COVID-19 is a contiguous disease that requires containment and isolation of infected individuals. Due to its outbreak, it restricted personal interaction between learners and teachers, causing educational institutions to shut down and delayed learning. Hence, the Department of Education (DepEd) adopted the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP) to address learning gaps brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. To implement, the department issued the DepEd Order 14, series 2023.
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This policy contains the implementing guidelines on the National Learning Camp to enhance the learning recovery and continuity program, literacy and numeracy, and further educational achievement. Moreover, it aims to reduce the record of learners with “low performance” by addressing the learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the guidelines for NLC implementation are vital to learners’ progress.
What is DepEd Order 14
On July 3, 2023, the Department of Education promulgated the DepEd Order (DO) 14, series (s.) 2023, which enclosed the “Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of the National Learning Camp (NLC).” This policy conforms with the MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa agenda. It also promotes DepEd’s pledge to the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP) to address learning gaps and support K to 12 in public elementary and secondary schools nationwide to achieve learning standards.
DepEd Order 14 contains the implementing guidelines for the NLC, a voluntary learning recovery program offered every end-of-school-year (EOSY) break to supplement learning efforts in the previous school year. The policy provides a solid basis for further achievement in the upcoming school year. It also recognizes the vital role of teachers in enhancing learning outcomes. Hence, the NLC has a double purpose: to improve learner performance and bolster teachers’ capacity.
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Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of the National Learning Camp
Scope
This policy guideline applies in all public and elementary and secondary schools throughout the Philippines. It applies from Kindergarten to 12 Grade, and its implementation should be in phases beginning the 2022-2023 EOSY break. DepEd Order also repeals DO 13, s. 2018, and DO 25, s. 2022. Meanwhile, DepEd encourages private schools, higher education institutions, state and local universities, colleges, and technical and vocational institutions with basic education to adhere to these guidelines.
Principles
DepEd uses the following principles as the basis for implementing the NLC:
- Every learner has the right to learn.
- Engaged learners are motivated, inspired, and willing to invest effort in learning.
- Teaching must be rigorous and relevant.
- Purposeful assessment enhances teaching and learning.
A whole-school approach and community engagement support the improvement of education quality.
General Guidelines
- The NLC is a voluntary learning recovery program for K to 12 in public elementary and secondary schools for three to five weeks.
- Based on learners’ specific needs, they should be in one of three camps: Enhancement Camp, Consolidation Camp, or Intervention Camp.
- On the 2022-2023 EOSY break, the phased implementation of the NLC should commence with Grades 7 and 8 in English, Science, and Mathematics for Enhancement, Consolidation, and Intervention Camps.
- The phased implementation should be applied to other grade levels and learning areas in the following school years based on the issuance of specific guidelines. However, schools can perform other EOSY breaks or enrichment activities for the remaining grade levels during the NLC phase implementation.
- Conduct remedial classes in other grade levels until the NLC phased implementation is complete.
- Incoming Grade 12 learners who must undergo work immersion in the following semester can take one (1) or two (2) subjects in advance to lessen their academic load.
- The arrangement of learners in various camps depends on their pre-assessment or academic performance in the previous school year’s EOSY break.
- At least two weeks before the school year ends, early registration for NLC should be conducted by class advisers, guided and supervised by school heads.
- Before partaking in the NLC, provide duly accomplished Parent/Legal Guardian Consent to guarantee solid support and their involvement in the phased implementation.
- This policy encourages teachers to provide parents and guardians with regular updates about the children’s learning process.
- All learners who comply with the camp requirements and accomplishments will receive a Certificate of Completion.
- Teachers who provided service to implement the NLC will receive a Certificate of Recognition.
DepEd will issue a separate memorandum to cover specific guidelines for the LC implementation and other EOSY break activities.
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Learning Focus
The NLC is composed of the following camps, including:
- The Enhancement Camp – aims to help advanced learners enrich their current skills, knowledge, and understanding of grade-level learning area competencies. It involves developing the breadth, complexity, and depth of learners’ skills, knowledge, and understanding.
- The Consolidation Camp – is a learning program that gives further practice and application of formerly taught competencies. This camp provides opportunities to determine links that connect concepts and skills through grade-level competencies.
The Intervention Camp – aims to assist high-need learners who haven’t yet comprehend Foundational Mathematics and English skills.
