The Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) has called for shorter teaching hours and smaller class sizes to address the health risks of extreme summer heat to students and teachers.
Chairman Benjo Basas acknowledged the DepEd's memorandum on suspending in-person classes during unfavorable weather conditions. They expressed support for reverting to the old school calendar with a school break in April and May.
However, Basas noted that implementing such changes would require a gradual approach over four years to avoid disrupting the two-month break for teachers and students.
In the meantime, the TDC suggests alternative methods such as shortened teaching hours, and modular, and online learning.
"For now, the alternative methods that can be used are shortened teaching time and modular and online learning," Basas said.
"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.
DepEd spokesman Michael Poa confirmed that school heads can implement alternative delivery modes such as modular distance learning.
The DepEd has also reminded school heads of their discretion to suspend in-person classes during unfavorable weather conditions to prioritize the health and well-being of learners.
The department will study proposals to shift the school break to April and May, with the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) proposing a gradual reduction in class days to 185 for the next two school years set to open in August 2023 and 2024.
