In a recent meeting with Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, private school heads and associations brought up several concerns, with the implementation of the Matatag Curriculum being one of the key issues discussed. The Matatag Curriculum is currently being piloted in 35 public schools across the country and is set to be rolled out next school year for Kinder, Grades 1, 4, and 7.
Private school heads expressed their desire for assurance regarding the proper execution of the Matatag Curriculum. They wanted to ensure that their teachers are adequately trained to effectively implement the curriculum. Vice President Duterte, in a post on her official Facebook page, mentioned that the Department of Education (DepEd) is open to providing training for teachers in private schools.
While the specific details of the other issues raised by the private school sector and the response from the DepEd were not elaborated upon, it is clear that private schools are facing challenges in the current education landscape. One of the factors contributing to these challenges is the drop in enrollment as more students choose to transfer to public schools.
Recognizing the need to support the struggling private education sector, various proposals have been put forward in Congress. Pasig City Representative and House Committee on Basic Education and Culture chairman Roman Romulo has suggested expanding the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (Gastpe) program as a potential solution. This program aims to decongest private schools and provide financial assistance to students and teachers.
Romulo’s proposal includes extending the Gastpe program to cover Grades 1-6, in addition to Grades 7-10. Under this expanded program, students in these grades would have the option to enroll in private schools through a voucher system. By allowing students from both public and private schools to benefit from the Gastpe program, Romulo envisions a complementary partnership between the two sectors.
It is crucial to address the concerns raised by private school heads and associations to ensure the successful implementation of the Matatag Curriculum and to support the private education sector as a whole. Collaborative efforts between the DepEd, private schools, and policymakers are necessary to address the challenges faced by private schools and to provide quality education for all students.
In conclusion, the meeting between Vice President Duterte, Education Secretary Duterte, and private school heads shed light on the concerns surrounding the implementation of the Matatag Curriculum. The private education sector plays a vital role in the overall education system, and it is essential to address their concerns and find solutions that promote collaboration and support. By working together, we can ensure that all students receive a quality education and thrive academically.
Source: The Manila Times
