Amid calls to halt the implementation of its latest learning recovery initiative, the Department of Education (DepEd) stated on Tuesday, March 12, that it is currently collating feedback from the field regarding implementing Catch-Up Fridays.
DepEd Undersecretary and Spokesperson Michael Poa clarified in a Viber message that the agency has no plans to halt the program pending feedback from the field.
“After due consideration of the feedback and recommendations received, we will implement appropriate measures to continuously enhance the program and address the issues encountered,” Poa said.
Earlier on March 1, Poa announced that the DepEd Central Office had issued a memorandum encouraging teachers, teachers-in-charge, and principals to “provide feedback and recommendations” on the conduct of Catch-Up Fridays.
Catch-Up Fridays, as per DepEd, is a learning mechanism intended to strengthen foundational, social, and other relevant skills necessary to actualize the intent of the basic education curriculum.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/13/what-is-catch-up-fridays
DepEd started implementing the Catch-Up Fridays program nationwide on January 12 across elementary and secondary schools and community learning centers (CLCs).
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/12/happy-and-engaged-students-teachers-welcome-catch-up-fridays-dep-ed
The initiative, DepEd said, is integral to the national reading and mathematics programs, which are critical subprograms of the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP).
Through the program, DepEd hopes to enhance learners' knowledge and skills in and appreciation of reading, values, health, and peace education.
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Calls to suspend the program
Three months after its implementation, teachers’ groups continue to call for the suspension of the program, citing various concerns.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines and Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) urged DepEd to halt the implementation of Catch-Up Fridays because it will “not positively impact” children's education.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/7/suspend-catch-up-fridays-dep-ed-told
TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas said that since schools have already had class schedules since the beginning of School Year (SY) 2023-2024, the Catch-Up Fridays program only “disrupts” the regular teaching and learning process.
Moreover, based on the reports the group gathered, Basas said Catch-Up Fridays “may be the reason why many of the students choose not to attend Friday classes,” which, as a result, defeats the very purpose of the program.
ACT also noted that based on the reports from the field, an “increase in student absenteeism and tardiness on Fridays” was observed. This, the group added, poses “challenges for teachers” in achieving the objectives of the program.
Mounting concerns
Aside from the negative impact on students, the groups also cited other reasons to suspend the program.
TDC alleged that due to DepEd's “failure” to provide materials, the agency’s “no-collection policy” may have been violated as some school officials allegedly sell Catch-up Friday workbooks and other learning materials.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/1/dep-ed-probes-selling-of-materials-for-catch-up-fridays
Due to a “lack of preparation and uniform implementation,” TDC said Catch-Up Fridays have also been “causing confusion” in the field.
“Catch-Up Friday is not a necessity and therefore must be immediately suspended,” Basas said.
ACT has also been urging DepEd to halt the implementation of Catch-Up Fridays, noting that many teachers “bear the financial burden” of the program.
“Teachers had to procure books and photocopy reading materials from their own pockets,” ACT said. “Due to the lack or insufficiency of books or materials, teachers are forced to spend on photocopying reading materials,” the group added.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/4/should-dep-ed-halt-the-implementation-of-catch-up-fridays
Aside from the financial burden, ACT said that teachers also "bear the brunt of additional workload in preparation and implementation” of the program.
Stressing that intervention programs should be “tailored” to individual learners' needs, ACT said: “Catch-Up Fridays should be halted, and consultations should precede any further action.”
Recognizing that there are concerns regarding the implementation of the program, Poa said DepEd has also “created a dedicated email address” to get feedback on the implementation of Catch-Up Fridays.
“We are currently collating the responses received,” he added.
RELATED STORY:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/2/dep-ed-s-catch-up-fridays-not-optimal-for-learning-recovery