By Brian Campued
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday welcomed the lapse into law of Republic Act (RA) No. 12322, which grants the agency greater flexibility in determining the most effective teaching methods for learners in the basic education curriculum.
The new law amended Section 5, paragraph (g) of RA 10533, or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, allowing DepEd to determine the most effective pedagogical approaches to ensure students’ mastery of knowledge and skills.
RA 12322 lapsed into law on Aug. 2, Malacañang announced Thursday.
In a news release, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the updated provision of RA 10533 “broadly provides policy flexibility” and authorizes the agency to “maintain instructional approaches that are grounded in classroom evidence and field experience.”
Under the amended law, DepEd is no longer bound to the mandatory spiral progression approach, which prescribed that concepts in subjects such as Science and Mathematics be discussed across grade levels with increasing complexity.
Through the amendment, Sec. Angara said teachers will have flexibility in adopting alternative instructional models that better respond to the evolving educational needs and ensure learners fully grasp the subject before they advance to another level.
He likewise assured that any changes in the curriculum and approach shall be subject to review, based on evidence, and consider practical aspects such as the availability of textbooks and training of educators.
RA 12322 requires DepEd to conduct a comprehensive review of the basic education curriculum at least once every five years to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.
“This update is about maintaining the flexibility our curriculum experts and field officers need to address learning gaps,” Sec. Angara said.
Our focus remains on stability in our schools and ensuring our teaching strategies directly improve learner outcomes,” the DepEd chief added.
Meanwhile, all other core curriculum standards under RA 10533 shall remain in effect while DepEd is crafting the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for RA 12322.
The new law was co-authored by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) co-chairpersons Sen. Bam Aquino and Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo, together with body commissioners Senate President Win Gatchalian, Sen. Loren Legarda, Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto-Adiong, and Leyte 3rd District Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon.
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