Hot Topics in Education: The Current State of Philippine Schools in the Summer
The Philippine education system has been facing numerous challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has disrupted the traditional academic calendar, prompting schools and universities to adjust their schedules and adopt alternative learning modalities. The hot topic in education now is the current state of Philippine schools in the summer.
Traditionally, summer is considered a break from regular academic activities in the Philippines. However, due to the pandemic, some schools and universities may have adjusted their academic calendar and implemented alternative learning modalities during the summer months. The Philippine government and the Department of Education (DepEd) have been providing support and guidance to educational institutions in implementing distance and online learning, blended learning, and other flexible learning modalities.
Most public schools began conducting full face-to-face classes throughout the summer months this school year for the first time, giving DepEd a test case to see how well its students and personnel handle a hotter learning environment. In contrast, a survey conducted of approximately 11,000 instructors in the last week of March revealed that at least 67% of them experienced “intolerable” heat within the classroom, which distracted students and had an impact on their attendance.
In this regard, the DepEd has also reminded school heads nationwide that they have the authority to suspend or cancel in-person classes and instead implement modular distance learning (MDL) modes amid extreme heat during the summer months. The agency released a Memorandum that reiterates its DepEd Order 037, Series 2022 (Guidelines on the Cancellation or Suspension of Classes and Work in Schools in the Event of Natural Disasters, Power Outages/Power Interruptions and Other Calamities) provides for the implementation of MDL in the event of cancellation or suspension of classes due to natural calamities, disasters, and human-induced hazards to ensure learning continuity and that learning competencies and objectives are met.
The DepEd acknowledges that extreme heat can considerably affect the conduct of classroom learning and put the learners’ health and well-being at risk. In its new memorandum, the DepEd specifically cited the “extremely high temperatures” as among the valid grounds for class suspension or cancellation.
Meanwhile, the DepEd has also considered suggestions to revert to the previous academic schedule, which had school breaks from April to May. The department will set up a group to examine the proposal and make sure its conclusion is supported by sufficient evidence. According to DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa, the department has considered requests to switch back to the previous calendar in order to avoid holding lessons during the hot summer months.
However, according to Poa, prior proposals in favor of starting classes in August were based on claims that it was difficult for students to travel to class during the June to August typhoon season.
Overall, the current state of Philippine schools in the summer is a hot topic in education due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the extreme heat that affects the conduct of classroom learning and the health and well-being of learners. The Philippine government and the DepEd have been providing support and guidance to educational institutions in implementing alternative learning modalities, and the agency has reminded school heads of their authority to suspend or cancel in-person classes and implement modular distance learning during extreme heat. The DepEd is also considering proposals to return to the old academic calendar to avoid holding classes during the summer heat. These efforts aim to ensure learning continuity and the health and safety of all learners and personnel in the education sector.(