Gatchalian wants distance learning preps for next school year assessed

(FILE) A teacher answers a call from a student in need of assistance on distance learning through a hotline program, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, October 7, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Win Gatchalian on Thursday called for a thorough assessment of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) distance learning program in order to prepare for the upcoming school year.

Gatchalian filed Senate Resolution No. 739 which seeks to assess the preparedness of the different basic education institutions and find out if they are capable of offering quality education in the school year 2021 to 2022—whether through limited face-to-face learning, distance learning, or other alternative methods.

“Mahalagang matuto tayo sa mga hamong kinakaharap natin sa distance learning upang maging mas maayos ang paghahatid natin ng edukasyon sa susunod na pasukan. Dapat patuloy rin ang paghahanda natin sakaling pahintulutan na ang pagkakaroon ng limited face-to-face classes,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

(It is important that we must learn from the challenges we face in terms of distance learning so that we can better deliver quality education in the next school year. We must also continue to prepare in case limited face-to-face classes are allowed.)

Citing a Pulse Asia survey he had commissioned, Gatchalian said only 46 percent of parents can say that their children are learning, 30 percent cannot say whether their children are learning or not, and 25 percent say that their children are not learning at all.

The survey also showed the top three concerns that parents and learners face in terms of online learning— difficulty in answering modules, intermittent internet connection, difficulty in listening, and lack of gadgets as well.

Gatchalian mentioned that despite the deferment of limited face-to-face classes, the DepEd should still prepare measures should face-to-face learning resume.

Schools must have access to adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities as well, he said.

Gatchalian pointed out the need to address the “education crisis” in the country which has long been evident even before the pandemic began. This crisis was apparent as shown in the poor performance of the students in several global assessments.

READ: 80% of PH kids don’t know what they should know – World Bank

The senator further stressed the need for more reform in terms of teacher quality and education governance while assuring these will be tackled under the proposed revival of the Congressional Oversight Committee on Education. — Sofia Vertucio, trainee

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