PHILIPPINE NEWS SERVICE — THE Department of Education yesterday clarified that enrollment remains in June for school year 2009-2010, and not in January.
The DepED, however, said all incoming first year high school students are encourage to register in public or private schools of their choice this January so the department can take steps to reduce the dropout rate, especially between Grade 6 and first year high school.
“Through the early registration scheme, DepEd will be able to identify those graduating from Grade 6 and take action if there are students who are in danger of dropping out from school,” Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said.
Those who will register should bring a certification signed by their school principal that they are candidates for graduation for school year 2008-2009.
“The early registration program will provide DepEd information that will allow it to introduce appropriate interventions that help lessen the rate of dropout from Grade 6 to high school,” Director Yolanda Quijano of the DepEd Bureau of Elementary Education said.
DepEd records showed that out of 100 pupils who entered Grade 1, only 66 graduated from Grade 6 and only 58 enrolled in high school.
Lapus disclosed that as part of its intervention program, the DepEd will absorb dropouts under the Open High School program.
Depending on the situation in a community, the Open High School operates by following various models to suit the students’ needs.
One model offers a night shift to accommodate the students. The school may also offer a scheme where students study through learning modules.
Quijano said that failure of this graduating Grade 6 pupil to register will be taken as an indication that the he or she may not enroll in high school.
The DepEd said that should this be the case, school officials should find out the reason or reasons for non-registration. School officials will then have to coordinate with parents and barangay officials to ensure that school-age students are kept in school.