Private schools are allowed to use blended learning and flexible teacher training to reduce costs amid the country’s power crisis, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).
“We understand the challenges our private schools are facing,” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara said in a news release Thursday.
“We want to give them the flexibility to control rising operating costs while protecting the quality of learning,” he added.
While face-to-face learning remains the “default mode” among schools, DepEd’s Tuesday memorandum allows for some programs for private schools.
The integrated learning method under the new memorandum allows private schools to continue the five-day face-to-face classes or combine them with parallel or parallel distance learning, provided they follow the prescribed model and notify their Division of Schools Office at least five days before implementation.
“District and divisional offices have been instructed to monitor how modified learning methods are implemented in private schools,” the ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
Reports from private companies should include updated class schedules and plans to ensure continuity of learning among students.
The memorandum noted that private school students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 may have remote classes once a week to “protect the foundation of literacy and numeracy”.
Meanwhile, junior and senior high school students can join remote classes two days and three days a week, respectively.
Flexible formats, including online, asynchronous, or hybrid, for teacher training and professional development are also encouraged by the agency to reduce travel and energy use.
“The flexibility will continue to apply while the national emergency is in effect,” the department said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared a State of National Emergency last March 24, following the nation’s oil decline due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. – Almira Louise S. Martinez
