An Investigative Report on the Quality of Elementary Education in Baguio City(IN)COMPETENCE OR (IN)EFFECTIVITY TEST?
“Mahirap yung exam talaga sa HSRT lalo na yung sa Math. Hindi ko masyadong alam. Nung Grade VI kasi ako, hindi masyadong nai-eexplain. Hindi malinaw yung pagtuturo. Laging di pumapasok yung teacher ko. Yung tipong happy-go-lucky. Suweldo lang ang hinihintay kasi nga nasa government siya (kung kaya’t puwede niyang gawin ang gusto niya.”
- Bladimir Parocha
Grade VI Graduate from Roxas Elementary School, Baguio City
It is alarming to note that the present state of elementary education in the city is declining to an extent that educators in that level are not satisfactorily performing their task of honing and molding the youth to be academically-prepared in today’s globally-competent world.
Ironically, Philippine education is on the brink of scrutiny among critics, academicians and other concerned sectors of the society. So, the challenge now is how can elementary teachers in the academe can be more competent to teach? And what is the purpose of education then if students don’t get the quality and effectiveness of learning they deserve?
HSRT : A BANE OR BOON?
The High School Readiness Test (HSRT) is mandated by former Department of Education Secretary Edilberto C. De Jesus through its DepEd Memorandum No. 37, April 30, 2004 “requiring all public elementary graduates to undergo a 90-item proficiency test in English, Science and English which had the same content and degree of difficulty.”
On the other hand, “high school students accepted in specialized science schools, honor students from elementary schools are exempted from taking the said test”, according to de Jesus.
This aptitude exam tries to determine the strengths and weaknesses of elementary graduates on the three afore-mentioned “tool subjects” that are essential to productive learning. This will gauge their critical and analytical skills and preparedness towards desired learning competencies in the secondary curriculum.
In an interview with Mrs. Letecia Sab-it, Head Teacher of Baguio City National High School, she said that, “the cut off score of HSRT is 30% which is equivalent to 27. This means that students whose scores in the test are 30% and above will be enrolled in the regular First Year program and those whose scores are 26% and below will be enrolled in Bridge Program.”
The Bridge Program is a year-long tutorial program, before going to the regular four-year high school. The advantage of this is that students enrolled in this program have the maximum time to study. On the other hand, “If some of the subject teachers are not available to teach, students will wait for them.”, Sab-it stressed.
Thinking that twenty-seven (27%) percent as cut-off score passing rate in that test, still, it is considered to be relatively low since if we are going to compute the fifty percent (50%) of the 90-item test is forty-five (45%) percent. And this is the standard passing rate for a student to pass.
Dr. Elma Donaal, principal of Baguio City National High School reported that sixty (60%)percent of incoming freshmen students flunked in the second High School Readiness Test (HSRT) conducted by their Guidance Office last August 31, 2004. It only means that majority of them are still not ready for high school education.
“Most of the students failed in Mathematics and Science. It (shows) that present academic competence does not suit the level of mastery of students. They are not really ready to enter high school education. And I cannot put only the blame to elementary teachers. It’s also on the leniency between parents and students.”, Bas-it admits.
This percentage of failure seems to be an indicator of poor scholastic performance among these students. It also shows that they have gained poor instruction from their teachers in the elementary. In a way or another, these students are not yet ready to be promoted in the secondary.
Despite this alarming concern in the education sector, its also disappointing to note that “the program became optional because of intense opposition from the parents and students last June 08, 2004.”, according to Dr. Edna Sanaad, DepEd Baguio Education Supervisor II for Guidance.
With so much debate and criticism on the implementation of HSRT, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called for a national convention with public elementary educators last July 2002 “scrapping the controversial ‘bridge program’ and proposed a measure which would require new elementary school pupils to attend kindergarten rather than adding another year to the present four-year public high school course”.
This declaration of the President is a clear strategy of the government to give effective solutions on this prevalent crisis in the elementary education sector.
Knowing the poor results of the said exam and the sudden stop of the implementation of such, it is imperative to look into the present (in)competence of elementary educators to teach in Baguio City Division and what is the implication of the said test to the poor scholastic performance of elementary graduates.
(IN)COMPETENT EDUCATORS?
Teacher’s competence in the elementary level particularly in Baguio City is necessary to positively effect quality and productive learning to students. Without this, teaching methods and styles don’t go together and in effect, the learning process doesn’t go into play.
The following reasons affecting the competence of teachers should be properly taken in consideration in looking into the factors affecting the deteriorating quality of education in the elementary level and to the prevailing incompetence of teachers and the poor scholastic performance of students.
