Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has raised concern over a wide gap between what science teachers studied in college and the subjects they are currently teaching, based on data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II).
According to the data, 98% of Physical Sciences teachers and 80% of Biological Sciences teachers in high school are teaching outside their field of specialization.
In Junior High School, 99% of Physical Sciences teachers and 47% of Science teachers also have academic backgrounds not aligned with their assigned subjects. In Senior High School, the mismatch remains high, affecting 98% of Physical Sciences teachers, 80% of Biological Sciences teachers, and 71% of Science teachers.
The issue also extends to lower grade levels, where at least 98% of Grades 4 to 6 teachers are handling subjects unrelated to their college majors.
Gatchalian is pushing for interventions such as stronger teacher training and remediation programs for struggling learners. He also pointed to Senate Bill No. 1899, which allows the Department of Education more flexibility in choosing the most effective teaching approach and has already been approved on third reading.
“Kung matibay ang Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math curriculum sa ating bansa, then we can create and develop more advanced technologies,” he said.IMT
