According to the Department of Education (DepEd), it may take three to five years before schools can revert to the old academic calendar.
This is in response to a push from several groups to move back the April-May break for students due to the intense heat during the dry season.
DepEd spokesman Michael Poa stated that the decision to return to the old calendar would be based on an ongoing study by the agency, and they are waiting for the final evaluation of the team.
The transition back to the old calendar would need to consider two aspects. The first is whether or not to go back to the old calendar due to concerns about the hot classrooms during the dry season.
The second aspect is the implementation timeline. Even if the decision is made to revert to the old calendar, it would not happen this year. Based on preliminary findings, it would take at least three to five years to make the transition.
Poa also mentioned that typhoons and floods should be considered when making decisions about the school calendar.
In terms of addressing the heat, alternative delivery modes have been implemented, and school heads have been instructed not to require students to come to school when it’s too hot. Poa emphasized that they have alternative delivery modes available.
Regarding the curriculum, the DepEd is set to launch a revised curriculum for Kinder to Grade 10 (K to 10) in the School Year 2024-2025.
The current K to 10 curriculum has been deemed highly congested, making it difficult for learners to master the subjects within a school year and for teachers to effectively teach them.
The revised curriculum will focus more on subjects like math, science, English, reading, and values formation to improve the quality of basic education.
The review of the K to 12 curriculum is still ongoing. The DepEd aims to align it with industry demands to enhance the employability of learners.
The promise of the K to 12 programs is to make learners employable, but there is recognition that more work needs to be done in that regard. (ai/mnm)
