The Department of Education (DepEd) recently announced a significant change in the academic calendar for the school year 2024-2025. The department is considering ending the school year by March 31, 2025, a move that will allow schools to commence the 2025-2026 academic year in June 2025, effectively reverting to the old school calendar.
The Rationale Behind the Change
This decision comes in the wake of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s statement expressing his desire to return to the old academic calendar by next year. The President noted that the recent extremely high temperatures have adversely affected students’ learning, prompting this reconsideration.
Education Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas, in a televised briefing, stated that the school year 2024-2025 would begin on July 29, 2024, and is likely to end by March 31, 2025. This schedule will provide students with a two-month vacation before the start of the 2025-2026 academic year in June 2025.
The Implications of the Change
However, this change means that the 2024-2025 academic year will be shortened to only 165 school days, falling short of the 180 to 220 days mandated by law. “So, if we look at it, because of the shortening of the school year, our contact days with the students will be shortened, then we will have to cope with the possible non-covering of some competencies,” Bringas admitted.
Despite the shortened academic year, the education department assures that it will employ several interventions to ensure that all the necessary competencies will be covered. “That is exactly the same reason why our Bureau of Learning Delivery is now working on a concrete plan on the implementation of the curriculum for a shortened number of school days,” Bringas added.
Looking Ahead
While this change may initially seem drastic, it is a calculated move by the DepEd to adapt to the changing climate conditions and prioritize the welfare of the students. It is a testament to the department’s flexibility and readiness to make necessary adjustments for the betterment of the education system.
As we anticipate the implementation of this new academic calendar, it is crucial to remember that the ultimate goal remains the same: to provide quality education to all students, regardless of the circumstances. With careful planning and execution, the DepEd is poised to turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth and improvement in the education sector.