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Intructional reforms come under review
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Posted on Mar 24 1999
The issue over eliminating time allotment for each subject versus imposing a required period each day was debated upon yesterday by school principals and teachers of the Public School System during the committee meeting for curriculum and assessment.
Board of Education member Thomas Pangelinan presented to the participants a proposal for the primary grade that allots 170 minutes daily for language arts, 60 minutes for Math and 50 minutes for music, arts and physical education.
The proposal was met with opposition where school officials emphasized the use of standards instead of focusing on the time requirement for each subject.
“Why can’t we let go of the “minute” thing,” said Suzanne Lizama, coordinator of the Special Education, adding “Math starts as soon as the child steps inside the class.”
Oleai school principal Evelyn Manglona argued that instead of focusing on the time schedule as the guideline, PSS should follow the standards set for each grade.
In addition, PSS is following the thematic approach which combines learning about numbers with reading and communication.
A second grade teacher from Tanapag also pointed out the importance of understanding the curriculum being followed by PSS.
She said both the teacher and the principal should have a good grasp about the curriculum. As the one who evaluates teachers, a principal should know what he is looking for in classroom instruction.
Together with these proposals, Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos will also establish a criteria for the selection of teachers who will be assigned in the primary level.
New recruits for the coming school year will attend a week long training on classroom management skills, standard, assessment and lesson planning.
A task force will be created to monitor the implementation of such classroom reforms in PSS.
