DepEd Plans to Implement a Double Shift Policy (AM/PM): The Best Solution to Classroom Shortages
The double shift policy is good for schools where there are insufficient classrooms, especially those schools affected by the typhoon Odette and the earthquake. It is understood that the schools must find a way to cater to students for the upcoming face-to-face classes.
The schools which could not give students the whole day class are considerable because, aside from COVID-19, the schools were damaged and there were only a few standing classrooms that had roofs. As a result, implementing double shift policy is the best solution to the problem.
Department of Education spokesman Atty. Michael Poa said the plan is to implement a double shift policy, but he did not rule out the possibility of having three shifts in extreme cases. The morning and afternoon class schedules are an option if DepEd continues its plan to re-implement the double shift policy to avoid overcrowding in the classroom.
Poa said this is one of the interventions they are considering to address possible shortages in the school room. We considered the transfer. We will have shifts like we used to do. There will be a class in the morning and after the other learners will come in the afternoon, Poa said.
This is to ensure that we maintain minimum health and safety standards. He added that this included physical distancing. Several groups expressed concern over DEPED’s plan to mandate face-to-face classes starting November 2 due to the lack of classrooms.
We are looking at the shift at the moment because having three shifts can result in coming home late or having classes have compressed time schedules. So now what we are really planning is to have two shifts per day unless absolutely necessary, he said.
DepEd has not yet issued detailed class size guidelines for the school year. This changed the agency’s previous policy on face-to-face classes during the pandemic that required seats one to two meters apart.
It also set a maximum number of students at just 20 per classroom. Before the pandemic, class sizes were on average around 30 or up to 40, with some even reaching 60.
The double shift policy is the best solution for schools that don’t have enough classrooms/buildings to occupy for the upcoming face-to-face classes. A double shift policy is a good idea so that the students and teachers can have more interactive learning in the classroom compared to modular learning. – Doki | Helpline PH
