The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to implement a learning recovery initiative focused on literacy and numeracy, according to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).
In a statement, EDCOM 2 noted that on August 29, the House Committee on Basic Education adopted House Resolution 1805, calling on DepEd to “suspend its regular academic program in favor of an eight to twelve-week literacy and numeracy recovery initiative.”
Reiterating the purpose of the House Resolution, Basic Education and Culture Chairperson Representative Roman Romulo emphasized that the resolution is aimed at enhancing the quality of education.
“This is why the resolution asks for the suspension of the regular academic program,” Romulo, who also serves as an EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson, said.
Romulo pointed out that several programs are being implemented by DepEd, such as the National Learning Camps and Catch-Up Fridays, among others.
“Lahat yan hindi talaga effective, kaya ang sinasabi namin, itigil na muna natin (All of that isn't really effective, that’s why we’re saying, let’s stop it for now),” Romulo said. “Let’s put a halt to the regular programming,” he added.
Learning recovery initiative
On the part of DepEd, Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching Gina Gonong presented the department’s plan, which includes a special science program alongside a targeted literacy and numeracy curriculum for 1.6 million learners from Grades 7 to 10.
Set to begin in the first half of the School Year (SY) 2024-2025, the initiative also aims to prepare students for the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), focusing on Science.
According to DepEd, the Revised Philippine Informal Reading Inventory and Rapid Math Assessment will be used as pre- and post-assessment tools.
Concerns about specialization mismatch among teachers
During the committee discussion, a significant concern was raised regarding the adequacy of teacher training for the recovery program.
Based on EDCOM 2 findings, more than half, or 62 percent, of high school teachers in the Philippines are “teaching subjects outside their college specializations.”
Additionally, EDCOM 2 noted that more than half of science teachers “do not have a background” in the subject.
“How will DepEd implement the special science program for next year's PISA if more than half of our science teachers do not specialize in science?” asked EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee.
The mismatch between teacher specialization and their assigned subjects has long been a concern, according to EDCOM 2.
Despite efforts like the Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) Balik Scientist Program, which encourages math and science specialists to teach, many are assigned by DepEd to subjects outside their areas of expertise.
Procurement woes
Aside from concerns about teacher training, the timely availability of learning materials for the recovery program was another key issue discussed.
Gonong explained that for this program, DepEd has decentralized the procurement process—particularly for printing materials—to expedite delivery to schools.
It was pointed out that historically, DepEd’s procurement process took up to three years, but recent approaches have shortened this timeline to one year.
With the newly approved title-based approach by the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), DepEd aims to deliver learning materials within six months.
Gonong noted that following EDCOM’s recommendation, DepEd will initiate a “title-based approach” and forward to GPPB the textbooks that will be needed.
“We will be meeting with publishers soon to ensure that books are ready for timely distribution,” she added.
EDCOM 2 noted that DepEd is also scheduled to meet with publishers to ensure that books are ready for timely distribution, further emphasizing its commitment to improving the efficiency of learning material delivery.
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