The Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) has called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to focus on hiring the best elementary teachers. PBEd emphasized that the quality of teachers in the country needs significant improvement to ensure that students in the Philippines receive a proper education.
The Importance of Quality Teachers
PBEd Executive Director Love Basillote pointed out that the issue with the country’s education system goes beyond just the curriculum. The poor quality of teachers is also contributing to students learning very little in school.
“It’s not just the curriculum that’s the problem. We need the best teachers in elementary because it’s the foundation,” said Basillote.
Why Elementary Education Matters
Elementary school is where students build the basic skills they need for life. According to PBEd, reading and mathematics are the core subjects that need more attention. This is especially true for younger students from kindergarten to grade 3. These early years are crucial because they set the stage for a child’s future learning.
Focus on Reading and Mathematics
PBEd urged DepEd to simplify the elementary curriculum and prioritize these key subjects.
“There should be a focus on reading and math, especially in the early grades,” Basillote added.
The Alarming State of Education in the Philippines
The situation is serious, as shown by the results of the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) in 2019. These tests revealed that only:
- 10% of Grade 5 Filipino students achieved the minimum proficiency in reading.
- 17% reached the required level in mathematics.
- Only 2% showed proficiency in writing.
These results are much lower compared to countries like Vietnam and Malaysia. The Philippines, along with Cambodia, ranks slightly higher than Laos and Myanmar, but this is still not enough.
A Learning Crisis
Basillote described the results of the 2019 SEA-PLM as deeply troubling.
“We’re not just facing a problem; we are in the middle of a learning crisis,” he warned.
This crisis, according to Basillote, will have both short-term and long-term impacts. In the short term, it will affect the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In the long term, it could harm the future earning potential and overall well-being of this generation of students.
What Needs to Be Done
Basillote called for urgent action to address this educational crisis. He outlined four key steps:
- Decisive leadership – The government needs strong leaders who can make bold decisions to improve education.
- Community engagement – The entire community, including parents, teachers, and local officials, must work together to solve this issue.
- Increased funding – More resources, including a higher budget for education, are needed to implement changes.
- Localized interventions – Different areas may have unique challenges, so solutions should be adapted to fit the needs of each region.
The Role of SEA-PLM
The SEA-PLM helps track and assess the learning outcomes of Grade 5 students across Southeast Asia. It measures their skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and global citizenship. This data is crucial in identifying the areas where students are struggling and where improvements are needed.
Conclusion
The education system in the Philippines is at a critical point. The Department of Education (DepEd) must focus on hiring the best teachers for elementary students to improve the quality of education. Reading and mathematics, especially in the early grades, should be prioritized. With the right leadership, resources, and community support, the Philippines can begin to address the learning crisis and give its students a brighter future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is it important to hire the best elementary teachers?
Hiring the best elementary teachers is crucial because elementary education lays the foundation for a child’s learning. Skilled teachers can ensure that students build strong reading and math skills, which are essential for their future academic success.
What subjects should be prioritized in elementary education?
PBEd recommends focusing on reading and mathematics, especially in the early grades (kindergarten to grade 3). These subjects are vital in building essential skills.
How does the Philippines compare to other Southeast Asian countries in education?
According to SEA-PLM 2019, the Philippines ranks lower than countries like Vietnam and Malaysia in terms of proficiency in reading, math, and writing among Grade 5 students. It ranks slightly higher than Laos and Myanmar but shares the same rank as Cambodia.
What is the SEA-PLM?
The Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) is a program that assesses the learning outcomes of Grade 5 students in Southeast Asia. It focuses on reading, writing, mathematics, and global citizenship to identify areas where countries need to improve.
How will the learning crisis affect the future?
If the learning crisis is not addressed, it will have long-term effects on students’ future earnings and well-being. It will also impact the country’s ability to recover from crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is the updated version of the article PBED: DepEd should select and hire high caliber teachers in elementary
