In response to challenges in ensuring consistent classroom learning, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued Order No. 022, s. 2024, which provides detailed guidance on the conduct of make-up classes. This directive aims to address missed competencies due to class suspensions, holidays, or other disruptions, ensuring that students achieve the minimum number of required contact days for quality education.
Key Highlights of the Policy
1. When Are Make-up Classes Necessary?
Make-up classes are mandated under the following circumstances:
The number of actual school days falls short of the 180 mandatory contact days outlined in the school calendar.
For exceptional cases where the school calendar is shortened, make-up classes will be required if the actual school days fall below 90% of the total days in the revised calendar.
2. Scheduling Make-up Classes
School heads, in collaboration with teachers and parents/guardians, are responsible for scheduling make-up classes. These classes:
Are applicable to all levels except Kindergarten.
Can be conducted during extended school hours or on Saturdays.
Aim to ensure learning recovery and address missed competencies effectively.
3. Alternative Modes of Learning
If online or modular learning methods are not feasible, face-to-face make-up classes will be scheduled. This ensures that students who lack access to technology or modular resources still receive adequate support to recover missed lessons.
Compensation for Teachers
Teachers who conduct make-up classes will be duly compensated. The options include:
Overtime Pay: As stipulated under existing labor and education policies.
Vacation Service Credits (VSC): These credits serve as a form of compensatory time-off, allowing teachers to offset additional workdays during vacation periods.
Collaborative Approach
The policy emphasizes the importance of collaboration among school heads, teachers, and parents/guardians. This participatory approach ensures that:
The scheduling of make-up classes aligns with the needs and availability of all stakeholders.
The learning recovery plan is tailored to address specific gaps in students' competencies.
Implications for Schools
Schools are encouraged to monitor their compliance with the mandatory contact days closely. By proactively planning for potential disruptions, schools can minimize the need for extensive make-up classes and maintain the academic calendar's integrity.
Conclusion
DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024, underscores the commitment to ensuring that every Filipino student receives the education they deserve, regardless of unforeseen disruptions. By providing clear guidelines on make-up classes and ensuring proper teacher compensation, the policy fosters a balanced approach to learning recovery. This initiative not only benefits students but also supports teachers in their mission to deliver quality education.