Superintendent finalists weigh in on teaching controversy

The three finalists for the Sisters superintendent's job are visiting the district this month in the midst of a roiling controversy over the firing of part-time probationary teacher Kris Helphinstine.

The biology teacher was fired for departing from accepted curriculum and introducing creationist or "Intelligent Design" materials into his classroom.

All three candidates concur that Oregon Department of Education guidelines are specific as to what can and cannot be taught in biology classes.

The Oregon Department of Education reference handbook reads: "Schools may teach about explanations of life on earth, including religious ones (such as 'creationism'), in comparative religion or social studies classes. In science class, however, they may present only genuinely scientific critiques of, or evidence for, any explanations of life on earth, but not religious critiques (beliefs unverifiable by scientific methodology)."

All three superintendent candidates feel that checks need to be in place to assure that mishaps like the one that happened with Helphinstine do not occur.

Although the candidates concur that they do not have the necessary background to comment on the specific situation, each has input on how he or she would approach the teaching of evolution and creationism.

Elaine Drakulich, who is presently assistant superintendent of the North Clackamas School District in Milwaukie, Oregon, believes that by mandate Oregon schools must observe the policy of separation of church and state.

"One needs to be cautious that state law mandates are observed but respectful of those who may not completely agree with state law," Drakulich said.

Drakulich feels that supervision of new teachers is essential.

"Supervision of new teachers requires providing them with district adopted curriculum, strong teacher to teacher mentoring and administrative observation and feedback," said Drakulich.

Dennis Friedrich, who is currently the Superintendent of the Rainier School District, in Rainier, Washington, does not feel that creationism vs. evolution is the approach.

"I think a brief balanced description of what different philosophies say may be appropriate," he said.

Friedrich is firm that teaching adopted curriculum is the responsibility to all teachers. Relating to the situation that principal Bob Macauley and supervisor Glen Herron faced in dealing with Helphinstine, Friedrich said: "It is very difficult to monitor daily what staff say; however, it is an issue that should be dealt with up front."

Friedrich suggests an in-service "up front" that addresses teachers' obligations about the curriculum that will be taught. He feels this in-service should include the "potential fallout of failing to adhere."

Helphinstine was hired mid-year. Providing such in-service is more difficult in cases like Helphinstines's than for new hires who come on board at the beginning of the school year.

From finalist Andy Sommer's viewpoint, "the school district has an obligation to teach to state standards and to prepare students to succeed in the 21st century."

Sommer is currently principal of Wilsonville High School in Wilsonville.

"Evolution is an organizing principle in biology and crucial to the understanding of that subject. A district can and should respect religious beliefs, but it is responsible as a public school to teach established curriculum," Sommer said.

According to Sommer teacher supervision should be shared at both the district and building levels.

Supervision should be "done with the teachers, not to them," he said. "The supervision and support of teachers is an ongoing process that includes instructional planning, goal setting and the use of assessment data to improve student learning."