Happy New Year Teachers

Happy New Year Filipino Teachers. Enjoy this season as well as the 1 week vacation for there are lesson plan/guide, class register and class record this Monday.



----------------------------

Suggested Classroom Activity

It is normal to high school student to doubt on the career they should select once they finished high school. This thing always happens if the students do not have proper knowledge on their passions and interest. Yes the grades are good predictor of student interest but it is not specific. Let say your student are good in numbers. So what would you suggest; engineering, accounting, IT, Technical courses? The good grades in mathematics are too broad against specific profession. Even students who are good in Sciences do not know if they will proceed with nursing, medical technology, pharmacy, biologist any many more The absence of school counseling programs as well as knowledge and skills of teachers on various profession are one of the short coming of teachers. Teacher’s knowledge on professions is specific to teaching profession. Sometime, they do not know what they own sons or daughter doing in workplace.

This article will help your graduating high school student find their careers. There are 6 values that your student need to rank according to their perceive importance. Only the top 2 values are important to them.

Six values or attitudes we all have to varying degrees of intensity. They are Theoretical, Utilitarian, Aesthetic, Social, Individualistic, and Traditional.

The two you rank highest in are your passions, numbers three and four are situational, and you will tend to have an indifferent or negative attitude toward people who are high in those you rank as numbers five and six.

The Six Personal Values

Theoretical. If this is your highest value, you have a passion for knowledge – knowledge for its own sake. Your goal is discovery of truth and you believe everything must be rationally justified. You like doing research, reading, studying, learning. You believe as Frances Bacon did that, "Knowledge is power."

Utilitarian. Your goal is utility and what is useful. You are practical and will maximize your assets. Your passion is a return on investment of your time, talent, or resources. You will enjoy a career in sales or become a CEO or an entrepreneur. You measure your success by how much money you earn.

Aesthetic. Your goal is to experience your inner vision. Your passions are beauty, balance, form, and harmony in all aspects of life. You like for things to run smoothly and may feel more stressed when faced with adversity than most people. You must be surrounded by beauty as you define it. You are profoundly interested in the arts and/or nature and may choose one as your lifetime career.

Social. This means humanitarian, not sociable. You believe service to others is the highest calling in life. You are compassionate and would give your last dime to a homeless person. You must have a career or lifestyle that provides you with opportunities to serve.

Individualistic. You are driven to use power and position to achieve your goals and advance your causes. Your passion is to control your own destiny and the destiny of others. Status and authority are important to you. You will be a captain of industry if your Utilitarian value is also high, or serve in the military or law enforcement if your social or traditional values are also high.

Traditional. Your goal is to search for and find the highest meaning in life. Your quest is a system for living. You believe in a higher order of life and consider yourself religious or spiritual. You like order and structure and need to do meaningful work that rewards quality service.

When we differ with the values of the people in our homes and workplaces, conflicts arise. In fact, I believe our most serious conflicts between people are the result of values differences. Just look at the rancor between those who identify themselves as liberal or conservative, for example.

A deep understanding of these six values and knowing which are your highest can help you in many ways. Application of this knowledge can help you choose a career or find work you truly enjoy; resolve conflicts with others and within yourself; hire, manage, or mentor others; achieve more personal growth; and decide which direction to go to be who you truly are.

----------------------------

Teachers Training on how to combat child exploitation

30,000 child laborers are expected to benefit from a training of public school teachers on how to combat child exploitation spearheaded by the World Vision Development Foundation (WVDF) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

"Through this training, our teachers will be better equipped to empower the working children, out-of-school youth, and children at risk and help improve the quality of their lives," Lapus said.

He said that Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Camarines Norte, Cebu, Compostela Valley, Davao, Davao del Sur, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Occidental, and Negros Oriental are areas with a high prevalence of the worst forms of child labor.

The training of 40 teachers who comprised the first batch runs from Dec 2, 2008 to May 22, 2009 in Ecotech in Lahug, Cebu City.

The training will enhance the teachers' capacities in five aspects of social development namely research, advocacy, networking, direct service and documentation.

The training series will develop among the teachers a deeper understanding of the child labor issue and the importance of education as intervention. It is part of the ABK2 Initiative or "Pag-aaral ng mga Bata Para sa Kinabukasan." Its project associates include Christian Children's Fund (CCF) and Education Research Development Assistance Foundation (ERDA).

