Summer classes shift to distance learning

by Janvic Mateo (The Philippine Star), 13 May 2020

MANILA, Philippines — Distance learning will also be adopted in the conduct of remedial and other classes this summer in public elementary and high schools, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

Education Secretary Leonor Briones has approved a memorandum providing guidelines for the conduct of remediation and enrichment classes for Grade 1 to 12 students, as well as advancement classes for senior high school ahead of the next school year.

“For Summer 2020, the conduct of remedial, enrichment and advancement classes shall start on May 11, 2020 and shall end after the completion of the six-week period that may include Saturdays,” read the memorandum.

“Schools may opt to shorten the conduct of remedial and advancement classes when the essential learning competencies have already been attained, while the conduct of enrichment classes may be extended until the start of School Year 2020-2021,” it added.

Due to the threat of the coronavirus disease pandemic, distance learning will be used “until there is a decision or regulation by the proper authorities permitting learners and teachers to leave their home for school purposes.”

Distance learning includes the use of printed or digital self-learning modules on competencies in subject areas where the learner failed.

DepEd reminded schools to consider the learner’s access to home-based internet before utilizing an online platform to deliver these self-learning modules.

“Learners with internet connectivity at home are also encouraged to access enrichment activities and other interactive resources through http://commons.deped.gov.ph,” said the agency.

“When learners and teachers are already permitted to leave their homes for school purposes, the face-to-face learning delivery shall be included in the options, subject to compliance with minimum health standards as will be issued by DepEd or other appropriate authority,” it added.

Schools that wish to offer remedial or advancement classes during summer are required to submit a letter of request to their school’s division office.

Under DepEd guidelines, students who receive a grade lower than 75 in any subject must be given intervention through remediation and must pass the remedial classes to be promoted to the next grade level.

Alternatively, they can be required to attend make-up classes during the next school year.

Enrichment classes, meanwhile, are voluntary for students who had a hard time focusing on their lessons in the previous school year, needed more time to understand concepts and/or received low grades.

Senior high schools may offer advancement classes for those who would like to pursue their work immersion prior to the opening of the new school year or those who would like to take advance subjects so they can focus on their work immersion in the succeeding semester.

Distance learning is expected to be adopted when classes in public schools resume on Aug. 24.

Private schools are allowed to open early, although face-to-face classes would not be allowed until the scheduled opening of classes in public elementary and high schools.