DepEd: 3.1 million learners join face-to-face classes nationwide

The Department of Education (DepEd) announced that 3 million students nationwide are participating in limited in-person classes amid Covid-19 pandemic.

DepEd said that 13,692 public and private schools are currently participating in the expansion of face-to-face classes.

“With support from the Central and Regional Offices, we are keen on reintroducing physical classes to more localities in the country,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

DepEd is set to release policies related to the expansion of face-to-face classes which will include the updated SSAT.

“The SSAT will ensure that our schools are ready for the changes in managing face-to-face classes while guiding our field offices in the provision of logistical and technical assistance needed by schools,” Briones said.

But, Briones clarified that the SSAT is “not the final determinant” of participation.

This is only meant to assess school on their readiness for their eventual reopening.