Buttars is investigating an intelligent-design requirement in Utah schools because he says parents have complained children are taught that they evolved from apes. Buttars, however, says evolution is a theory that shouldn't be taught in schools as fact.

Evolution of species is central to Utah's high school biology core curriculum. While the curriculum doesn't single out human evolution, and teachers' lessons may vary on the subject, Moulding has noted humans are classified within the animal kingdom.

Buttars says that if schools can teach that theory to students, then they should also teach intelligent design. He says intelligent design could be taught in philosophy or another required class outside of science.

He brought that idea to the State Office of Education in recent weeks.

The office, however, doesn't want to add intelligent design to its curricula, Moulding has said.

The Utah Board of Education will weigh next week a position statement on the matter, as requested six months ago by board chairman and National Association of State Boards of Education President Kim Burningham after watching the issue play out nationally.

The statement likely will support the current curriculum and include language on teacher sensitivity to student beliefs, Moulding has said.

Buttars plans to address the board on his stand. If he cannot reach a compromise, he says legislation will follow.

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