Lapus added: "Educating our teachers, the community and the children on the menace of child labor is very critical to stop this exploitative practice."

DepEd has vigorously pursued non-traditional programs to bring children back to school, specially those burdened by difficult circumstances. Part of DepEd's commitment is to increase the participation and retention rates of public school children.

PNA
----------------------------

The "School of Peace" is an add-on curriculum

A brainchild of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr., "School of Peace" is an add-on curriculum endorsed by the Department of Education (DepEd) for elementary pupils in conflict-areas in southern Philippines, teaching them the importance of peace in class.

Abdul, a grade five pupil at Liangan East Elementary School, is one of the thousands who have benefited from the new curriculum.

For one, the cross and the crescent symbolize two diverse religion and culture, but for young Abdul, a Muslim, they mean "oneness" and the capacity to co-exist harmoniously.

Abdul shares with other students his artwork about peace.

He says peace is about respect for each other, whether one embraces the Christian or Muslim faith.

Abdul believes in unity in diversity to attain a genuine and lasting peace in the country, especially in Mindanao.

In fact, his drawing shows a chain linking a cross (a symbol of Christianity) and a crescent (Islam's symbol) connecting the globe as one people.

Princess, a Christian girl from a nearby school, echoed Abdul's meaning of peace.

A grade six student at the Bacolod Central Elementary School, Princess has emphasized the importance of "seeing more our similarities rather than our differences."

These are words of wisdom uttered by some kids during the focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted here recently.

This activity is aimed at assessing the outcome of peace education trainings given to school principals and teachers who in turn impart the same to their students.

In an area not far from the center of the recent armed hostilities, these schoolchildren are taught the value of justice, tolerance and respect for people's diverse beliefs to live and achieve a lasting peace in this troubled region.

It shows that education is the key to transform the mindsets and attitudes of the populace amidst raging conflicts. The values and skills of peace-building are stressed.

Godilla V. Lao, principal of Bacolod Central Elementary School, shared among her teachers the Peace Education Teaching Exemplars (PETE) by integrating peace in the lesson plans in different subjects in elementary and high school.

After attending the Peace Education training conducted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), DepEd and Unicef in 2006, she echoed of what she learned to school principals and co- teachers in her district.

One of them was Josephine Viscaya, principal of Liangan East Elementary School.

To reinforce the integration of the value of peace, Ms. Lao transformed her classes into 'school of peace.' It goes beyond academics in molding children the essence of having peace in their community.

This new paradigm involves all stakeholders in the community working together, conveying the message the importance of peace.

The schoolchildren are being made aware that what they learned in class must be consistently applied outside the school campus.

In Liangan East and Bacolod Central, Ms. Lao established a peace park and a peace garden in school.

When Viscaya was transferred to Liangan East last June, she established a peace hub to provide an environment that allows children to nourish what they were taught about peace.

For this creative endeavor, Liangan East has become a model 'school of peace', sharing its experiences to visiting principals and teachers from other schools.

Using PETE and other resource materials, teachers were able to integrate peace values, principles and skills to different subjects. The program also inspired teachers to make their own lesson plans that incorporate peace-related concepts.

A mathematics teacher creatively used the raging true-to-life conflict into problem solving questions in math. After doing their arithmetic, kids pondered on the conflict and gave their suggestions on how to resolve them.

On the other hand, a music teacher promoted unity in diversity through action songs she taught her students. She infused into the songs the idea that no matter what ethnic groups we come from, we are all Filipinos.

For instance, the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) program the teachers use in dramatization allows students to conceptualize on the essence of unity and other acts of kindness.

ALIVE caters to Muslim kids but welcomes other pupils from other faiths – teaching Islamic language and universal values.

Peace Education Champion

DepEd X Regional Director Estrella-Abid Babano, a peace advocate, has been instrumental in continuously capacitating her teachers and school administrators on the value of peace.

She has been spearheading other peace education activities and designated peace education coordinator per division to ensure the mainstreaming of peace education in the schools' curricula and school events.

Waging Peace

The values and skills on peace-building being taught to the youngsters allow them to contribute in the creation of a culture of peace, and prepare them for a better future.

