Class suspension

Summary

In this conversation, Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas of the Philippine Department of Education discusses key issues facing the education system, including class suspensions due to weather warnings, the challenges of classroom shortages, and the need for blended learning solutions. He addresses the ongoing teacher shortage, with over 80,000 vacant positions, and the steps being taken to deploy teachers more effectively. The conversation also touches on the controversial confidential funds allocated to DepEd, which are linked to national security. Additionally, Bringas highlights the Department's collaboration with local governments to tackle these pressing educational challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Department of Education (DepEd) has clear guidelines for class suspensions during orange or red rainfall warnings, which automatically cancel classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
• 😀 Parents are advised to monitor PAGASA alerts and do not need to wait for local government announcements once an orange or red rainfall warning is issued.
• 😀 In cases where students are already at school and weather conditions worsen, safety is prioritized, and students will be kept inside the school until it is safe for them to go home or be picked up by parents.
• 😀 DepEd is exploring non-traditional approaches to education, such as digital learning and blended learning, to address classroom shortages and improve accessibility.
• 😀 The lack of classrooms is a persistent issue in the Philippines, with an estimated 160,000 classrooms needed, which will take several years to resolve.
• 😀 DepEd is considering the use of blended learning, which involves shifting between face-to-face and home-based learning, to address classroom overcrowding and teacher shortages.
• 😀 The teacher shortage is significant, with around 80,000 teaching positions still unfilled, and DepEd is trying to fill these positions by redeploying teachers and offering shifting schedules.
• 😀 DepEd is working with local government units (LGUs) and school boards to manage teacher shortages and provide assistance in filling teaching gaps.
• 😀 Some schools are still experiencing triple and double shifts, especially in highly urbanized areas, but these shifts are being adjusted as part of the blended learning model.
• 😀 DepEd is exploring providing overtime pay for teachers who exceed their normal teaching hours, but the proposal is still under consideration and may not be finalized due to civil service rules.
• 😀 DepEd supports salary increases for teachers and is actively engaging in legislative discussions related to salary hikes, recognizing the significant challenges faced by the education sector.

Q & A

What is the main guideline for class suspensions in the Philippines during heavy rainfall?

The main guideline, as outlined in DepEd's DO 37, automatically suspends classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12 when PAGASA issues an Orange or Red rainfall warning. Parents are advised to monitor PAGASA alerts and do not need to wait for local government unit (LGU) announcements.

What should schools do if the weather worsens during school hours and students are already in class?

If the weather worsens during class hours, the priority is student and teacher safety. Schools are advised to keep students inside the classrooms until it is safe to go home. Parents may also pick up their children when it is safe.

How is DepEd addressing the shortage of classrooms in the Philippines?

DepEd is adopting blended learning, where students alternate between face-to-face classes and home-based learning. They are also implementing shifting schedules and exploring other innovative solutions due to the 165,000 classroom shortage.

What is the current teacher shortage in the Philippines, and how is DepEd addressing it?

The current teacher shortage is around 80,000. DepEd is working on efficient teacher deployment, moving teachers from schools with excess staff to those with shortages. However, the annual allocation for new teaching positions is limited to 10,000, making it a slow process.

How is DepEd ensuring that classrooms are safe and conducive to learning despite overcrowding?

DepEd is collaborating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to design classrooms that are safer and more efficient. They are also maximizing classroom space by removing unnecessary furniture to reduce crowding.

What measures is DepEd taking to improve teacher welfare and address the teacher shortage?

DepEd is supporting bills that aim to increase teacher salaries. Additionally, they are exploring options like overtime pay for teachers who exceed the standard six-hour teaching limit, although this is still under discussion due to existing Civil Service rules.

How is DepEd addressing the issue of schools soliciting money from parents for supplies?

DepEd strictly prohibits teachers from soliciting money from parents unless they are part of the Adopt-a-School program. Schools are provided with maintenance and operating expenses to cover essential supplies, such as padlocks and other equipment.

What role do local government units (LGUs) play in class suspensions during severe weather?

LGUs are responsible for declaring class suspensions in areas without a PAGASA Orange or Red warning but where weather conditions are severe. They are also responsible for announcing class suspensions and providing the necessary coordination with DepEd.

What are the main challenges in addressing the classroom shortage in urban areas?

In urban areas, especially highly urbanized cities, the challenge lies in limited space for building new classrooms. DepEd is trying to optimize existing classrooms and explore blended learning and shifting schedules to address overcrowding.

How is DepEd planning to handle schools that are affected by flooding or other natural calamities?

Schools affected by flooding are considered non-functional until conditions improve. DepEd adopts blended learning in such cases, and schools with available classrooms implement shifting schedules or use alternative teaching methods.