DepEd assessing missed school days, makeup classes

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Education (DepEd) is assessing the number of missed school days due to calamities, the most recent of which was due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, in order to implement the necessary interventions in the coming days, including possible makeup classes.

In an interview with reporters yesterday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara admitted that the DepEd was alarmed by the frequent class suspensions due to typhoons.Thus there must be a thorough assessment of the total number of missed schools days as compared to the available dates for possible make-up classes, before it becomes too late for the students.

“We ordered the collation of figures on the number of classes, how many of these classes were cancelled. Let’s say about 20 classes were cancelled, how many make-up classes can the student take?” Angara said in Filipino.

“We are concerned that it may come to a point that because of so many missed classes, they (students) can no longer recover [the learning days lost]. So, that’s our concern right now,” he added.

A total of 37,375 schools nationwide have suspended their classes since Monday with 19,100,262 students affected because of severe tropical storm Kristine, based on latest available DepEd data.

“As typhoons are getting more frequent, what is important is to ensure that the class suspensions will not result in learning loss. Even if they are at home, students must not be idle, as much as possible there must be some form of learning,” Angara said.

Angara said the DepEd is now studying various ways on how to possibly recover the lost class days, such as through blended learning and Saturday classes.

As for the blended learning, or the combination of in-person, online and modular modes of learning, Angara said the DepEd is studying the possibility of implementing it for Senior High School students.

“Especially for those who have the means, those who have internet connection... It may be feasible for Senior High School. Maybe we can come up with hybrid schedules for them,” Angara said.

As for the Saturday make-up classes, Angara said the DepEd is leaving it to the discretion of school principals and teachers.

“It really