In fact these school children are optimistic about their future. Their drawings reflect hope of a family filled with love and a community where people of diverse cultures and faiths embrace each other's differences.

When asked why peace should be taught in class, Renalyn, a grade six student, expressed her full support to this peace-building program.

"Kailangang matuto at masanay kaming gumawa nang mabuti para sa aming paglaki dala namin ang mabuting ugali (We have to learn how to do good things so that when we grow up we bring with us our good values)," she said.

Indeed, the future holds a promise of peace not only in Mindanao but the entire Philippines. (PNA)
----------------------------

First aid training for Teachers

San Fernando City - "Teachers are expected to serve as second parents to their students, and should therefore be extra caring about their (students) health and safety the way real parents are," the DepEd said.

To ensure parents and guardians of their child's safety and health in school, the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) and the Department of Education (Dep Ed) joined hands in promoting first aid programs in public elementary and secondary schools, also enjoining state universities and colleges in the locality.

The aim to keep or maintain a child-friendly environment for the students, the PNRC has started its moves to mobilize their active Red Cross Youth Council and conducted standard First Aid training and Basic Life Support (BLS) - cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) trainings for the year 2008.

Various first aid training skills and knowledge have been taught especially for teachers to ensure that they are equipped with first aid skills and knowledge which they can use to protect their students.

According to Almira V. Abrazado, Chapter Administrator, PNRC-LU Chapter, the type of trainings given are: Standard First Aid Training and Basic Life support for caregivers; BLS-CPR Training for Healthcare Providers; Other First Aid courses like First Aid in the Campus & BLS-CPR for Healthcare Providers; First Aid Training in the Campus & Adult - CPR Training for Lay Rescuers both for college students; - in the secondary level First Aid Training in the Campus; BLS- Adult CPR training for Lay Rescuers; in the elementary level, Junior First Aiders program (Organizational Strategy Training and First Aid in the Campus Training for teachers of DepEd District I & II; and First Aid training for Juniors and Leadership Development Training program in the different Elementary schools in the province.

This is in action to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's directive for the DepEd to include first-aid instruction s in the school curriculum, noting some tragic stories of deaths and survivals of schoolchildren involved in accident in schools. (PIA La Union)
----------------------------

Reading Contest for Grade Schooler

As a way of encouraging pupils to read and enjoy books, the Department of Education (DEPED) here conducted recently the Division Read a Thon Reading contest for grades III and VI with the theme "Ang Batang Palabasa Dalubhasa sa Kultura".

Gloria Buya-ao, Education Supervisor I here said participants from the 12 districts of the division were tested on comprehension, vocabulary, story retelling, and oral reading interpretation.

Buyao-ao disclosed that Grade III participants all come from low performing schools and one reason for their low performance may be their limited exposure to books. This so called academically challenged schools are Itab Elementary School, Manaot E/S; Batad E/S Patpat Primary Sschool annex; Banao E/S Bocos PS Annex; Chunak E/S; Mawanini PS, Nankatengey PS, Balligi ES Lawig ES.

Governor Teddy Baguilat Jr and Superintendent Estella Carino read stories to the kids before the contest. Carino said that there is fun and fulfillment in reading books to kids because by doing so you are imparting the skill in reading to the young people.

The 11 districts held their own District Read-A-Thon. All schools were also enjoined to observe Book Week with fitting activities which focused on the importance of books and libraries in the present educational system.

According to Buya-ao, some of the schools had their open house to invite parents and the members of the community to orient them as to what their children learn from the library while others conducted book exhibits and other displays to give impetus to the occasion and other related activities. (PIA-Ifugao)

----------------------------

Put into practice what you have learned

"DepEd must have managers who are strategists and visionaries and who can provide the momentum to sustain our education reform agenda," said Education Secretary Jesli Lapus as he addressed some 113 DepEd midlevel managers who finished the Management Leadership Development Training under the auspices of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

"Put into practice what you have learned. As lead learners, you must model the change you wish to see in the workplace. We expect so much from you," he stressed.

The midlevel managers from DepEd central and regional offices underwent a 43-day training which was conducted by the Meralco Management and Leadership
Development Center (MMLDC) Foundation Inc. for the Philippines Australia Human Resource Development Facility (PAHRDF) and DepEd.

This capacity development is a direct response of the PAHRDF to the DepEd's effort to hasten the integration of the Basic Education Sector Reform Agenda
(BESRA) into the DepEd organizational culture.

