(File photo)
MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday denied “misleading” claims of a massive dropout rate in the basic education for school year 2020-2021 when blended learning due to the pandemic was implemented in schools.
In a statement, the DepEd said there was no clear indicator of massive dropout attributed to blended learning based on the assessment conducted by its field officials.
The department was reacting to reports of several teachers’ groups saying the number of learners participating in distance learning is going down.
"In our weekly joint Executive-Management Committee meeting, no regional director reported alarming dropout details in their respective areas. This was supported by field offices’ report and consultations with learners and their parents," the statement read.
The agency noted that the learners either shifted from one mode of learning to another -- from solely modular to blended learning -- or migrated from one geographical location to another or from city to provincial schools or from private to public schools due to the pandemic.
"In addition, the slow return of students to schools after holiday season and school vacations is typically observed annually. We are also continuously implementing academic ease measures to help families, learners, and teachers who are still adjusting to the distance learning setup," it said.
Currently, public schools practice leniency in the completion and submission of learner's activities and have expanded their respective mental health and socio-emotional well-being support programs.
The DepEd reminded the public not to draw conclusion from misleading claims or on isolated cases.
It also requested the public to encourage learners to continue their education. (PNA)