(UN)SPECIALIZED TEACHERS
There is a legal basis for eligibility among elementary teachers to practice their teaching profession in the country. As mandated by RA 7836 “An Act to Strengthen the Regulation and Supervision of the Practice of Teaching in the Philippines and Prescribing a Licensure Examination for Teachers and for other Purposes” in Secs.13-14,it states:
“All applicants for registration as professional teachers shall be required to undergo a written examination. The examinations for the elementary and secondary school teachers shall be
separate. The examination for teachers in the elementary level shall consist of two (2)
parts, namely: professional education and general education. The examination for
teachers in the secondary level shall consist of three (3) parts, namely: professional
education, general education, and field of specialization.
..... The passing rate is 75%”
While it’s true that the Baguio City Division is not hiring licensed teachers to teach in the elementary but we cannot erase the fact that most “elementary teachers are no major (they don’t have specialization) unlike high school teachers. How can they effectively teach a particular subject when they don’t mastered their expertise (major subject).”, says Mrs. Sab-it.
Considering this factor, elementary teachers are not competent much in teaching elementary pupils. Teachers should a mastered craft in order that he/she effectively integrate his/her knowledge to other disciplines.
Say for instance, Ms. Mhargrette G. Dela Cruz, a UP Baguio Mass Communication graduate and a Grade VI teacher from the Roots of Learning Child Development admits that “Being a communication graduate is such an advantage since it helped me to be more confident in teaching. I can be able to integrate Filipino, Science, Computer and Technology and Home Economics in just one lecture/discussion.
Non-specialization of elementary teachers also results to their difficulty in discussing well all their subject areas. They are not confident and prepared to express their thoughts and ideas during class discussions since they’re interests and inclinations do not suit to the subjects they’re teaching. They’re also employing other strategies or tactics just to escape from their teaching tasks.
In the case of Ms. Lydia (not real name) of Mabini Elementary School, she admits that “her interest is more focused on teaching English grammar but then she is obliged by their principal to teach Science and Music in Grades V and VI”. Sad to say, she can’t do anything about it but to force herself to teach these subjects.
On the other hand, the case of Mrs. Teng-eg, Grade VI teacher of Kristine Viernes from Jose Cariño Elementary School is very grievous. “Boring. Nakakaantok at tahimik (siya). Pasulat ng pasulat.Gumagamit din siya ng teaching aids sa pagtuturo kaso kulang pa rin. Madalas nag-papalinis muna siya bago magturo. (My teacher is boring. I feel sleepy most of the time since she is a silent-type teacher. She keeps on writing. She uses teaching materials but still it’s insufficient for us. Oftentimes that she allow us first to clean the room before teaching her lessons.)
This is the negative effect of non-specialization. Elementary teachers are not motivated and enthusiastic in their pedagogical approaches, methods or techniques.
According to Mrs. Sab-it, “one disadvantage of non-specialization of elementary teachers is their difficulty in going to a training or seminar where they are not comfortable to attend.”
Sab-it added that based on her observation as an educator, most teachers don’t usually apply the training they have attended; they’re just using this for their promotions.
It is no doubt that non-specialization of elementary leads to inefficient quality of education. In a way or another, it deteriorates the learning competencies of pupils more particularly in English, Math, and Science.
“In the recently concluded National Test for Teachers Teaching Mathematics and Science last February 11-12,2006, most elementary teachers in the city failed the said exam.”, Dr. Jurata said.
Such academic failure of mathematics and science teachers in the elementary level only shows that they are not competent well to teach these subject areas.
This is a clear manifestation why most public elementary graduates failed in the HSRT exam.
SELF-RATING PERFORMANCE
Evident in the elementary curriculum is the self-rating evaluation of teachers towards their performance. Dr. Godofredo M. Jurata, principal of Quezon Elementary School admits that, “certain criteria/standards like competence, preparedness and personality of teachers are being evaluated by the teacher himself/herself. After which, his/her evaluation is passed to the principal for final approval”.
Jurata says that “it’s unethical for a principal to evaluate his/her teacher without proper monitoring or supervision with that teacher.” This is for the purpose of not being biased/prejudiced to the members of the teaching force.
With this common standard operating procedure, one teacher can just perfectly evaluate his/her teaching performance. He/she can just make a very good evaluation towards herself. Definitely, the principal can be easily impressed on her performance rating.
Dr.Edna Sanaad, ES-II, Guidance explains that “Performance ratings of teachers are very confidential (private) documents. We are not releasing these for any related public matters”.
The mere fact that DepEd Baguio is neither responsive nor attentive to such practice in the elementary level attests to the fact they are not really concerned in the effectivity or competence of its elementary teaching force.
