DepEd-7 eyes better learning recovery through 3-term calendar pilot

Local

THE Department of Education-Central Visayas (DepEd-7) will begin implementing the new three-term academic calendar this school year in an effort to reduce teachers’ workload and provide more uninterrupted time for classroom instruction.

Maurita Ponce, Officer-in-Charge Chief Education Supervisor of the Curriculum and Learning Management Division of DepEd-7, said the new setup was developed after studies showed that teachers struggled to complete lessons and administrative requirements under the previous four-quarter system.

“Teachers were pressured to rush competencies because they also had to prepare grades, reports, and assessments within a limited period,” Ponce said.

Under the three-term calendar, the school year will be divided into instructional periods and dedicated end-of-term blocks.

The latter will allow teachers to focus on grading, reports, contests, and training without affecting regular classes.

DepEd said the revised calendar also seeks to minimize disruptions caused by school celebrations, weather interruptions, and extracurricular activities.

Instead of suspending classes for events such as Nutrition Month activities, schools are encouraged to integrate these programs into classroom lessons.

The first term will begin with an opening block from June 8 to 11 for classroom preparation and student orientation, followed by regular instruction from June 15 to September 1.

Ponce said the pilot implementation remains subject to evaluation, adding that adjustments may still be introduced depending on the results of the initial rollout.

Aside from the new calendar system, DepEd-7 is also implementing the revised curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 10 this school year.

The strengthened Senior High School curriculum for Grade 11 will also be introduced for the first time, while the revised Grade 12 curriculum is still being finalized.

To prepare for the opening of classes, schools across the region will conduct Brigada Eskwela from June 1 to 5.

The annual cleanup and repair drive involves parents, alumni, non-government organizations, and other community stakeholders.

Help desks under Oplan Balik Eskwela will also be activated in schools, division offices, and the regional office to assist parents and students with enrollment and other concerns.(MyTVCebu)