Lapus explained, "Our core competence can only be as strong as the skill that each member of this organization possesses. This is why we are investing in
the retooling of our people. "

BESRA is a package of policy reforms that aims to put in place an education system that is able to deliver a sustainable quality education for all Filipino
children.

Participants were trained to demonstrate improved appreciation of their roles and apply innovative leadership techniques to help nurture and develop staff
competencies.

The first part, held in August-September 2008, was a 7-day residential training entitled "BESRA and Me." The participants were grouped into four batches to
achieve a high level of management training.

The managers also received 35 days of Executive Coaching from October-November 2008. PAHRDF fielded several coaches to provide face to face coaching for the participants in their respective workplace for the implementation of
their Leadership Action Plan.

Lapus commended participants for their hard work and dedication to achieve the target outcomes of this training despite competing priorities in the office.

"As mid-level managers, you have the energy, the capability and the competence to influence the transformation we seek," he said.

The Australian Government, one of the country's largest bilateral grant donors, has earmarked some A$30 million (approximately P1.03 billion) to DepEd in
2008 giving it a wider financial berth to pursue its BESRA.

PIA Press Release
2008/12/19

STEP 2008 National Winner in miniature of food stall

1st Placer Region VII

2nd Placer Region IV

3rd Placer - NCR

----------------------------

Study -5 out of 10 children experienced violence inside schools.

"Buboy", from this city, was almost blinded when the heel of his teacher’s stilletto was thrown at him and hit him between the eyes. With blood flowing down into his face, he went home to tell his mother what happened.

The mother went to the school to confront the teacher, but the latter said it was part of discipline. The mother, five months pregnant, got so angry that she had a miscarriage.

Last September, Martin, a grade five student from Northern Samar, was asked by his teacher to climb a coconut tree during school hours. Martin did as instructed, but while on top, he slipped and fell into the ground. The boy died.

Eula of Western Samar is a chubby, intelligent grade five student. But because she is fat, no one from her class wants to take her in during class groupings. Worse, during break time, she is called by various names not just by classmates but by other students in the campus. Others would pinch her hard for no apparent reason. She is ostracized.

From a grade of 95 percent during the first grading, her grade plunged to 75 percent. Because of this, she decided not to go to school anymore, prompting her mother to ask why. After much persuasion, she told her mother everything and showed her pinch marks. Immediately, the mother went to the school to complain but the bullies were not punished.

The three children’s cases illustrate the reality inside some Philippine schools. In a study conducted by Plan Philippines, a child-centered non-government organization, it was discovered that at least five out of 10 children in grades one to three, seven out of 10 in grades four to six and six out of 10 in high school have experienced violence inside schools.

It was also learned that children’s peers, more than the adults, are the perpetrators.

The study has been made part of Plan’s efforts to raise awareness on the issue of violence against children in line with the organization’s global campaign dubbed “Learn without Fear”, a three-year campaign that aims to prevent and end all forms of violence against children in schools: corporal punishment, bullying, sexual harassment, emotional abuse, peer-to-peer violence, and harassment on their way to and from school.

“Past incidents have taught us that school-related violence against children and youth has always been detrimental to the realization of the children’s full potential. Plan believes that Filipino children will learn better and will be more productive under a school environment free from threats to their young lives,” Michael Diamond, country director of Plan, said in a statement here.

A total of 2,442 children from 58 public schools in Masbate, Northern Samar and the Camotes Islands in Cebu participated in the study. Additionally, adult stakeholders such as parents, other community representatives, school personnel and customer services officer, including guidance counselors were also involved.

“Children generally prefer a more positive form of discipline like being talked to and corrected or counseled. Experiences of violence usually result in low self-esteem, fear, anger and helplessness among children,” said Leonila Melendrez, program unit manager of Plan.

“It is sad, however, that physical and verbal forms of violence are accepted by the children as part of discipline and are sometimes seen as appropriate,” she said. The "Learn without Fear" campaign hopes to advocate stronger involvement of the Department of Education (DepEd) in developing and standardizing child protection policies and mechanisms for schools, support the passage of laws or ordinances that would further help protect children and implement a national program for awareness raising and community education, Melendrez said.

