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As the battle over evolution heats up again in Texas, science educators are presumably bracing themselves for more years in the wilderness.

At issue is language in the current state standards that requires students to examine the "strengths and weaknesses" of every scientific theory. Intelligent design advocates and their creationist kissing cousins are loath to see this language go, as it encourages skepticism about evolution. Science advocates, by contrast, would like to see these words dead and buried, because they see them as the thin end of the creationist wedge. 

As the evolution pendulum continues to swing back and forth, teachers will have to fend for themselves without consistent--or scientifically sound--guidance on how to survive in this uncertain environment.

Update: The Texas Board of education voted 8-7 to drop the "strengths and weaknesses" language from their state standards. The narrow margin of victory guarantees that the debate will continue to rage.