EDITORIAL

Improving the educational system

Following the series of controversies on corruption involving government officials, the move of the Department of Education to reduce drop out rate in schools is a welcome respite. DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus last week urged all incoming first year high school students for school year 2009-2010 to register in public or private schools of their choice this January, 2009.

This way, the department can take immediate measures to reduce the drop out rate in schools, especially between Grade 6 to first year high school. The enrollment for school year 2009-2010 remains in June.

This was to clarify earlier media reports which said that the enrollment of incoming first year high school students has been moved to January. According to a memorandum from DepEd, registration should be within the four Saturdays of January 2009. Lapus said the move seeks to monitor the number of graduating Grade 6 pupils who will continue in high school.

"Through the early registration scheme, DepEd will be able to identify those graduating from Grade 6 and take action if there are students who are in danger of dropping out from school," Lapus added. In registering, the graduating Grade 6 pupils have to bring with them their certification from the school principal stating that they are candidates for graduation for school year 2008-2009.

Studies show that out of 100 pupils who enter Grade 1, only 66 graduate in Grade 6 out of which only 58 enroll in high school. "The early registration program will provide DepEd information that will allow it to introduce appropriate interventions that help lessen the rate of drop out from Grade 6 to high school," Director Yolanda Quijano of the DepEd Bureau of Elementary Education emphasized.

Lapus disclosed that as part of its intervention program, DepEd will absorb dropping out students under the Open High School program. Depending on the situation in a community, the Open High School operates by following various models to suit the needs of the students. One model offers a night shift to accommodate the students.

The school may also offer a scheme where students study through learning modules. Quijano said that if the graduating Grade 6 pupil fails to register during the given period this is already a sign that the he or she may not enroll in high school.

When this happens, the secondary school head will have to check with the elementary school head the reasons for non-registration. School officials will then have to coordinate with parents and barangay officials to ensure that school-age students are kept in school.

In cases where a public high school is unable to accommodate them, the students may be absorbed in private schools of their choice where DepEd pays for the matriculation fees under the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE).

The division offices of the DepEd will mobilize school communities and use all means of communication in order to reach even those students of high school age who have stopped schooling after completing their elementary education.