NOV.

11, 2013

NR # 3284B

Solon pushes for creation of a science start grant program

A lawmaker has filed a bill establishing the Science Start Grant Program for organizations that have the ability to provide science-related training programs for pre-school teachers. Rep. Marcelino Marcy! "eodoro #$st %istrict& Marikina 'ity( said )o*se +ill ,-./ directs the %epartment of 0d*cation #%ep0d( to award grants to applicant-organizations that demonstrate the ability to provide teachers with training programs that involve hands-on activities similar to activities that are intended for st*dents. "eodoro said these training programs sho*ld be directed toward the teachers1 *se of ageappropriate science activities& in order to increase their st*dents1 basic interest in and familiarity with science. 2f o*r co*ntry is to be globally competitive in the ,$ st cent*ry& we need to be one of the best in the world in mathematics and science achievement. "his will re3*ire a comprehensive& ageappropriate science program for st*dents starting in preschool&! "eodoro said. 2n filing the bill& "eodoro cited the policy of the State establishing and s*pporting a complete& ade3*ate and integrated system of ed*cation relevant to the needs of the people and society. "eodoro said Article $-& Section $4 of the 'onstit*tion states that science and technology are essential for national development and progress. "he State shall give priority to science and technology ed*cation& training and services&! he added. All st*dents sho*ld have a basic e5pos*re to science activities& in order to attain o*r goal of becoming one of the best in the world in mathematics and science achievement&! "eodoro stressed. "eodoro said pre-schoolers need basic& age-appropriate science e5periences in order to develop ed*cationally at a normal rate. )owever& the lawmaker said these children have very limited opport*nities to be e5posed to science activities& as most pre-school teachers have little e5perience with simple science activities. "he meas*re& to be known as the Science Start Grant Program Act&! gives priority to applicant-organizations who attract broad teacher participation& *se e5perienced teachers as instr*ctors and provide for periodic follow-*p activities cond*cted& at minim*m& d*ring a 6-month period. 7ikewise& the bill provides that organizations applying for grants sho*ld be able to provide the materials re3*ired by the activities intended for st*dents& b*t not commonly fo*nd in classrooms& e5cept that not more than ,8 percent of the f*nds awarded for each fiscal year to any organization for a model program. "he s*m necessary for the contin*o*s operation of the program shall be incl*ded in the ann*al appropriation of the %ep0d. #/4( lvc