DepEd to launch reading, math remediation program

The Department of Education (DepEd) will launch its National Reading and Math programs.

According to Assistant Education Secretary G.H. Ambat, the reading program for Grades 1 to 3 students designed to “go beyond just slogans and holding contests.”

“The National Reading Program gears to solidify the existing reading programs being implemented in the schools and field offices,” she said.

The initiative will also complement the existing reading programs, such as the Bawat Bata Bumabasa (3B) and the Every Child A Reader Program (ECARP).

Rosemarie Edillon, undersecretary for national development policy and planning at the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), said that in Australia, the kids were being “awarded and rewarded for the number of books read.”

Ambat recognized these strategies, saying that the DepEd was open to the idea.

Aside from the national reading and math programs, Edillon suggested a national tutoring program to catch up on the learning losses.

“We could probably partner with SUCs (state universities and colleges) in their NSTP (National Service Training Program) for its implementation,” she said.

This proposal is still under discussion at the DepEd, Ambat said, because “much as we understand that remediation is needed… we also have to consider the budget necessary for the tutoring program.”