Teachers’ group pushes for shortened classes to address extreme heat experienced by students

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) is pushing for shortened teaching class time and smaller class sizes in or to deal with the extreme heat being experienced by learners in their classrooms.

For now, the alternative methods that can be used are shortened teaching time and modular and online learning

TDC chairman Benjo Basas said in a statement, citing a recent memorandum issued by the Department of Education (DepEd), which reiterated its policy of suspending in-person classes during unfavorable weather conditions.

A more strategic approach is needed, for example, a class size of no more than 25 students, more stable classrooms designed for student comfort and provision of electric fans or even air-conditioning system. Certainly, we will need funds and policies to implement such,

he added.

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Although the TDC supports the call for the return to the old school calendar, Basas said it would take at least four years to gradually go back.

An immediate shift to the old calendar could affect the two-month break of teachers and students,

he emphasized.

Meanwhile, DepEd spokesman Michael Poa said that a shift to alternative delivery modes (ADM), such as modular distance learning, is within the authority and discretion of the school heads.

For as long as it is determined by our school heads that the school environment is no longer conducive for our learners and personnel, they may suspend in-person classes and immediately switch to ADM,

he said.

Recently, DepEd reminded, in an office memorandum on Thursday, that school heads of their authority to suspend in-person classes and implement modular distance learning in cases of unfavorable weather and environment such as, but not limited to, extremely high temperatures which may considerably affect the conduct of classroom learning and put the learners’ health and wellbeing at risk.

According to an official of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned, on Friday, that a higher heat index is to be expected in May amid the dry season.