To guide schools in addressing learning gaps due to pandemic-related disruptions, the Department of Education (DepEd) is developing a learning recovery plan framework.
“As more schools open their doors for physical learning, the Department is currently crafting a learning recovery program as part of our post-pandemic efforts,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.
DepEd is currently implementing the progressive expansion of face-to-face classes. However, Briones underscored the need to “ensure that our interventions are effective so that everyone can catch up and accelerate their learning.”
Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Instruction Alma Torio explained that the proposed policy is anchored on learning remediation and intervention, professional development, health, safety, and wellness.
Torio said that the policy aims to address learning gaps among students and help accelerate their learning.
Among the strategies to address these gaps include extending the school calendar, expanding learning time, establishing a learning support center in schools and community-based learning spaces, conducting summer learning remediation and intervention programs, and hiring additional learning support aides.
DepEd also plans to intensify its reading interventions, conduct regular home visits and follow-ups, implement physical and virtual study groups/buddy systems, establish literacy at home and in the community, tap the services of parent or guardian teacher-volunteers, and develop appropriate assessment tasks and resources.
Likewise, Torio explained that physical and online learning action cell sessions, adaptive teaching strategies and classroom assessments, and a shift from the traditional approach to tailored acceleration are also being eyed for the professional development of teachers.
“Under this concept, we would like to address the socio-emotional and behavioral recovery of learners,” Torio said.
“We will strengthen the Oplan Kalusugan and focus on child protection/child online protection, and establishment of helplines/ health lines,” she added.
Torio said that Phase 1 of the implementation is set to begin this Summer 2022, where immediate and short-term strategies/interventions will be conducted.
Phase 2, which covers the building on learning and longer-term improvements, will be implemented in SY 2022-2023.
Phase 3 will be on SY 2023-2024 and beyond --- where long-term sustainable improvements will be accelerated and innovated.
Given this, DepEd expressed optimism that teachers, parents, local government units, and stakeholders will continue to support the agency’s efforts to ensure the Filipino youth’s learning continuity.