In a classroom observation conducted by the researcher in March, most of the teachers in Baguio Central school are not creative and critical in their manner of teaching. They are not enthusiastic and focused much because of their poor classroom set-up and over-populated number of pupils.
LENGTH OF SERVICE
Some of the public elementary teachers in the city have already been in the teaching service for almost years now. According to Mrs. Bas-it, “teachers stay for so long in their subject areas and have long been in service.”
This is a sign of incompetence since they do not grow better despite the longevity of their “teaching career.” And this is very prevalent among public elementary schools whether in the rural or urban setting.
(MAL)SUPERVISION
Prof. Leticia Tolentino, Philosophy and (former) Mass Communication Professor from University of the Philippines Baguio and Saint Louis University observed “that today’s teachers (in the city) are not being focused on their classes because they do not get sufficient compensation and because higher authorities fail to supervise them. This in turn makes the teachers attend to personal concerns rather than prioritize their jobs.”
Mrs. Bas-it also said that “lack of motivation” between teacher and student is one of the reasons why the latter is not performing well academically. Add to that the fact that some school administrators are not monitoring progress on both student and teacher.
Some principals are very much busy in attending seminars, trainings, and other conferences that is why they do not have enough time to supervise their teaching staff.
ATTITUDE VS. (MIS)BEHAVIOR
Admittedly, personality plays a significant role in the teaching profession for one to be competent or effective in the field.
“In terms of attitude, pag inspired ka sa gawain mo, makapagtuturo ka ng maayos. Ngayon kung hindi mo feel yung trabaho mo bilang teacher, siguradong grouchy ang approach mo sa pagtuturo at sa estudyante, says Ms. Dela Cruz (In terms of attitude, if you are inspired on what you are doing, you can teach well. Now, if you don’t like your work as a teacher, surely your approach in teaching and to your students is grouchy).
She also claims that “Ang teacher na umiikot sa klasrum ay masipag pero yung mga laging naka-upo kapag nagdi-discuss, mga tamad magturo.” (The teacher who is standing/walking around the room is industrious while those who are sitting on their chair while teaching are lazy.)
Ro-ann Villaruz, graduate of Bonifacio Elementary School says that “Kapag maingay kami, hindi nag-eexplain. Mahilig magpa-assigment. Yung mga bumabagsak, binibigyan ng special projects.”(When we are very noisy, our teacher doesn’t explain the lesson. She always gives assignments. She also gives special projects to failing students).
Allan Ebacuado, graduate of Raya Barangka Elementary School admits that “Terror ang teacher ko. Masungit. Tamad.” (My teachor is terror. She’s always moody and lazy.
“Palaging nag-uutos yung teacher ko noon kaya konti lang natutunan ko” (My teacher keeps on giving commands/requests that’s why I did not learn a lot from school), laments Mae Viernes, graduate of Raya Barangka Elementary School.
Tamad magturo yung teacher ko (Sir Carino). Natutulog lagi at nagpapalinis palagi.” (My teacher is very lazy in teaching. He always sleeps in class and forces us to clean at all times), says Jayson Ayson, graduate of Roxas Elementary School.
Prof. Tolentino considers “lack of research and training as a factor for incompetence among elementary teachers”. This is so because trainings should be an integral part of a teaching career.
On the other hand, Ms. Dela Cruz belives that, “Dapat kailangang mag-attend ng mga seminars kasi yung mga napag-aralan mo noon, nagbabago at nadadagdagan sa ngayon. (It is necessary to attend seminars since what you have learned in the past changes and may still be added through at the present).
Contrary to that, some elementary teachers are joining seminars just for the sake of promotion (self-development) and not for academic enhancement.
INFORMATION SOURCING
It is important to consider also the textbooks used by elementary teachers as a ground of competence.
“Sa totoo lang, ang daming mga libro na out-dated sa public elementary schools. Private schools, walang problema.”, De la Cruz admits (Honestly, there are a lot of out-dated books among elementary schools. There is no problem in private schools.)
De la Cruz adds that “Lalo na ngayon sa ratio ng libro sa estudyante. Kapag 1 is to 1 madaling mag-back-up ng aral ang estudyante pero kapag 1 is to 3, kawawa yung dalawang hindi makakahawak ng libro. Dapat kailangan mo ng creative ways para mareinforce mo mo yung pagtuturo. Hindi mo na maaasahan ang libro ngayon.” (Especially now that the ratio of books to students. If the ratio is 1 to 1, a student can easily back his/her lesson but if it is 1 to 3, the other 2 suffers. It is necessary to employ creative ways to reinforce teaching. Now, you can’t just depend on books.”
