by REINA TOLENTINO
THE Department of Education (DepEd) said it supports the Cabinet-level endorsement of the three-term school calendar that will start next school year.
The Department of Economy, Planning and Development had approved the transition. The Social Development Committee-Cabinet Level endorsed the policy.
In a statement, the DepEd said the trimester school year (SY) is “a decisive reform that places quality teaching and learning at the center of basic education in the country.” “This reform strategically addresses long-standing systemic inefficiencies, such as the documented loss of up to 53 school days in SY 2023–2024. By redesigning how time is structured in schools, the reform ensures deep learning,” the DepEd said.
Under the new setup, the school year would start with a five-day Opening Block “for learner profiling, baseline assessments and essential administrative processes.” It would be followed by an Instructional Block composed of about 60 days “of uninterrupted teaching and learning,” the DepEd said.
“The shift from four quarters to three terms significantly streamlines grading cycles and reduces reporting peaks, easing administrative burden and allowing educators to concentrate on what matters most effective instruction,” it said.
The reform was the fruit of “a rigorous, multistage consultation process that” started last January, the DepEd said. “Learners, teachers, school leaders, parents and other stakeholders, as well as the House of Representatives and the Senate were engaged,” the department said.
The reform is part of “a broader, integrated reform agenda” that aims to raise learning outcomes, it said.
“Complementary initiatives include accelerated classroom construction, expanded school-based feeding and strengthened nutrition programs, intensified literacy interventions, provision of textbooks for all learners and a refined interagency policy on class suspensions,” it added.
