DepEd Class Scheduling on the Limited Face-to-Face Learning Modality

Attached herewith is Section 7.2 of DepEd-DOH Joint Memorandum Circular No. 3, s. 2021 dated September 27, 2021 on the Operational Guidelines on the Implementation of Limited Face-to-Face Learning Modality.

Ensuring Teaching And Learning

Limited face-to-face classes will be implemented in a blended learning approach. As such, participating schools shall determine the most appropriate learning delivery modality to be adopted in combination with the face-to-face modality and the schedule of classes.

DepEd Guidance for Class Scheduling

To guide the schools in implementing a blended learning approach, the following protocols shall be observed:

Face-to-face classes shall have a maximum number of learners as required in Section VII. b. ii. of these guidelines. The number of classes in each school shall be organized in such a way that each class will be able to attend face-to-face classes every other week, following the prescribed class schedule in these guidelines.

Class schedules shall be arranged equitably so that all qualified learners will have the opportunity to attend face-to-face classes. The school shall ensure that arrival, breaks, and dismissal times are staggered to avoid crowding of learners in the schools’ canteen and gates. Regardless of the learners’ schedule, they shall only be allowed to have lunch in their respective homes.

The table below illustrates the required class for Class A and B:

Class	One straight week limited face-to-face classes
Class A	Half-day face-to-face classes in one straight week The other half-day shall be allotted for distance learning
Class B	One straight week of pure distance learning
Other notes	The classes shall alternately attend face-to-face classes every week for the whole duration of the pilot implementation

All face-to-face classes shall be conducted half-day, preferably in the morning where learners are said to learn best.

Learners shall stay in school for a maximum of 4.5 hours, with the exception of kindergarten learners, who shall stay in school for a maximum of 3 hours.

The learning areas organized for the face-to-face classes may be prioritized according to:

• core learning areas;
• learning areas that would need the use of laboratory and / or workshops; and
• any combination in which the school finds the learner would need the most instructional support.

Illustrative examples of class schedules by grade level and proposed teaching tasks are provided in Annex F.

After face-to-face lessons, teachers shall have consultations with parents, provide feedback and instructional support for learners, check/prepare formative assessments, collaborate with fellow teachers in preparing the Weekly Home Learning Plan (WHLP) and Individual Monitoring Plan, and do other relevant tasks.

Appropriate learning and development assistance (i.e. coaching, mentoring, training) for teachers shall be provided to ensure their ability to deliver relevant teaching and learning strategies. School-based learning action cells (SLAC) must be regularly conducted based on the assessed needs of the teachers in providing instructional support to learners.

Schools shall be prohibited to conduct physical or face-to-face large gatherings and activities that will require close contact or where physical distancing may not be possible (e.g., school activities, field trips, sports festivals, flag ceremonies).

DepEd Curriculum on the Limited Face-to-Face Learning Modality

The Department of Education (DepEd) prescribes the K-to-12 Curriculum as a minimum requirement for all public and private schools that will participate in the implementation of face-to-face classes. However, for the pilot face-to-face classes, the focus of instruction shall be on the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs). Teachers shall unpack these competencies to ensure that learners are equipped with prerequisite knowledge and skills before being taught with targeted competencies. The MELCs were formulated in support of the implementation of the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) under DepEd Order No. 12, s. 2020, entitled Adoption of the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan for School Year 2020-2021 in Light of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

READ MORE: 

DepEd Class Schedules and Timetables on the Limited Face-to-Face Learning Modality

DepEd Guidelines on the Implementation of Limited Face-to-Face Learning Modality

DepEd Classroom Layout and Structure on the Implementation of Limited Face-To-Face Learning Modality

DepEd Parental Consent and Waiver Form on the Pilot Implementation of Face-to-Face Classes