A lawmaker has filed a bill establishing a ?Science Start Grant? program for organizations that have the ability to provide science-related training programs for pre-school teachers.
Marikina City Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro said House Bill 2483 directs the Department of Education (DepEd) to award grants to applicant-organizations that demonstrate the ability to provide teachers with training programs that involve hands-on activities similar to activities that are intended for students.
Teodoro said the training programs should be directed toward the teachers? use of age-appropriate science activities, in order to increase their students? basic interest in and familiarity with science.
“If our country is to be globally competitive in the 21st century, we need to be one of the best in the world in mathematics and science achievement. This will require a comprehensive, age-appropriate science program for students starting in preschool,” Teodoro said.
Teodoro said pre-schoolers need basic, age-appropriate science experiences in order to develop educationally at a normal rate.
However, the lawmaker said these children have very limited opportunities to be exposed to science activities as most pre-school teachers have little experience with simple science activities.
The measure, to be known as the “Science Start Grant Program Act,” gives priority to applicant-organizations who attract broad teacher participation, use experienced teachers as instructors and provide for periodic follow-up activities conducted, at minimum, during a 6-month period.
Likewise, the bill provides that organizations applying for grants should be able to provide the materials required by the activities intended for students, but not commonly found in classrooms, except that not more than 25 percent of the funds awarded for each fiscal year to any organization for a model program.
The sum necessary for the continuous operation of the program shall be included in the annual appropriation of the DepEd.
