Bill seeks to allow science grads to teach in elem, HS

Department of Education (DepEd) secretary Armin Luistro has expressed his agency’s support for a proposed law in Congress seeking to allow graduates in science courses to teach science and mathematics in elementary and secondary schools. This is according to Rep. Angelo B. Palmones of Agham Party-List who said that House Bill No. 3479 or “An Act Allowing Graduates in Science, Mathematics, Statistics and Engineering Courses to Teach Science and Mathematics at the Elementary and Secondary Levels of 2010" will address the lack of qualified teachers in science and math, especially in public schools. In addition to the provisions of the bill, Luistro also said that the DepEd will develop a training program for the science graduates through a program which DepEd will develop should the new science graduates opt to become full-time teachers. “At present, teacher education institutions are not producing enough supply of teachers with specialization in these subjects. This is not an isolated case though because even developed countries in the US and Europe experience the shortage of qualified science and math teachers," Palmones said. He added that migration of qualified teachers to other countries with higher paying jobs worsens the situation. Palmones explained, however, that the science graduates need to acquire 18 units of professional education under a scholarship grant or undergo training which will be developed by DepEd to qualify for the licensure examination within two years of being hired. — Newsbytes.ph