Notes on Learning Crisis in the Philippines

Introduction

• The Philippines is facing a significant learning crisis.
• A World Bank report (2022) highlights high learning poverty in the Philippines compared to other Asian countries.
• A national commission is assessing the education sector to identify learning gaps.
• Dr. Carol Marquis, Executive Director of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, discusses the issue.

Current State of Education

• Learning Gap: According to a 2020 World Bank report, Filipino students have a learning gap of 5.5 years.

  • Students may graduate without the necessary competencies, equivalent to a grade 6 or 7 level.
  • Example: Incoming grade 9 students struggled with basic arithmetic while needing to study advanced topics like quadratic functions.

• Student Groupings:

  1. Grade Level Ready: Students who meet grade-level competencies.
  2. Need Refreshers: Students needing further mastery at their current grade level.
  3. Functional Literacy/Numeracy: Students needing to revisit skills learned in earlier grades (e.g., grade 3).

Recommendations for Immediate Action

• There is a call to rethink the current academic program and focus on basic skills before progressing to advanced topics.
  • Suggested duration for basic skills training: 8 to 12 weeks.
• Emphasis on differentiated learning tailored to each student’s needs.

Assessment and Accountability

• Need for Real Assessments: The lack of standardized assessments has left a gap in understanding student competencies.
• Impact of Teacher Workload: Teachers are burdened with administrative tasks, losing significant teaching days (e.g., 53 days lost out of 180).

Key Factors Contributing to the Crisis

1. Teacher Quality:

   • Over 60% of high school teachers teach subjects they are not certified in.
   • Importance of aligning teacher qualifications with subjects taught.
   • Need for thorough training in content areas, especially with upcoming assessments (PISA).

2. Bullying:

   • The Philippines has a high prevalence of bullying, impacting student learning and emotional wellbeing.
   • Students who experience bullying show decreased academic performance.
   • The need for supportive teacher-student relationships and adequate resources for managing bullying.

Curriculum Changes

• The recent Matatag curriculum aims to address educational gaps but requires time for effective implementation.
  • Teachers appreciate the decongestion of the curriculum but require support, including training and resources.
• Continuous feedback and adjustment of the curriculum is crucial for effectiveness.

Future Directions and Expectations

• The Enterprise-Based Education and Training Act is being finalized to support skills upgrading post-graduation.
• High hopes for the new Education Secretary, Senator Angara, to prioritize and address the learning crisis effectively.
• Budget Utilization: While funding exists, ensuring appropriate allocation and usage is essential. Last year, $27 billion was unutilized in the education budget.

Conclusion

• The learning crisis affects all students in the Philippines, and collective efforts are required to address these challenges.