POTENTIAL IMPACT OF CATCH-UP FRIDAY IN THE PHILIPPINE EDUCATION SYSTEM

AMIE MARIE R. BAIS

The Catch-Up Friday initiative by the Department of Education (DepEd) is a vital intervention aimed at addressing the learning gaps caused by the disruptions in education, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

It serves as a response to the challenges faced by students and educators in adapting to distance learning modalities. With the abrupt shift to online or modular learning, many students struggled to keep pace with their lessons due to various factors such as lack of access to technology, limited parental support, and socio-economic disparities.

A significant number of learners fell behind in their academic progress, jeopardizing their educational outcomes and future prospects. The implementation of Catch-Up Friday entails dedicating a specific day of the week to remedial activities, supplementary lessons, and one-on-one support for students who require additional assistance. This approach allows educators to identify and address the specific learning needs of each student, thereby fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Catch-Up Friday also encourages active engagement from parents and guardians, as they play a crucial role in supporting their children's learning outside the traditional classroom setting. One of the key benefits of Catch-Up Friday is its potential to mitigate learning loss and bridge the gap in educational attainment among students. By providing targeted interventions and personalized support, educators can help students catch up on missed lessons, strengthen their foundational knowledge, and enhance their academic skills. This, in turn, can contribute to improved learning outcomes, higher retention rates, and a more equitable distribution of educational opportunities.

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III at Sto. Domingo Elementary School

author is Teacher