MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday said it has started nationwide orientation sessions to prepare schools for major learning reforms, including the shift to a three-term school calendar starting School Year 2026–2027.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara, in a news release, said the orientations aim to ensure that teachers and school officials understand the policies, making the transition smooth and well-supported.

“Magiging matagumpay lamang ang mga repormang ito kung lubos na mauunawaan ng ating mga guro at school leaders kung paano ito ipatutupad sa aktuwal na sitwasyon (These reforms will only be successful if our teachers and school leaders fully understand how to implement them in actual situations),” Angara said.

The DepEd said the first session, held on April 8 at Miriam College in Quezon City, brought together education officials and stakeholders to discuss reforms under DepEd’s Learning Systems strand.

DepEd Assistant Secretary Jerome Buenviaje said the policies are intended “for a humane system for teachers, learners, and families that protects the conditions for real learning to happen.”

Key topics included the three-term school calendar, revised classroom assessment and grading guidelines, strengthened Senior High School (SHS) curriculum, flexible learning programs, learning continuity during emergencies, work immersion and off-campus learning for SHS students, and updated lesson planning standards.

DepEd said the rollout will start with regional and division officials and school heads, who will cascade the reforms to schools nationwide.

Master teachers and classroom teachers are scheduled for sessions in May, adding that teachers will not be required to report during their 30-day April break.

DepEd said the phased approach is designed to give schools early preparation while minimizing disruption to teaching and learning as part of DepEd’s broader efforts to strengthen instructional support and improve the quality of basic education under the K to 12 curriculum. (PNA)