SMHS IMPLEMENTED HOME-BASED WORK IMMERSION PROGRAM AMID PANDEMIC

REY MARK A. IBAY

The Covid 19 pandemic has caused disruption in education system in the country. Crisis came as school operations are suspended including programs within the school, division, central and regional offices. Even the modular distance learning as the most applicable and appropriate learning delivery modality for learners is being disrupted. Besides, teaching and non-teaching personnel’s appearance is strictly prohibited. Virtual communication is highly advised for various communication modals.

Senior High School Program of Enhanced-Basic Education Curriculum, also known as K+12 program requires and prepares graduates for employment. Under this program, graduates are expected to master the knowledge and skills required for their future job. The attitudes towards work are being attained through the work immersion subject.

Performance-based and hands-on subjects like TVL requires students to perform the skills and competencies using tools and equipment. Education has been challenged by the pandemic that leads it to promoting quality education through the distance learning. But TVL teachers have common issues and concerns.

As the Pampanga government issued executive order no. 5-B-2021 placing and extending the province under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) due to the increasing number of active covid19 cases, strict compliance with health and safety protocols, and other related purposes is extended until April 30, 2021. This reiterates public offices to have a combination of work arrangement schedule among employees.

With this executive order, the implementation of Work Immersion Program, which is a required subject among senior high school students in the Department of Education is assumed to be severely affected especially the Technical-Vocational & Livelihood (TVL) Track. However, DepEd became proactive in this condition and issued the DepEd Memorandum (DM) Curriculum & Instruction – 2020-00085 entitled “Guidelines for Work Immersion Implementation During Crisis Situation” (DM-CI-2020-00085).

In accordance with the guidelines on DM-CI-2020-00085, Sta. Maria High School crafted their own class program, it is highly advised to prioritize the Grade 12 TVL track students to undergo work immersion while other grade levels can take other subjects and take it when normal condition resumes. DepEd provided suggested work immersion scheme for schools to implement the said subject. These are: in-school, home-based, community-based, and school and industry-Tie up. So, SMHS implemented home-based work immersion as scheme to conduct the work immersion program of the DepEd. The guidelines will only take effect within the school year 2020-2021 for all senior high schools unless sooner repealed, amended, or rescinded based on the continuing changes in the condition of the country.

-oOoThe author is Secondary School Teacher III at SMNHS