Catch-Up Fridays: The bridge of learning gaps
By MILIONERA C. PAREDO
Pedro-Victorina Calo Elementary School (PVCES)
With the fast-paced learning environment in public schools, one of the problem in the field is still the congested K-12 learning objectives that made slow learners left behind. The Department of Education’s Catch-Up Fridays is the answer on the low reading level performance. This program truly helps to cope the learning gaps of learners.
According to DepEd Memorandum No. 001 series 2024 or Implementation of Catch-Up Fridays that each learning area must be used in enhancing learners’ knowledge and skills in and appreciation of reading, values, health and peace education. Since the launching, teachers are using differentiated instructions which learners are grouped according to reading level like frustration, instructional, and independent. Each group are given activities according to their learning needs.
In addition, this program also provides ready-to-use reading materials by the teacher to the learners. So, there is no reason that Catch-Up Fridays can’t be fun. Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said during the Basic Education Report 2024 that amidst the rising sea of novel education theories, one has stood the test of time that there is hope in reading and a brighter future in counting.
However, materials given are mostly online. What the learners need are reading materials in print because not all classrooms have LCD screens and internet connection. Not all learners can afford gadgets. According to classroom survey only 50% has shared smartphones at home.
Lastly, the implementation of Catch-up Fridays is timely. However, there must be enough printed reading materials to the learners and teachers as well. Hopefully, this opening of classes the problems encountered be addressed. Every Catch-up Fridays must be participated by all so that no learners left behind. ###
