As the number of schools allowed to hold limited face-to-face classes gradually increases, the Department of Education (DepEd) has developed a Learning Recovery Plan Framework.

In a virtual press briefing on Friday, March 11, DepEd Assistant Secretary for Curriculum Instruction Alma Torio explained the need for the learning recovery plan as public and private schools go back to in-person learning amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Torio explained that the priorities and action steps include expanding the implementation of limited face-to-face classes, identifying learning gaps, and profiling and clustering learners based on learning needs.

Among the strategies to address learning gaps and accelerate learning, Torio said, is extending the school calendar and expanding learning time.

Torio said that DepEd is also eyeing the establishment of a Learning Support Center in Schools and Community-Based learning Spaces and conducting summer learning remediation and intervention programs.

As part of the learning recovery plan, Torio said that hiring additional Learning Support Aides (LSAs) will also be considered.

Torio said that DepEd also plans to intensify the implementation of reading intervention programs and to develop appropriate assessment tools.

Developing learning remediation and intervention resources and conducting regular home visitations and follow-ups are also being eyed as part of the learning recovery plan.

Torio explained that physical and virtual groups or “buddy systems” may also be implemented.

Moreover, DepEd may also tap the services of parent or guardian teacher-volunteers and establish literacy at home and in the community.

Meanwhile, Torio stressed that the “health, safety, and wellness” of learners will also be part of the learning recovery plan framework.

Torio said that the plan will also focus on social, emotional, and behavioral recovery. Thus, DepEd’s flagship health program “Oplan Kalusugan” will also be strengthened.

As part of the recovery plan, Torio said that child protection and child online protection will be taken into consideration.

DepEd, Torio said, will also establish helplines or health lines for learners and other stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Torio said that professional development programs for teachers are also part of the recovery plan.

In particular, Torio explained that there will be physical and online learning action cell sessions.

There will also be “adaptive teaching strategies and classroom assessments” as well as a “pedagogical shift from the traditional approach to tailored acceleration.”

NOW: Torio discusses the learning recovery plan of @DepEd_PH @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/6eJvtjXcFn

— Merlina Hernando-Malipot (@MB_InaHernando) March 11, 2022

Torio explained that Phase 1 of the learning recovery plan framework will start in Summer 2022 where the immediate and short-term strategies or interventions may be implemented.

Phase 2 is being eyed in SY 2022-2023 wherein DepEd will build on learning or plan on longer-term improvements.

Phase 3 will be implemented in SY 2023-2024 and beyond wherein DepEd will “accelerate and innovate for long-term sustainable improvement.”