The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed optimism that more private schools will signify their intent to hold limited face to face classes once the pilot implementation has been completed.
On Monday, Nov. 22, a total of 20 private schools were scheduled hold pilot face-to-face classes but only 18 pushed through after two schools deferred their participation due to adjustments in the academic calendar.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2021/11/22/18-out-20-chosen-private-schools-push-through-with-pilot-face-to-face-classes-on-nov-22/
During her visit to some participating private schools, Director for Curriculum and Development Jocelyn Andaya saw the preparation of the schools for pilot face-to-face classes.
Given this, she expressed confidence that more private schools nationwide will push through with limited face-to-face classes after the pilot implementation.
The pilot study of the implementation of limited face-to-face classes in low risk areas is scheduled for two months. The pilot face-to-face classes in 100 public schools started last week, Nov. 15, 2021 to Jan. 31, 2022.
Andaya explained that when it comes to the selection process, DepEd and the Department of Health (DOH) are using the same guidelines for both public and private schools.
Just like in public schools, Andaya said that private schools that will participate in the pilot run should pass the School Safety Assessment and Validation.
Before they are allowed to hold face-to-face classes, Andaya said that the schools need to get the permission of the local government units (LGUs).
As part of the guidelines based on the Joint Memorandum Circular of DepEd and DOH, Andaya said that the consent of parents should be secured first before the learners participate in the pilot run of face-to-face classes.
In an virtual briefing last week, Andaya explained that there are different considerations and prioritization among the nominated private schools for inclusion in the 20 schools for pilot run.
For instance, the school should be located in a different area of the region from the participating public schools such as if the public school is in a rural part, prioritize a private school in an urban part of the region.
Andaya also explained that the private schools that were prioritized were those that can accommodate more classes/sections and those that are walking distance from the learners’ and school personnel’s homes.
The schools prioritized to be included in the pilot run should also have high vaccinated rate among the school personnel and that those that cater to learners with special needs and Indigenous People (IP) learners --- among others.