Aside from this, proper reinforcement of media tools is imperative in the elementary level. The use of media equipment is vital not only in modern teaching but also integral to productive learning
“The normal problem among elementary teachers today is that they are not resourceful in finding teaching aids that are new and innovative to elementary students”, Dr. Jurata stressed.
ECONOMIC BURDENS
Financial circumstances and other family dilemmas usually occur among elementary teachers since they’re salaries are relatively low.
“Because of the increase of price of some basic necessities and other needs in the family, some teachers do extra income jobs like selling tocinos.”, Dr. Jurata observes.
Ms. Dela Cruz says that “Sa totoo lang, kapag delayed ang suweldo o kaya wala kang pera, muryot ka.”, (Actually, if your salary is deleayed or you have no money, you are disturbed).
She adds that “Walang masama sa sideline ng mga elementary teachers, huwag lang makakaapekto sa pagtuturo like yung umaabsent or late pumapasok.” (There’s no harm in having sidelines for as long it does not affect your manner of teaching like you are not making an excuse (being absent) or coming late to school).
LEGAL CONSTRAINTS/RESTRICTIONS
In today’s modern society, there are a lot of existing legal policies that hinder public elementary teachers to discipline naughty and unethical students. Examples of such are human rights violation, oral defamation or slander, child abuse which would include physical torture or harassment and even negligence.
Dr. Jurata narrates how “a teacher in his school did not notice unknowingly her pupil outside who was badly injured at his left head while conducting a periodical exam. After which, that teacher rescued her injured pupil to the hospital. And the parent of that pupil came immediately and blaming the teacher of negligence". Story like this happens normally and teachers are always being confronted by parents.
In the case of Kristine Viernes, graduate of Josefa Carino Elementary School, she laments that “Nangungurot sa singit yung teacher palagi.”
“Nagpapahiya ng estudyante yung teacher ko”, (My teacher insinuates/humiliates students), says Ro-Ann Villarus, graduate of Bonifacio Elementary School.
“What is wrong among parents nowadays is that they tolerate much their children. They easily believe on what their children are saying and not looking into the other side of the story.”, says Ms. Dela Cruz.
“Walang masama sa mga law na ganyan. Dapat din nilang tignan kung bakit nava-violate nila yung law. Tulad yung pagsigaw ng teacher sa estudyante. Yung ibang parents, they see it as something bad pero kung nakita man nila na masyadong makulit at magulo lalo na sa 1 is to 60 na classroom set-up, hindi mo masisi yung teacher na mabulyawan mo yung estudyante.” (There’s no harm in these laws. We should also look into reasons why these laws are being violated. Like the manner of reprimanding of the teacher to students. Other parents, they see it as something bad but if they only see that they’re children are naughty and bad in a 1 is to 60 classroom set-up, you can not blame the teacher why he/she reprimanded/humiliated that student).
Of course they’re competence/power as a teacher is being restricted because of these legal policies.
Given these legal restrictions, it is still important that elementary teachers discipline elementary pupils in a diplomatic way because they are still their second parents of these students.
LACK OF INCENTIVES
Low-salaries among teachers are a major factor why teachers are not motivated to teach.
Mrs. Bas-it also observes that “the poor salary of teachers affect the teaching performance. If only the government is responsive to the needs and concerns of these teachers, they can be more enthusiastic and motivated to effect productive learning.”
“Imbes na magturo ka at mamatay sa gutom, hahanap at hahanap ka ng sideline para mabuhay” (Instead that you teach and you starve to death, you will find a way to look for a sideline in order to survive) says Ms. Dela Cruz.
She also adds “Nagbebenta ako ng candy, hindi ako lumilihis sa normal na presyo. Nagtitinda din ako ng Index card.” (I’m selling candies, I do not go beyond the normal price. I’m also selling index cards.)
Prof. Tolentino says that “Bassit suweldo, bassit trabaho” (Low salary, lesswork). Yes, that’s true among elementary teachers. And it is very prevalent in the city.
Because of the lack of incentives from the government, some of public elementary really augment for a living through selling tactics or strategies.
It is undeniable to note that even if our elementary teachers are good, they’re best is not enough because they’re not motivated to teach because of their low salary.
BRAIN DRAIN
Today, opportunities abroad for teachers are growing high.
“Most of our brilliant educators in the city are going abroad because they can have higher salaries and other better benefits and opportunities unlike here.”, says Dr. Jurata.
