The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday announced that private schools are allowed to implement distance and blended learning moving forward.
Official statement of the Department of Education (DepEd). Photo courtesy DepEd/ Facebook
According to the agency’s official announcement, “DepEd is cognizant of the current situation of the private sector due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic — the amount of investment in online learning technologies, the development and institutionalization of best practices on blended learning, and the unfortunate closure of small private schools because of losses.”
On the other hand, all public schools must shift to five days of face-to-face classes starting November 2.
“The DepEd maintains its confidence in the benefits of holding in-person classes to promote academic development and the overall mental health and well-being of our learners. Several published studies point to the undisputable fact that in-person classes remain the best option for basic education,” the agency explained.
DepEd further stated that exceptions will be applied if the Regional Director granted exemptions and if there are canceled classes or suspensions because of disasters and calamities.
“DepEd will also expedite the review of our blended learning program to ensure that it will benefit our learners and essentially address learning issues,” it stated.