Reading has become fun and enjoyable for pupils who are on their break, yet still find time to read and learn more from phonics - words - sentences.
With the innovations initiated by the teachers from the different district schools under the Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan City Division, it becomes easier and more convenient for the learners to read and comprehend the lessons being taught to them under the Brigada Pagbasa (BP) Program.
According to Loinda Guerta, division reading coordinator of DepEd Butuan City Division, during the Kapihan of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga held at SM City Butuan, the Brigada Pagbasa is another form of volunteerism of parents and other stakeholders, which calls for the different sectors to unite and volunteer in teaching learners who needs utmost attention in reading and comprehending the lessons in the school.
“During Brigada Pagbasa, volunteers work closely with the teachers in every school, in time also with the conduct of Brigada Eskwela (BE), where they help guide and teach the learners to enhance their reading ability. The DepEd really hopes to help the children and youth by initiating various learning activities that will boost their confidence as they become competitive academically,” she said.
Guerta added that since its implementation in 2019, there have been volunteers who signified their interest and signed Memorandum of Agreement with DepEd Butuan City Division.
“What we did to make it more organized is that we advised the volunteers to approach the school head of which they want to volunteer and teach, and they will be assisted by the trained teachers of the respective school. We have readily available reading tools and materials, wherein volunteer-teachers will have to check whether the students are able to comply or respond correctly to the processes,” she explained.
The key stages in the DepEd’s approach to reading refers to stages within the K to 12 Program that highlight specific developmental milestones by which the assessment of learning is crucial at the end of each stage. The following key stages are identified: Key Stage 1 (Kindergarten to Grade 3); Key Stage 2 (Grade 4 to Grade 6); Key Stage 3 (Grade 7 to Grade 10); and Key Stage 4 (Grades 11 and 12).
In terms of presentation of learning materials, Guerta announced that DepEd is now maximizing the advent of technology, making it easier for the teachers and volunteers, and more fun and enjoyable for the learners.
During the conduct of a post-test for identified learners in Grades 1-3 in English, Guerta revealed a concerning result which shows that 179 learners were considered as “nothing level” or non-readers. Additionally, in the letter level, there were about 664 learners.
“We also have a total of more than 5,000 frustration level readers in Butuan from Grade 1-12. We are also considering the learners with special education needs, and with this, we continue to give our best to help them cope and improve their reading proficiency,” bared Guerta.
In line with this effort, the DepEd also implements the National Learning Camp (NLC) from July 24 to August 25, 2023.
“We need the continued support, synergism of the parents and all other stakeholders as we implement these activities and programs for the welfare of our learners,” Guerta added.
There were also collaborations of different government agencies, local government units, and private sector during the 2022’s Brigada Pabasa Caravan in Butuan City and then established the “Basa Batang Butuanon Drive” and Project VIBER or the Virtual Intervention for Beginning Readers, among others.
Division Reading Profile
The DepEd Butuan City Division data from 2021-2022 shows the performance gaps in reading, along with the initiated activities and interventions, and the results.
