The House of Representatives on Wednesday adopted a resolution urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to temporarily stop its regular academic curriculum in favor of an eight- to 12-week literacy and numeracy recovery program.
During the plenary session, the chamber passed House Resolution No. 2020, which calls for at least an eight-week long learning recovery program to address the learning gaps and ensure that students achieve the necessary academic standards to advance in their educational journeys.
House Committee on Basic Education and Culture Roman Romulo cited findings of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) on the key elements of effective learning loss recovery efforts, which include conducting regular and timely assessments that yield granular data on learner progress; grouping learners according to their level of proficiency rather than their grade level; and prioritizing foundational skills in reading, writing, and numeracy, as well as socio-emotional learning.
Romulo, who co-chairs EDCOM 2, also cited reports from select school divisions and regional offices of the DepEd that there are still non-readers in Grades 7 and 8 and readers with poor comprehension even in the higher grades.
He said the current National Learning Recovery Program and Catch Up Fridays Program of the DepEd have failed to achieve their objectives in reaching those learners requiring interventions, as participation is neither mandatory nor graded.
“The DepEd’s system needs to be equipped to analyze and make decisions based on the data from comprehensive literacy assessments to ensure proper monitoring of learners’ literacy outcomes,” he said.
Romulo said the Catch Up Fridays program lacks a structured and organized instructional and learning plan.
He said DepEd needs to develop a detailed plan for the learning recovery program, specifying objectives, schedules, instructional strategies, and assessment methods, designed to provide targeted instruction and support to help the learners attain functional literacy and numeracy.
“Suspending the regular school schedule for eight to 12 weeks shall allow the uninterrupted and focused implementation of the learning recovery program, ensuring the effectiveness and attainment of its objectives,” he added. (PNA)
