Be innovative, DepEd chief tells teachers

FILE: To provide relevant information and updates on the implementation of DepEd’s Last Mile Schools program, Education chief Leonor Magtolis Briones spearheaded a press conference today, July 18, in Pasig City. (Photo: Department of Education – Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones on Tuesday urged teachers to be innovative in their teaching strategies, amid reports of low proficiency levels of Grade 6 to 12 learners.

In a statement, Briones noted that the latest National Achievement Test results showed that learners were able to answer only five out of 10 questions correctly on average.

“Today, education quality is our biggest concern. While investing in education has produced major gains in access to education, the evidence is clear that the quality of our learning outcomes leaves so much to be desired,” she said.

“I reach out to all our teachers and school leaders, seek your support, to renew everyone’s commitment and motivation for an all-out effort for education quality,” she added.

Briones reported that the DepEd is working on transforming the National Educators Academy of the Philippines where profession development programs and career progression for teachers will be strengthened.

Even though quality standards and learning processes have transformed in the 21st century, Briones said: “the battle for quality basic education has to be won by the teachers in the classrooms where the day-to-day learning of our students happens”.

Briones added that teachers must ensure that learners can read, comprehend, analyze, process, and integrate from multiple sources – whether digital or in print.

“It is not enough for learners to have mastery of concepts ad subject matter. They also need to have digital literacy, and have the skills for problem-solving and critical thinking,” she said.