In 2000, Lawrence Lerner and the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation reviewed state science standards in 49 states and the District
of Columbia, specifically with respect to the coverage of evolution. We repeat his survey for all current standards publicly
available as of May 2009 and discuss the history and role of state science standards in American public education. Our survey
indicates that science standards tend to cover evolution more extensively than they did a decade ago, and that the average
quality of the treatment has increased. However, certain types of creationist language are also becoming more common in state
standards. We also discuss the history and role of state science standards in American public education.
Keywords Science curriculum - States - Standards - Evolution