The implementation of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Matatag Curriculum has come under issue, with ACT Teachers Party List Rep. France Castro raising concerns about its impact on teachers. She urged Education Secretary Sonny Angara to review the program, which she believes has placed undue pressure on high school educators.
“Nakakalungkot, medyo iniwanan siya ng maraming problema ni Vice President Sara Duterte, lalo na itong Matatag Curriculum” Castro said.
Rep. Castro highlighted the heavy workload imposed on teachers, who are now handling 7 to 8 teaching loads per day, each lasting 45 minutes.
“Talagang minaximize ang 6 hours,” Castro observed
“‘Yung implementation ng Matatag Curriculum ay in phase dapat, pero parang fully in-implement this school year. Kaya hirap na hirap ‘yung ating teachers maka-cope up sa ini-implement na ito. Baka pwedeng i-suspend itong Matatag Curriculum?” she suggested.
In response to these concerns, DepEd is preparing a department order to introduce “flexibility” into the Matatag curriculum. This move follows calls for review and concerns raised by teachers across the country.
“Noong nagkonsulta kami and after implementing the Matatag curriculum for the last few weeks, mukhang there is a need to inject flexibility sa curriculum. Nakinig kami sa ground. Nahihirapan ang ibang teachers sa ibang eskwelahan,” Angara said.
“Mayroon kaming ipine-prepare na department order to inject flexibility, meaning balik tayo doon sa anim na tig-one hour, depending on school setting. ‘Yun ang naisip namin. We’re just going to hold maybe one or two more consultations, but there is already a draft department order on this. Nakinig kami sa hinaing ng ating teachers,” he added.
The DepEd also plans to hold consultations regarding the Catch-up Fridays program for reading and maths.
“Pwedeng ang isang flexibility niyan ay integrated sa time allotment ng Math at saka English and math at reading program. Pwede ring gawin ‘yung pullout strategy kung kaya ng schools, or pwede rin ang additional time allotment kung kaya naman ng ibang schools. So we’re giving flexibilities,” Undersecretary Gina Gonong explained.
Photo courtesy: Rappler