EDCOM reveals study linking class suspensions to learning loss amid school disruptions

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) cited on October 15 a study reporting 12 to 14 percent decline in Math and Science grades among Grade 4 students as a result of school closures, as class suspensions were implemented due to public safety concerns.

EDCOM 2 noted in a Facebook post that thirty percent of the  school year 2023 to 2024 was lost due to frequent class suspensions.

“Karamihan dito, dahil sa mga bagyo, lindol, at iba pang sakuna,” the post read. “Sumusunod na dahilan naman ay ang non-teaching tasks ng mga guro.” 

In the study published under Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), researchers Michael Ralph Abrigo, Kris Francisco, and Kevin Carl Santos found that school closures in the Philippines have significantly reduced learning outcomes.  

“The mathematics and science achievement of Grade 4 students in the Philippines declined by 12 to 14 percent with a standard deviation on average for each day of school closure, or roughly equal to about half to a whole year’s worth of learning,” the study read.

The study further revealed that learning loss linked to school closures is primarily driven by declining “student interest”, rather than gaps in curriculum coverage or ineffective teaching.

The Department of Education (DepEd) earlier this week called on local government units (LGUs) to be cautious in suspending classes, warning that extended disruptions could hinder students’ learning continuity. 

“While caution is important, extended suspensions can disrupt learning and affect students’ development. Every decision should reflect both care for safety and commitment to learning continuity,” DepEd Media Relations chief Dennis Legaspi told reporters. 

On Oct. 13, the provincial government of Laguna ordered a 14-day suspension of face-to-face classes in all public and private schools, taking effect from October 14 to 31.

Laguna Governor Sol Aragones said the class suspension served as a precaution against possible earthquakes along the West Valley Fault. 

Schools could either opt to temporarily shift between online or modular learning.

The DepEd-National Capital Region also suspended in-person classes from October 13 to 14 to make way for disinfection and sanitation following rising reports of influenza-like symptoms and to prepare for potential strong earthquakes.

After a series of seismic quakes shook other regions in the country, DepEd regional and schools division offices were given instructions to carry out preventive class suspensions, conduct structural inspections, and ensure schools are ready in case of unprecedented disasters.