On May 28, 2009, the Texas State Senate rejected Don McLeroy as chairman of the State Board of Education. The Senate voted 19-11 to approve McLeroy, failing meet the 2/3 majority needed. The vote fell along party lines, with the 19 Republicans approving him and 11 of the 12 Democrats rejecting him (one Democrat abstained).

The disappointing performance of U.S. teenagers in math and science in recent years has sparked calls for a sweeping overhaul of science-based education in American schools. A summit on the issue, held in New York City this week, stressed that scientific literacy of youths is essential if the United States is to stay competitive in the global economy.

A coalition of 17 organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences, the American Institute of Physics, and the National Science Teachers Association, is calling on the scientific community to become more involved in the promotion of science education, including evolution.

University of California, Berkeley, Chancellor Robert J. Birgeneau, who has led an effort by leaders of some of the nation's premiere colleges and universities to back a federal bill that would strengthen K-12 math and science education, applauded the recent passage of the bill and expressed his optimism that it will be signed into law.