60% of private schools ready to deliver education under flexible learning mode —COCOPEA

The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) on Monday said around 60 percent of private schools in the country are ready to deliver education under flexible learning mode amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, COCOPEA managing director Noel Estrada said through the flexible learning mode, students will still be given modules and assignments.

“Base po sa aming ginawang survey sa mga private schools, around 60 percent ay sinabi naman nila na sila ay ready to deliver,” Estrada said.

“Hindi naman din kinakailangan na fully online dahil hindi naman lahat ng eskwelahan at may kakayanan para diyan lalong lalo na ‘yong mga mag-aaral at magulang,” he added.

Estrada also stressed there will be no "face-to-face" or physical reporting in schools amid the health crisis.

He added most private schools may open by July or August, depending if the teachers and other school personnel already began their training on the new learning platforms.

“Kaya natin na makapagbukas na sa July o August basta masimulan na 'yung training ng mga guro sa learning platforms natin, at siyempre maihanda natin ang mindset ng magulang at estudyante kasi sila ang magdedesisyon kung papayagan nilang pumasok na ang mga bata,” Estrada said.

He also said the flexible learning mode is a big challenge for schools nationwide because before, it was only an alternative.

“Dati, alternative lang ‘yan eh kung ‘di mo kaya ‘yong formal delivery parang mag-aapply ka out of privilege or alternative pero ngayon it’s out of necessity.”

Estrada said COCOPEA will conduct a meeting with school personnel and teachers after the enhanced community quarantine to discuss measures for the new normal.

He added the agency will coordinate with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education regarding a massive training for all teachers and personnel for flexible learning mode.

“Hangga’t maaari government-sponsored kasi malaking bagay ‘yan and para sigurado na within the minimum required standards ng DepEd and CHED,” Estrada said.—AOL, GMA News