Purpose and Scope of Educational Field Trips
- Field trips are intended to supplement classroom instruction.
- Suitable destinations include places of cultural, historical, scientific interest such as national and local museums, science centers, planetariums, zoological or botanical gardens, historical sites, shrines, and technological or scientific firms.
Inclusivity and Assessment Policy
- Recognizes that some students, especially from poor families, may not afford the costs and thus might be unable to join.
- Teachers should avoid conducting tests based solely on field trip content.
- If tests are based on field trips, students who did not participate must not be penalized.
- Alternative assessments like special tests or assignments should be provided for students who did not join the trip.
Funding and Cost Mitigation Measures
- School heads encouraged to seek external funding sources (local government units, civic organizations, PTCA) to subsidize costs.
- Efforts should be made to arrange group or student discounts to lessen the financial burden on students.
Parental Consent Requirement
- Organizers must secure parental consent for students’ participation since the children remain under school supervision during the trip.
Prohibition of Profit-Making from Field Trips
- Educational field trips must not be used as a means to generate income for the school or organizing officials/teachers.
- Students should only be charged for actual costs incurred such as transportation, entrance fees, and related expenses.
Directive on Dissemination
- The policy clarification is mandated for immediate and wide dissemination to ensure compliance and understanding among public schools.