On the other hand, the foundation for all learning areas for Kindergarten to Grade 3 learners should focus on developing literacy and numeracy skills. Also, Grades 4 to 12 learners should be offered Learning Camps in all areas, particularly STEM-R (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – Reading).
Learner Placement in the Camps
- The placement of learners in specific learning camps depends on the results of their pre-assessment or academic performance from the immediately preceding school year, determining their proficiency levels and academic needs. Learners receive proper support, and teaching will meet their specific needs.
- The Enhancement Camp is for learners who exhibit advanced proficiency in the grade-level competencies, focusing on expanding skills, deepening knowledge, and promoting a comprehensive understanding of learning competencies.
- The Consolidation Camp is for learners proficient in the grade-level competencies, and supplemental practice and application may benefit them. It helps learners boost their understanding, develop skills in various areas, and connect concepts.
The Intervention Camp is for high-need learners who need additional assistance in Foundational Mathematics or English skills. It will provide learners with targeted interventions to assist them in enhancing their foundational skills and reducing understanding gaps.
Teaching and Learning Resources
- Schools will receive teaching-learning materials for all grade levels through the Enhancement, Consolidation, and Intervention Camps. In addition, schools may use additional learning resources in line with the targeted learning competencies and the most applicable teaching approaches and strategies.
- Develop a Lesson Format and Design that adhere to the NLC objectives, which aim for teachers to extend their knowledge, skills, and understanding of teaching and learning.
With the guidance of the ROs and SDOs, schools should be flexible in deciding on the learning resources for other EOST break activities, ensuring they meet learners’ needs and are in line with the most applicable teaching approaches and strategies.
Class Size and Schedule
- The NCL should have a maximum of 35 learners per class. Nonetheless, school heads have the discretion to formulate interventions for flexibility to organize a class based on the availability of classrooms and teachers.
- The Enhancement, Consolidation, and Intervention Camps should start one week after the end of the EOSY rites.
- The Enhancement Camp should be administered five (5) days weekly within three weeks. Also, three (3) days of the week should be for structured and targeted teaching-learning activities with the learners. Meanwhile, the remaining two (2) days should be for teachers collaborative sessions.
- Classes and remedial classes organized for incoming Grade 12 learners with subjects enrolled in advance should be for five (5) weeks with five (5) days of teacher-learner engagement per week.
- Classes should run from Monday to Friday with a three (3) hour duration for each subject. Schools should discuss with parents and seek the Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) approval to administer a blended distance learning modality (BLDM).
- The BLDM’s distance learning component should not exceed two (2) days a week except during crisis or emergencies.
In case of declaration of suspension or cancellation of in-person classes caused by natural or human-induced disasters, calamities, armed conflicts, and other emergencies, which may endanger the lives and limbs of learning, teaching and non-teaching personnel, schools and community learning centers should automatically implement Education in Emergencies-Alternative Delivery Mode (EiE-ADM).
DepEd Order 14 Full Memo Download
To access and download the complete PDF of DepEd Order No. 14, series of 2023, a direct link is available on this page. By clicking the download button below, you can easily obtain a copy of DepEd Order 14 in PDF format.
Full PDF DepEd 14 memo file: https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/DO_s2023_014.pdf
Video: DEPED ORDER NO. 14 S. 2023 POLICY GUIDELINES ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL LEARNING CAMP
Watch the video below to learn more about DepEd Order 14, series 2023:
As discussed in the video, the DepEd Order 14, series 2023, is an issuance of the “Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of the National Learning Camp. The department issued this policy to address the learning losses brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the commitment of DepEd to learning recovery by supporting teachers and learners to ensure the provision of quality education. Thus, officials and personnel of DepEd, public elementary, and secondary schools throughout the Philippines should adhere to the guidelines enclosed in this policy.
Summary
In summary, DepEd Order 14, series 2023, titled the “Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of the National Learning Camp (NLC),” will benefit students by providing them learning recovery program every EOSY break. By doing so, DepEd can address learning gaps and provide learners with quality learning standards. The issuance of this policy will also help teaching and non-teaching personnel of DepEd in all public and elementary and secondary schools nationwide. Private schools and other educational institutions may also adopt the guidelines in this policy. Therefore, all concerned stakeholders should apply and adhere to this policy.