‘Private schools may still implement blended, full distance learning’

MANILA, Philippines — Private elementary and high schools may still implement blended or full distance learning in the coming school year (SY), according to the Department of Education.

The DepEd’s implementing guidelines for SY 2023-2024 stated that face-to-face classes shall remain the primary learning delivery modality in all schools, as the agency noted its “crucial role in enabling in-depth and real-time teacher-learner interaction.”

The DepEd, however, said the policy that applied in private schools last school year, where it allowed private schools to implement either full in-person classes, blended or full distance learning, shall remain in effect.

Last year, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte mandated all public elementary and high schools to return to in-person classes. Some received exemptions due to shortage of classrooms.

In the latest policy, the DepEd said schools shall automatically implement blended learning in the event of suspension or cancellation of in-person classes.

“Home learning activities shall only be provided if learners can accomplish them based on the severity of the situation in their respective areas. Teachers shall ensure that learners have access to the print or non-print self-learning modules and the home learning plan to guide them during class suspensions,” the agency said.

“In the event of a declaration of suspension or cancellation of in-person classes for one week or more, where learners temporarily stay in evacuation centers, school heads shall ensure that teachers are assigned to provide learner instructional support which can be delivered through any of the learning delivery modalities,” it added.

The DepEd said the next school year will start on Aug. 29 and will end on June 14, 2024.

The enrollment period will be from Aug. 7 to 26, while Brigada Eskwela will be from Aug. 8 to 11.