DepEd warns vs unaccredited private schools

With School Year 2012-13 set to start June 4, the Department of Education (DepEd) cautioned parents this week to be wary of enrolling their children in unaccredited private schools.

 

In a statement, the DepEd ordered its regional offices to submit the list of names and addresses of private schools with government permit to operate to serve as a guide for parents and students.

 

“We encourage parents to check whether the private school where they intend to enroll their children has the required permits so the department can easily track down unaccredited private schools and pursue immediate action,” said Education Secretary Armin Luistro.

 

The DepEd said the lists of accredited schools will be posted in all regional and division offices, municipal halls, and other conspicuous places.

 

Luistro said the deadline for submitting the list is Thursday.

 

In the meantime, he said a master list of private schools with DepEd accreditation is available at the DepEd website, www.deped.gov.ph.

 

Problems in unaccredited schools

 

Luistro said studying in an unaccredited private school might pose a problem on student’s learning due to unauthorized curriculum.

 

“If a private school does not go through the process of government accreditation, we are not even sure if they follow the minimum academic standards set by the appropriate government agencies,” he said.

 

He added students who finish a grade or year level in a school without the required permit should take the Philippine Validating Test (PVT) prior to admission to another school to validate the acquired learning gains.

 

A PVT is administered at the National Education Testing and Research Center at the DepEd Central Office. — RSJ, GMA News