DepEd to extend school year

The Department of Education considers extending the school year and shortening the summer break of students into two weeks instead of two months.

“Hindi na magkakaroon ng mahabang break sa pagita ng dalawang taong pasukan. Baka dalawang linggo lang. Pag-uusapan din ‘yan,” Education undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio said in an interview.

According to the San Antonio, DepEd may also extend the quarter by two weeks to give students enough time to complete school requirements.

“Kami may balak na mag-propose na dalawang linggo ngayong quarter, so ibig sabihin magmo-move ‘yung school calendar ng dalawang linggo pag na-approve ito,” San Antonio said.

DepEd received a report on the first quarter showed that 99 percent of students were able to accomplish school requirements.

San Antonio, but, said the remaining 1 percent was still alarming.

“Pero ‘yun kasing less than 1 percent sa 20 something million na leaners is also a significant number. Hindi naman dahil nakakapag-submit, natututo,” he said.

Some students and parents have expressed disapproval over the proposal. There were also parents approved on the said extension.