(Photo: Briones’ Facebook account)
MANILA – The incoming administration will be closely monitoring the first few weeks of implementation of the Senior High School (SHS), the next chief of the Department of Education (DepEd) said Monday.
Incoming Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the opening of the school year on June 13 is still under the term of outgoing DepEd chief Armin Luistro.
The Grade 11 component of SHS will already be in place by the time the new administration takes over on July 1.
“What can be done by the incoming administration at this time is to monitor closely the implementation of Grade 11 starting June 13. We have been receiving feedback on K-12 which we will pass on to the present leadership of the Department of Education,” Briones said in a press briefing in Quezon City.
Briones said there will be more problems arising from the suspension of the K-12 program compared to its continuation.
She emphasized that K-12 implementation started four years ago, hence many schools have already been preparing for these challenges.
“We are aware that contingency measures are being adopted by both CHED and DepEd. These have to be closely monitored to ensure that identified challenges are met,” said Briones.
When asked about any specific directives from President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, Briones said more focus must be given to out-of-school children and youth, as well as teachers who might be adversely displaced by the K-12 program.
“In the meantime, a Transition Team is being organized to ensure orderly and seamless transfer of duties. The DepEd, under the leadership of Sec. Armin Luistro is giving full cooperation and support to the incoming team,” said Briones.