“Violence affects millions of children across the world. It can cause irreparable damage to the child’s personality which therefore prevents the child to realize his or her full potential,” she said.

"Learn without Fear" is Plan International’s global campaign and is implemented in 66 countries including the Philippines in which the organization works. The campaign is targeted to benefit millions of school-aged children all over the world, Melendrez said.

Plan Philippines traces back to 1961 when it was invited by the former President of the United Nations General Assembly Carlos P. Romulo, to work in the country.

For over 47 years now, its work and investment have been broadly based around key issues affecting children: education, health, livelihood, governance, water and environmental sanitation, child protection and disaster risk reduction and management, Melendrez said.

Plan is present in seven of the country’s poorest provinces: Masbate, Occidental Mindoro, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Northern Samar, South Leyte and Cebu’s Camotes Islands, and is assisting close to 500 communities nationwide, Melendrez added. (PNA)
LAP/LQ/DOC/

----------------------------

Principals and Teachers urged to optimize existing ICT programs

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Jesli Lapus calls for the optimum
use of information and communication technology to deliver quality education
and enhance institutional efficiency worthy of the 21st century.
Lapus sounded the call during the National Educators Congress in Baguio City
where he also cited the department’s effort to provide ICT-enriched learning
materials, internet connectivity and computer laboratories to public schools
through the assistance of the private sector.

The DepEd Chief stressed that “it is about time that we effectively use ICT in
teaching and learning as well as in managing the delivery of services.”
Some of the sessions on the second day of this year’s Educators’ Congress will
focus on ICT tools that can be used to enhance productivity among teachers,
school heads, education managers, and field office administrators.
These sessions aim to provide real and live examples of practices of DepEd’s
ICT partners.

“Introducing new stuff to educators and learners can be useless if they cannot
harness and build on existing ICT initiatives,” said Lapus.
Ayala Foundation, Intel, USAID, SMART, Oracle and Microsoft are just some of
the institutions that support DepEd in its goal to bring digital literacy to Filipino
students and make them competitive with our more progressive neighbors.
DepEd has increased its ICT-related efforts to sustain the initiatives that these
groups have started. Just this year, Lapus instructed the department’s budget
chief to provide additional operating funds to schools which have dropped
connections to cover internet subscription fees and incremental electric
consumption charges.

Lapus explained that “Before I assumed leadership at DepEd, the department
has several programs that, when improved, continues to be relevant to our
public schools. Alongside the creation of new programs on digital literacy, there
is still a need to build on and continue existing meritorious programs.”
The department’s ICT4E or Information Communication Technology for
Education – the strategic plan of which has just been completed – builds on
earlier efforts, strategies, and interventions developed by DepEd in partnership
with its stakeholders. It is a road map on what, when, where, why, and how
DepEd will employ and integrate ICT in the delivery of learning competencies
initially in the core subjects of English, Science, and Mathematics.

----------------------------

Damaged books due to termites common in public School

The Department of Education’s (DepEd) Instructional Materials Council
Secretariat (IMCS) is investigating the incident of damaged books which were
infected by termites at the DepEd Central Office.

Undersecretary for Programs and Projects Vilma Labrador reported to DepEd
Secretary Jesli Lapus that the 420 damaged books were awaiting shipment to
public school recipients.

“Since the program started, many of the department’s private sector donors had
been generous with their support, and we actually distributed nine truckloads
containing over 280,000 textbooks in our last estimate to many schools across
the Bicol region,” said Labrador.
Lapus said that “we, too, are very disappointed with this. Although those 420
books is small as compared to the 280,000 donated by publishers, these could
have been used by 420 kids who may not have it.”

The Education Chief added that “precisely because we are working on less than
ideal conditions, I have been relentlessly reminding our officials that wastage will
never be tolerated, and that we should avoid problems like this in the future.
DepEd is making sure that our limited resources are protected.”
IMCS Director Socorro Pilor further reported that “DepEd has no storage
facilities. We had to store the books in the only available place in the central
office.”

The leftover cache of some 2,600 textbooks was temporarily stored in boxes,
and was awaiting shipment to needy public schools in the country.
The books that were damaged after termites had found their way into the boxes
were broken down as follows: Grade 1 (Science and Health) – 51; Grade 2
(Science and Health) – 46; Grade 4 (Science and Health) – 314; Third Year
High School Chemistry – 9.

