DepEd front-loading reforms in Kindergarten to Gr 3 curriculums

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday, January 19, acknowledged a deepening learning crisis in Philippine schools, and said it was accelerating early-grade reforms after data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) showed that student proficiency drops to near zero by Senior High School (SHS).

- By MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

In an official statement, DepEd Chief Media Relations Officer Dennis E. Legaspi told the Manila Bulletin that the findings confirm learning gaps begin early and worsen over time if foundational skills are not addressed decisively.

“DepEd recognizes the seriousness of the learning crisis highlighted by EDCOM 2, particularly the sharp drop in proficiency,” Legaspi said. “This confirms that learning gaps begin early and compound over time if not addressed at the foundation,” he added.

The findings, which will be included in EDCOM 2’s Final Report set for release on January 26, showed proficiency rates plunging from 30.52 percent in Grade 3 to just 0.47 percent by Grade 12.

DepEd said it is prioritizing reforms at Key Stage 1, covering Kindergarten to Grade 3, where reading, numeracy, and comprehension skills are formed.

“DepEd is front-loading reforms at Key Stage 1 (Kindergarten to Grade 3), where reading, numeracy, and comprehension are formed,” Legaspi said. “Evidence shows that without strong early mastery, later interventions become more costly and less effective,” he added.

DepEd stressed that evidence consistently shows early mastery is critical, as later interventions become more costly and less effective when learners fall behind in the early years.