Ms. De la Cruz, on the other hand says, “Naiinis ako sa kanila. Adgit ako sa isyung yan. Kung lahat ng magagaling na teacher ay pupunta sa abroad, sino na lang ang matitira, yung mga baguhang incompetent, mga tamad, at mga “latak” . ( I feel mad about them especially that issue. If all our brilliant teachers will go abroad, who will be left, the new incompetent teachers, the lazy one, and the ‘residue’”.
Brain drain in the elementary education system in the city is a negative indicator of teaching competence and performance. It is a major factor why most of elementary teachers today are not competent and most pupils are not performing well in their studies.
(UN/MIS)EDUCATED STUDENTS?
Relative to the very low results of the High School Readiness Test (HSRT), we should also look into the side of students. We have to consider also the underlying reasons/factors why did they fail in that aptitude exam.
LACK OF CONCENTRATION
Academic focus or concentration is declining nowadays among elementary pupils .
“Nung Grade VI ako, nagbabatuhan ng papel yung mga kaklaseko. Harutan. Hindi nakikinig sa teacher. At madalas na naglalaro sa klase.” (When I was in Grade VI, my classmates are throwing papers. They’re always giggling and not listening to the teacher)
“Yung mga estudyanteng nasa lower section na bobo (academically challenged), naghahatakan. At kawawa yung teacher.
Kapag ang teacher tamad magturo, tatamarin yung estudyante
Kung pangit yung attitude ng teacher, talagang hindi rin sila gaganahan mag-aral ang mga estudyante.”, Ms. De la Cruz said
MULTIMEDIA INFLUENCE
A concerned teacher says that “Kapag marunong gumamit ang mga bata maganda pero hindi maganda yung nagde-depend na lang sila dito”
In some cases, elementary students are being addicted to pornographic films that hampers their academic performance. It seems to be a deteriorating factor towards the decline of pupils scholastic performance
PARENTAL (MIS)CONTROL
“Ilang parents ang naka-away ko. Tama bang magkaroon “signature campaign” against me. Gusto nilang maalis ako sa bilang teacher. Mahigpit talaga ako sa estudyante lalo na yung mga matigas ang ulo at kunsintindor. Ginagawa ko yung corporal punishment para matuto yung bata kasi may anak din po ako” says Ms. Dela Cruz in an interview.
Some situations occur like “Walang parent na nag-aalaga sa mga estudyante. May mga parent na walang pakialam sa kanilang mga anak. .Ayaw ng public humiliation ang ilan sa mga parents.”, according to a concerned teacher
Family issues like broken families, physical torture, juvenile delinquencies are effects of parental miscontrol that leads to the child’s inattentives and lack of focus towards his/her studies.
‘PARENTS ABROAD ISSUE’
“Financially, it helped. Mas gugustuhin kong maghirap kasama ang parents ko kaysa wala sila sa piling ko …”, laments a teenage girl who is craving for the love of her mother.
Financial burden may seem as a reason why Filipina mothers left their children but the bottomline here is that to what extent/degree is the care, attention and love of parents give to their children.
Sad to say, we always keep the blame on teachers. Now, more than ever it is important to look also into the flaws of parents who often than not neglect the emotional and psychological needs of their children. Failure to give these basic needs are detrimental to academic involvement/performance.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The need for specialization among elementary teachers is imperative in today’s elementary education in the city of Baguio. Departmentalization of subject areas is relatively significant to meet the growing competence of the three essential tool subjects in the academe: English, Mathematics and Science.
The re-implementation of the High School Readiness Test is necessary to determine the readiness, competence and the strengths and weaknesses not only the students but also the teachers.
Intensive academic research, productive seminar, training, and conferences are avenues of professional development. Thus, these are strongly enforced not only in the elementary but to all levels of education.
Reinventing new, creative and critical approaches towards teaching and learning are integral towards academic excellence and development.
Legal policies relative to elementary education should be properly implemented.
The government should be transparent and responsive to the needs and concerns of teachers especially in the prevalence of brain drain in the country. This is one way to encourage them to improve and harness their teaching craft.
This can be possible through increasing their salary and giving additional incentives to them. They have to produce more books and they have to improve classroom equipment and infrastructure which are vital to quality learning.
Personality development is necessary among teachers. This is one way for teachers to be more nationalistic, realistic and can eventually improve their craft and more importantly, they should have the passion to teach and mold young individuals.
Parents should guide and direct also their children so that they can be able to maximize their full potentials as active social learners and not just a passive spectator of change and development.
The society and the church should also respond to this pressing problem in the education sector because they are also important social fibers that mold worthy and productive citizens in the country.
Now, more than ever, competence and effectivity of teachers and learners go together.
