Anticipating a very challenging school year ahead, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday, Oct. 3, assured that appropriate interventions will be in place to respond to the issues and problems that may be encountered on the first day of classes set to open next week.
Education Undersecretary Tonisito Umali, during the “Laging Handa” public briefing, gave updates on the preparations of the DepEd, schools, and teachers for the nationwide opening of classes in public schools on Monday, Oct. 5.
“When it comes to preparations, it would be the last-minute distribution of self-learning modules (SLMs) to the children whose parents failed to get their copies from the schools early on,” Umali said.
As part of its COVID-19 response, the DepEd has developed its Basic Education - Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP), which outlines how students are to be educated this school year in the absence of face-to-face classes.
Umali noted that distance/blended learning will be the major component of learning delivery this year. Lessons will be delivered through alternative learning modalities such as modular (printed or offline), online, and TV or radio-based instruction.
As part of its preparations for the school opening, Umali said the DepEd has conducted training and orientation for teachers and for parents to fully understand the new ways of learning.
Despite this, Umali noted that the DepEd is also anticipating challenges on the first day of classes “since this is the first time that we will be doing distance learning” on such a massive scale.
Possible challenges on the first day of classes, Umali said, may include issues in the distribution of SLMs, particularly to students who have yet to receive printed copies under modular learning and, issues on internet connectivity for those who are attending online classes. “We also anticipate that there are parents and learners who might have a hard time understanding the contents of the modules,” he added.
Despite this, Umali assures that appropriate interventions will be in place to address such concerns. He added that the Education department will be assisting both parents and teachers.
“If there are issues in module distribution, the DepEd will bring it to them,” Umali said. “We will be very flexible and if they will be having problems in their chosen modalities, they shift to other options.”