----------------------------

Workshop on punctuality given to Teachers

Respect time: teachers, students urged

Workshops on how to be punctual and organized are slated to be given to
elementary and high school students, including their teachers, in all public
schools in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced
recently.

The activity will be conducted under an advocacy program called Project
WATCH. DepEd has teamed up with JCI Senate Philippines and the Philippine
Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU) in this program which includes
one-hour-a-week workshops aimed at addressing the bad reputation Filipinos
have for habitual tardiness. WATCH stands for We Are Time Conscious and
Honest.

"Through our schools, we can inject in the minds of our students the right
outlook about time which can have a great impact on the value of work and
productivity" DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus explained.
Under the program, the participating institutions agreed to undertake national
conferences, as well as a series of seminars and orientations on time
management and planning for elementary and high school students to be
conducted by the JCI Senate. This complements the students' existing subject
curriculum.

Part of the program is the conduct of national competitions, symposia and fora
for the students to imbibe the basic values of honesty and punctuality.
Both the DepEd and the PACU will sponsor oratorical contests, debates and
essay writing contests to further promote "WATCH" among school
administrators, officials, faculty members and ultimately, students. Information
materials and tools on time management will also be distributed.
"We can pursue Project WATCH earnestly and consistently. This will have a
profound effect on our society and our economy," Sec. Lapus said.

----------------------------

Teachers are still happy even

We are still lucky.

1. Even the salary is not enough for the family.
2. Even we are always overloads.
3. Even our students are more than 40.
4. Even you are not able to prepare good test questions, incomplete lesson log and not updated class records.
5. Even many of our students are no longer attending classes.
6. Even our Leaders is not listening to us.
7. Even students learned below your expectations.
8. Even you are thrown to lower section.
9. Even we never hear our school leader's wisdom and vision in Education
10. Even we do not know if there still solution to our school system.

Find it here - Click Now


Merry Christmas
----------------------------

A Tribute to Overseas Filipino Workers

We have to remember that we are very much dependent on the Filipinos
around us. We could die a slow death if they chose to leave us.

“There is no comparison between Filipinos and others,” he says.
Whenever I see Filipinos working in the Kingdom, I wonder what our life
would be without them.


What makes Filipinos unique is their ability to speak very good English
and the technical training they receive in the early stages of their
education. There are several specialized training institutes in the
Philippines, including those specializing in engineering and road
maintenance. This training background makes them highly competent in
these vital areas.


Read full article here

Music is not schools priority

The experience of the Samiweng singers, a school-based choral group in Ilocos Norte, is said to be an exception to the sad plight of the country's music program.

Because choral singing has been a tradition at the Ilocos Norte National High School, choral conductor and music teacher Robery Caluya believes it should not be a surprise that the school would continue to produce a youth choir that can be at par with the country's best choir groups.

Caluya is responsible for bringing several awards to the school after his choir, the Samiweng singers, became champion twice in the National Music Competition for Young Artists in 1993 and 2002. The choir had since appeared in various music festivals around the country.

Caluya observes that most public schools do not consider their music programs as priorities compared to core subjects like English, Math and Science.

In 2000, the Department of Education designed a curriculum that would specialize on art subjects such as creative writing, dance, theatre and drama, media and visual arts and music focusing on voice, classical guitar, violin and piano.

The INNHS is one of the 17 pilot schools around the country that carries the special program for the arts.

Caluya said the program is commendable but it runs short on proper implementation.

"Most schools do not have music rooms and basic instruments like piano or organ. Teachers assigned to conduct music subjects could not sing or play any instrument," he said.

He noted that other school chorals do not last long because the groups are organized only to participate in the NAMCYA.

"After the competition, the choirs are dismantled. The INNHS choir is an exemption because it has become the school's tradition to organize choirs," he said.

Caluya noted that choir singing and other music-related groups such as marching band, drum and buggle or lyre corps, and rondalla are considered extra-curricular activities such that rehearsals are conducted outside of class hours.

However, beginning next year, the choir and rondalla would become a major subject where students would undergo classes in Beginning and Advanced Music Theory and Composition. Mid-year performances and recitals would become a basis in grading the students.

Caluya said the school's program for the arts has taken off well because of the support of the community and the leadership of the school head.

