‘I am not so sure if this survey-based decision took into consideration what I suppose were scientifically-based arguments as to why we changed the old school calendar in the first place…’
IF I read news reports right, Malacanang has approved a proposal by the Department of Education (DepEd) to change the school calendar, beginning with a gradual shift effective school year 2024-2025.
The move to effectively revert to the “old school calendar — one that was in effect when I was in primary and secondary school in the 1970s — is a result of consultation with parents and other stakeholders, says the DepEd. “It’s what they want.”
One of the reasons cited is the desire to make sure that during the really dry summer season, school children are not battling the sweltering heat going to and from school or boiling inside classrooms. There’s no denying that the summers have been really scorching of late, forcing the DepEd to cancel classes in several towns and cities a number of times in the last two months.
The DepEd order doesn’t cover private schools, though and, of course, colleges and universities under the jurisdiction of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Which is much like what we do with life on these islands, yes? Complicate things.
Anyway, I am not so sure if this survey-based decision took into consideration what I suppose were scientifically-based arguments as to why we changed the old school calendar in the first place, including making our school calendar consistent with the school calendars of most, if not all, of our ASEAN neighbors as well as those in North America and Western Europe. Am I to understand that all the reasons why we shifted from my generation’s school calendar to September to May one are now seen to be senseless, overruled by a survey of the stakeholders?
Or is the DepEd simply reacting to public opinion about the summers that keep getting hotter? Which, if so, wouldn’t be too good a basis for national policy, yes? Of course, how stakeholders feel is important, but very often leadership means doing what is best for everyone in the long term, no matter what public opinion says at the moment.
Bottom line: I ain’t too sure reverting to the old calendar is what we really need to improve the standards of education in the country. Which should be our “Top One” (ugh!!!) priority.
Yes?
Then again, why doesn’t the DepEd simply change school hours if it wants to avoid the heat? Why not decree that classes are to begin at 7 p.m. daily and in two shifts of four hours each, with a midnight break up to 1 a.m. and the morning shifts ending at 5.
For sure there won’t be any scorching sun issues during these school hours
And there will be an added benefit: our kids will be ready for the call center life!
Now that would be hitting two stones with one bird, wouldn’t it?
