Addressing the country’s learning crisis

Daisy B. Umagtan

ADVOCATING for education reforms, a non-government organization (NGO) recently called on the government to address the “learning crisis” in the country.

This was after Filipino students performed poorly in recent international assessments, according to the NGO.

The NGO cited the results of the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, which showed that Grade 4 Filipino students scored the lowest among 58 countries in mathematics and science literacy.

Compared to peers in 5 neighboring countries, Grade 5 Filipino students also performed poorly in reading, writing and mathematics, according to the 2019 Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics.

The NGO also said students should be brought back to schools safely, and that Congress should convene the education commission to “draw up urgent, systemic, decisive, and targeted reforms in our education system.”

The education commission, the NGO said, should consult with the private sector, civil society and top educational institutions to address the learning crisis.

Stemming the learning crisis is a big task which needs leadership and teamwork. The government, the group said, must take the lead in building an education system that Filipino learners deserve – one that realizes their full potential.

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The author is Teacher III at Manibaug Paralaya Elementary School, Porac

East District