TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The teaching standards for Florida schools include the word "evolution" for the first time, under a decision Tuesday by the state school board.

The board approved the use of the term "scientific theory of evolution" in public schools science standards.

Previously, the term was couched by using phrases such as "change over time." The reaction in Tallahassee from those opposed and those for the change was fairly low key, Local 10 reported.

Adding the term "scientific theory" before the term "evolution" was a modified proposal at least one board member called a compromise, not standards proposed originally to the committee. The option to include "scientific theory" was made late last week. The amendment, which supporters refer to as the "academic freedom proposal," was unveiled late Friday.

Board member Roberto Martinez said that the revision had been made to "placate" people who disagreed with the standards.

Terry Kemple, the executive director of the Community Issues Council in Tampa, opposed adding the language "scientific theory" during public comments. In his group's opinion, he said, adding "scientific theory does not begin to even address the problems" with the standards, which were drafted over approximately the past year.

John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention, has been outspoken in his opposition of the proposal. Sullivan sent a letter to all members of the Board of Education on Feb. 17 on behalf of the Convention's State Board of Missions, which represents Florida Baptists.

He said the teaching of evolution in Florida's schools should include scientific criticisms of the controversial theory.

The state Board of Education agreed to adopt the new curriculum standards Tuesday by a narrow 4 to 3 vote.