DepEd highlighted that attaining an ideal ratio of 35 students per classroom continues to pose challenges for numerous schools, especially those located in densely urbanized regions.
Although double and triple shifts have been implemented, DepEd has pointed out that many schools facing high congestion continue to grapple with significant class sizes.
Within these highly congested schools, DepEd noted that class sizes can reach a teacher-to-student ratio as high as 1:60.
DepEd anticipates 'reduced' class hours, shifting schedules in highly congested schools
Aug 24, 2023 11:32 AM
At a glance
Public schools facing high enrollment numbers are expected to implement double or triple shifts and reduced class hours in the upcoming school year, an official from the Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Thursday, Aug. 24.
In an interview with DZBB, DepEd Assistant Secretary and Deputy Spokesperson Francis Cesar Bringas, emphasized that the persistent challenge of achieving an ideal ratio of 35 students per classroom continues to affect many schools, particularly those situated in highly urbanized areas.
“Mahirap talaga natin i-meet yung ideal na iyan (Meeting that ideal is really challenging for us),” Bringas said.
“Definitely, iyan yung hindi natin mami-meet na ideal na ratio for specific grade levels kasi iba-iba yung ideal ratio natin for specific grade levels (Definitely, we won't be able to meet the ideal ratio for specific grade levels because we have different ideal ratios for specific grade levels),” he added.
While the national average data presents positive figures, Bringas highlighted that the actual classroom statistics differ significantly.
In highly urbanized regions, for example, Bringas pointed out that class sizes can reach a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:60.
Despite the implementation of double and triple shifts, he noted that schools grappling with high congestion still experience substantial class sizes.
“Sa highly urbanized areas with high congestion of enrollment kaya kailangan talaga mag-adopt sila [schools] ng shifting (In highly urbanized areas with high enrollment congestion, they [schools] really need to adopt shifting schedules),” Bringas said.
Although shifting schedules allow schools to accommodate all enrolled students, Bringas also indicated that reduced class hours will be anticipated.
In schools employing three shifts, the class hours may potentially be shortened to 4 to 4.5 hours per shift.
Consequently, students in these institutions will have fewer instructional hours compared to those attending schools with single or double shifts.
Meeting with the Senate Committee on Basic Education on Aug. 23, DepEd disclosed that there is a shortage of classrooms in public schools, with the deficit reaching 159,000.
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