The Department of Education (DepEd) made an announcement that certain adjustments are to be made. As per the Education Department, these adjustments are made to address educational or "learning gaps."
In addition to that, they said that this is to help and provide teachers more time to prepare learning materials.
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Reason Public School's Academic Year is Extended
DepEd Order No. 012, series of 2021, which also known as the Amendment to DepEd Order No. 030, series of 2020."
Last year, there have been changes in terms of the academic year due to the influx of COVID-19 cases in the country.
Moreover, this order allows schools to implement certain interventions to bridge learning gaps. Since they lost live contact with teachers, the DepEd reports that some students are finding it difficult and challenging to learn and catch up.
That being said, the third (3rd) quarter of the academic year shall be on the 22nd of March and end on the 15th of May.
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To Help Struggling Students "Catch Up"
In a message, Diosdado San Antonio, the Undersecretary of the DepEd told Rappler that this plan will enable struggling students to catch up.
Whereas fast learners or those who don't have problems will have a different program.
Struggling learners are expected to catch up and the fast learners shall be given enrichment activities."
Similarly, the order states that this 2-week extension will reflect on the following school year.
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With the academic year extended, the DepEd is yet to make statements about how it would affect the summer break of students. But, there have been signs from Usec. San Antonio in terms of providing shorter breaks to students to assist in the completion of requirements.
Which Students Are Part of the Academic Year Extension?
To clarify, students in the public school sector (from elementary to high school) will be subject to the extension.
On the other hand, technical and vocational (techvoc), as well as private schools and institutions are offering reflecting curriculum of K-12.
Adjusted Calendar and Activities
To help you out further in understanding the new schedule, here's a quick list to show you what the plans are:
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- 1st of March to March 12, 201 – Interventions for bridging learning gaps and intensifying learning gains
- March 15 to March 19, 2021 – In-Service Training (INSET) for teachers
- March 22 to May 15, 2021 – 3rd Quarter
- May 17 to Jul 10, 2021 – 4th Quarter
Bureau of Learning Delivery
Should learning institutions, teachers, and admin have inquiries and questions about the said change, the order directs them to the Bureau of Learning Delivery (BLD).
You can contact them by dialing (02) 8637-4346 as well as (02) 8637-4347.
Alternatively, you can send them an email at [email protected]. Should you prefer to visit their location, you can do so at:
4th Floor, Bonifacio Building,
Department of Education Central Office,
DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue,
Pasig City
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UPDATE:
Just yesterday, the DepEd made the announcement that they're withdrawing their proposal to shorten the summer break.
In fact, Usec, San Antonio said that this was part of their options but they're no longer pushing it.
It was among the many options we were considering but noting the objections from our stakeholders, we will no longer propose a two-week break."
Nevertheless, Nepomuceno Malaluan, Usec. of Education said that the opening of class for the next academic year is still under deliberation and consideration.
The opening of classes in the next school year is still under deliberation."
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Extended Suffering?
With the plans of the academic year being extended, many people, including students, expressed their frustration because of the said event.
As a matter of fact, France Castro, ACT Teachers Partylist Representative, said that this extension would only contribute to the stress and the suffering of teachers, learners, and parents.
More so, he said that if the DepEd is genuine in giving educational ease, they would've provided better and more efficient learning materials.
If the DepEd genuinely wants to give learners academic ease, it would have provided adequate learning materials and prepared a curriculum that is appropriate for blended distance learning."
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In addition to that, Castro said that the Education Department should have a listen to its stakeholders first before imposing and implementing these policies.
What are your thoughts on the plans of the DepEd pushing an extended academic year? Do you think that it's really the solution to the educational dilemma that we have? Or would it cause chaos and more stress to those who are involved?
Source/s: CNN Philippines | The Philippine Daily Inquirer
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