Baguio city: The Department of Education in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DepEd-CAR) is bolstering its learning continuity plans to ensure that students can continue their education when face-to-face classes are disrupted due to calamities.
According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd-CAR Regional Director Nicolas Capulong announced that the region is in the process of developing policy guidelines aimed at improving the transition to alternative learning modalities during disasters. Capulong emphasized the need for such measures, given the region's frequent encounters with calamities, which necessitate smooth and effective implementation of alternative learning modes.
During a 'Kapihan' session at the DepEd-CAR regional office, Capulong highlighted the impact of prolonged rains from August 1 to the first week of September, which led to repeated class suspensions and disrupted the education of students from kindergarten to senior high school. To mitigate these disruptions, DepEd-CAR is exploring options such as extending the school calendar, lengthening class hours, and enhancing alternative delivery modes to compensate for lost learning days.
Capulong pointed out that each day of class suspension could result in students missing approximately 1.5 days of learning. In Benguet, face-to-face classes were suspended for three days, while alternative learning modalities were employed for 18 days, affecting around 10 percent of the required 201 school days for the academic year.
The DepEd-CAR is also considering adopting practices from the Covid-19 pandemic era, including designating specific days, hours, and locations for distributing and collecting learning materials. This approach is being contextualized to suit the local situation in the Cordillera, as requested by both schools and local government units.
To address challenges such as limited access to gadgets, unreliable internet connectivity, and power interruptions during heavy rains, printed modules and learning activity sheets have been prepositioned.
Samuel Egsaen Jr., assistant schools division superintendent of the DepEd Baguio City Schools Division Office, explained that the division has established a monitoring system to track learners' completion of requirements during class disruptions. The scope of examinations conducted in the second week of September was adjusted to include only lessons already covered in face-to-face classes or through alternative learning modalities.
Egsaen noted that a monitoring tool is in place to assess student participation, and group discussions among supervisors are conducted to evaluate examination outcomes. This helps in determining the appropriate interventions for teachers and students to address missed lessons and ensure learning continuity. The division also plans to hold homeroom discussions to tackle learning gaps.
