INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday said it is looking into reports that some public school personnel are forcing students to pay for learning materials under the Catch-Up Fridays reading program, which aims to reverse the low rankings of Filipino learners in reading and comprehension.
In a statement, DepEd noted that it got wind of “several complaints” about school staff “requiring learners to buy booklets or workbooks” for Catch-Up Fridays and other school events.
“The department reiterates that such acts are strictly prohibited. Catch-Up Fridays and other school activities must not involve out-of-pocket costs,” it said.
With the investigation of such cases underway, erring school personnel found selling learning materials will be penalized, DepEd warned.
“Any individual found guilty of such scheme shall face appropriate administrative sanctions,” it said.
The education agency urged parents and students to shun any offers of school materials for sale and to report similar cases to the Office of the Secretary at osec@deped.gov.ph.
The Inquirer asked DepEd whether it has already meted sanctions to erring school workers, but it has yet to reply at press time.
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DepEd in January rolled out the Catch-Up Fridays, which is part of the agency’s National Learning Recovery Program.
Every Friday, classes will be dedicated exclusively to reading exercises for the first half of the day’s schedule, while the other half will be devoted to discussions on values, health, and peace education, as well as the “Homeroom Guidance Program.”
DepEd’s latest intervention to address learning gaps among learners was in response to the latest results of national and international reports and assessments on Filipino students’ reading proficiency levels. INQ