Former school principal Danny Daquioag had lobbied for additional support from Laoag Mayor Michael Fariñas who then allocated funds for culture and arts development.

Fariñas set up a special fund for the arts program and would provide cash, food and transportation allowances for the school choral in any competition or festival. (PIA Ilocos Norte)

----------------------------

5.6 million children and youth not in the school

Despite Philippine public education being free and compulsory, there are still so many school-age children and youth who are out in the streets, vulnerable to exploitation.

According to the records of the Department of Education (DepEd), there are about 5.6 million children and youth who are not in school, hence, they run the risk of compromising their future.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said they have embarked on project REACH (Reaching all Children) to bring to school these children.

DepEd said that as of school year 2007-2008, some 2.2 million children aged 6-12 years old and 3.4 million 12-15 years old out-of-school youth or a total of 5.6 million are reported not to be in school.

Lapus said Project REACH relies on the support and partnership[ps with sectors to "find these children, reach them and keep them.

He said that getting children to school is already a big challenge and keeping them in school is even more challenging.

Project REACH has two major components, namely Child Find and Innovative Interventions.

----------------------------

How to avail discounted laptop for teachers?

he Department of Education recently signed an agreement with software provider Microsoft and is set to sign an agreement with hardware manufacturers ACER and Neo to provide affordable laptops for public school teachers that may be paid in interest-free monthly installments.

These laptops contain lesson plans and interactive teaching guides that can be used to make classroom instruction more interesting and effective. DepEd will also load these computers with a substantial number of educational applications to further enhance the delivery of quality instruction.

To avail of the project, public school teachers have to pass the online examination administered by IC3, an independent certification body. Interested public school teachers may log on to the Certiport website (www.certiport.com).

DepEd has ongoing talks with other hardware vendors and manufacturers on the possibility of these companies' participation in what is dubbed as the Laptop for Teachers Program (LT4T), which covers both hardware delivery and improvement of classroom instruction.

Meanwhile, Adopt-a-School Executive Director Mari Paul Soriano clarified that the Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic Version is bundled with the hardware and not sold at $7 per unit as earlier reported. He explained that Microsoft will contribute $7 to DepEd's Adopt-a-School Program for every laptop bought by public school teachers.

"Microsoft's participation, together with Acer and Neo, is a major step for both private sector participation and DepEd's ICT Program," Lapus said. "We look forward to working with other members of the ICT community to help us enhance teaching and learning in our public schools, particularly through their support of Adopt-A-School."

The Adopt-A-School Program encourages private sector groups to work with DepEd in improving the basic education system. Corporations and individuals can help boost teacher training programs, donate school buildings, computer laboratories and textbooks, or sponsor medical and dental missions to public schools.

"We support the DepEd's vision of developing skilled and competitive students who will one day be our business and community leaders," said Michelle Casio, Academic Programs Manager, Microsoft Philippines.

"Through Partners in Learning, our global initiative for education, we are partnering with DepEd's Adopt-a-School and Laptop for Teachers programs, to enable Filipino educators to have the access to resources that will help them transform the teaching process and learning experience. At the end of the day, we would like to see Filipinos who are capable of actively participating and contributing to the global market," said Casio.

----------------------------

DepEd Teachers Asked to Optimized the Utilization of ICT

The department's ICT4E or Information Communication Technology for Education – the strategic plan of which has just been completed – builds on earlier efforts, strategies, and interventions developed by DepEd in partnership with its stakeholders. It is a road map on what, when, where, why, and how DepEd will employ and integrate ICT in the delivery of learning competencies initially in the core subjects of English, Science, and Mathematics.

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Jesli Lapus calls for the optimum use of information and communication technology to deliver quality education and enhance institutional efficiency worthy of the 21st century.

Lapus sounded the call during the National Educators Congress in Baguio City where he also cited the department's effort to provide ICT-enriched learning materials, internet connectivity and computer laboratories to public schools through the assistance of the private sector.

The DepEd Chief stressed that "it is about time that we effectively use Information Technology in teaching and learning as well as in managing the delivery of services."

Some of the sessions on the second day of this year's Educators' Congress will focus on ICT tools that can be used to enhance productivity among teachers, school heads, education managers, and field office administrators.

These sessions aim to provide real and live examples of practices of DepEd's ICT partners.

