The Department of Education announced this May 6 that private schools may start classes earlier than the mandated opening for public schools, pending approval from the government’s Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).
(DepEd Has Announced the New School Year Schedule)
 Education Secretary Leonor Briones clarified that while the previously announced beginning of the academic year on August 24 applies to both public and private schools, private schools have the prerogative to begin earlier in June.
“Private schools who want to open in June may do so if allowed by the IATF and DOH (Department of Health) guidelines, and no face-to-face for June,” Briones said.
Briones also stated that the opening of classes in August will not necessarily mean a physical return to school: “Opening can be face-to-face or virtual, depending on the decisions of the IATF. No need for face-to-face if not allowed by IATF.”
Meanwhile, DepEd has been busy finalizing the Learning Continuity Plan (LCP) for the changes in policy and practices corresponding with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have repeatedly consulted and collaborated with our partner institutions and organizations in crafting the LCP, which includes key features on K-12 curriculum adjustments, alignment of learning materials, various modalities of delivery, and corresponding teacher and parent or guardian training for homeschooling,” the DepEd said in a statement.
“Our policies will also be continuously guided by science and by the advice of our health experts,” it added.
The Learning Continuity Plan will be presented to the IATF on Emerging Infectious Disease once finalized.
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