservative - moderate split.

In 2005, a conservative majority approved standards calling evolution a flawed theory and saying students should learn criticisms of it. A moderate majority took over last month, and, Tuesday, undid those changes.

Expecting that outcome didn't stop nearly a dozen people from addressing the Board at public comments Tuesday morning, hours before the vote. Those supporting the standards that introduced criticisms of evolution say it would put Kansas students ahead of the curve by increasing their knowledge. John Calvert of Lake Quivera told Board members removing the criticism fed students an answer that may or may not be right. Teaching criticism, he said, informed students so they could analyze the data and form their own opinions.

But others say it's about accepted scientific standards. Dennis Shepherd of Topeka questioned why students should learn a form of science that isn't how science is done.

Some opponents argued supporters of criticism were using is as a disguise for teaching religion. Presbyterian minister Douglas Phenix of Topeka asked not to have science and religious beliefs pitted against each other. He says he's been offended through the discussions at hearing he must not be a Christian if he supported teaching of evolution. He says it does not have to be a choice between the two.

The standards will be used to develop statewide science assessment tests students will take next year. Most school districts we've spoken to as this discussion dragged on say it did not change how evolution was taught in their classrooms.

For a look at the standards and the changes, go to "News Links" under the red banner on the 13 News home page.