"Introducing new stuff to educators and learners can be useless if they cannot harness and build on existing ICT initiatives," said Lapus.

Ayala Foundation, Intel, USAID, SMART, Oracle and Microsoft are just some of the institutions that support DepEd in its goal to bring digital literacy to Filipino students and make them competitive with our more progressive neighbors.

DepEd has increased its ICT-related efforts to sustain the initiatives that these groups have started. Just this year, Lapus instructed the department's budget chief to provide additional operating funds to schools which have dropped connections to cover internet subscription fees and incremental electric consumption charges.
----------------------------

School Principals to be trained on bookeeping

The Education Chief mentioned that school principals are currently being trained to manage cash and other resources in line with the department's thrust to make school heads better managers. "Our principals must have the knowhow on resources management including bookkeeping or understand what is the 'bottom line' when budget preparation time comes around," said Lapus.

Lapus has instituted various reforms that resulted to improved administrative procedures and imbued school heads with financial know-how to better manage their schools.

He also disclosed that "procedures and guidelines on Records Management, Property Acquisition, and Disaster Risk Reduction have also been manualized to avoid ad-hoc solutions, influence peddling, and other unethical practices."

The manual will standardize handling of official records like report cards, student profiles, and teacher records. This will ensure that personnel movement caused by promotions, transfers, and retirements will not in any way affect operation of schools.

Among the department's accomplishments include the newly-instituted procurement system with more effective checks and balances. DepEd's National Textbook Delivery Program has been cited by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) – an international forum of donor governments and multilateral organizations including the United Nations and World Bank.

----------------------------

Who should be blame if child became drug addicted

Parents are solely to blame if their child turns to illegal drugs, an educator said here on Thursday in an anti-drug symposium at the Tayug National High School (TNHS).

Consuelo Ladio, head teacher III and head of the Values Education Department of the TNHS, said parents are supposed to be the guardians, protectors, models and paragons of virtues to their children since the home is the solid foundation on which society rests.

The symposium, attended by parents and students, also had Chief Inspector Domingo Eden, chief of police, as among the main speakers.

Calling on parents to give love and understanding to their children so that they will not become dependents on drugs, Ladio blamed fathers and mothers for pampering, spoiling and failing their children for being not around when they needed them most.

"While you went your own businesses, gossips, gambling sessions, parties, dances or extra-curricular activities, you abandoned your child at home, pining for love and devotion, yearning for devotion and care," she said.

Having no one else to turn to, he or she often turns to and seeks the companionship of their own kind, other children who were also left by their parents to fend for themselves, she said.

Visit at Jobs Singapore IT online
----------------------------

Teacher to receive P10,000 cash gift

 Government employees will receive P10,000 as cash
gift for this year, Department of Budget and Management Secretary
Rolando Andaya announced Thursday.

Andaya,
in his speech before the Philippine Government Employees Association
National Assembly, said of the P10,000 cash gift, P7,000 will be
shouldered by the national government while the remaining P3,000 will
come from agency savings.

”I
have been told that practically, all national government agencies have
a reservoir of savings it can dip into so the P10,000 is more or less
assured,” Andaya said.

The budget secretary said temporary employees, including contractuals and casual employees, will also enjoy the bonus.

Andaya,
however, did not mention the exact date of the release of the bonus but
noted that an executive order will soon be signed by President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo.

The government will spend P11 billion for the cash gift, he said. (PNA)
LDV/jmc

---

Lesson Planning Contest and win a laptop prizes

TEACHERS: Submit your entries to the IIE Lesson Plan Contest for December and win the last of six laptop prizes. November winner will be published next week.

Where to pass? Contact

By Queena Lee-Chua
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sample Lesson Plan Entry: A lesson plan on history, culture

Before the visit

Discuss Philippine pre-colonial culture and society. What are their customs, ways, clothing, ornaments? Students can either read their history textbook or supplement by doing research in the library or on the Internet. What are our ancestors’ conceptions of life, death and the afterlife?

During the visit

The gold exhibit has three sections. The first section, “Austronesian Migrations,” shows our links with Austronesian-speaking peoples who migrated from China and then spread out to Southeast Asia and beyond. Instruct students to examine the objects carefully, such as the omega-shaped ornament known as ling-ling-o.

Find the complete lesson plan copy here

----------------------------