Publisher's Synopsis
It is important that the staff within the school system provides cohesive leadership that allows for productivity. The hierarchy of the school system and how they respond has a major impact on how the students learn.When the staff functions with open communication, they are able to come up with solutions to issues such as the controversial teaching topic of evolution dilemma. Differentiating between a problem and solution is key. The hierarchy of a school begins with the principal, then the teachers, staff, secretary and teachers' aides, cafeteria workers and the custodians. The positions held within the school system can have an adverse effect on the school climate because some students treat adults differently based on the position those adults hold. Unfortunately there are adults who model this behavior for the students. The important factor is that according to the law in the state of Georgia, creationism can not be taught in a public school setting. To function well in a public school, these elements of a hierarchy in a school must exist to be respectful of all groups involved. Respect of staff will transpire to the students and trickle down. With so many other options of educational opportunities available to teach both creationism and evolution in an unbiased manner to students through private school or homeschool co ops, surely Ms. Samuels would be able to find a significant solution at some point. If she is unable to teach evolution due to her beliefs, she may be able to find employment at another institution that would allow her to teach what she believes. Students in public school are subject to frequent standardized testing. They must be taught the approved curriculum in order to be prepared to pass the required tests and move on to the next grade.
