'No-Homework' Policy not for Strict Compliance

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the controversies that hound the “no homework on weekends” policy issued by the Department of Education (DepEd), Secretary Armin Luistro on Wednesday clarified that the memorandum is just a “reminder” to teachers about the importance of play and breaks from school work of the students and “not for strict compliance.”

The memorandum, which prohibits teachers in all public elementary schools from giving assignments/ homeworks on weekends, has drawn criticism from teachers and strong objection from parents, saying “it attacks the academic freedom of the educators” and “limits the students learning time at home.”

Luistro said that what DepEd wants is for teachers and also parents to realize that children can also learn through play. “Hindi pwede yung inappropriate ‘yung assignments natin na it will take too long at palagay ko ay alam ng mga teachers natin yan. (Inappropriate assignments that take too long to be completed will not work and I think teachers know that too),” he said.

DepEd clarified that the memo is for “wide dissemination” but not for strict compliance because no sanctions were mentioned.

Contrary to the claims of the teachers that the memo curtails the academic freedom of teachers, Luistro said that the memo acknowledges that ultimately, it’s the teachers who will make decisions. “It is just a reminder that we are just supervising them. We are also looking at the whole picture of creating a child-friendly atmosphere in schools,” he said.

Luistro also stressed that when it comes to memos and orders issued by the DepEd, not “everything needs consultation.” He called for critics not to make an issue out of a non-issue, saying that “parents and teachers will not disagree with me when I say that pupils need to play.”

The DepEd chief also added that the memo he had issued was not specific. “If you look at the reminder and the advice, I think it stands by itself,” he said. Luistro added that “it was general because it had no direct pronouncements with corresponding penalties. If it was specific, that is the time a longer consultation is required.”

Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), however, continued to criticize the issuance of the Memorandum 392 banning the teachers from giving assignments on weekends. “Why issue a memo if it is not for strict compliance?” asked TDC spokesperson Emmalyn Policarpio.

However, as a sign of respect to Luistro’s orders, the 30,000 strong group will try to comply. “But we will also make sure that we can exercise our academic rights. If we feel that is unnecessary to give assignments on weekends, we won’t. But if we feel there is a need to do so, we will despite DepEd’s memo,” she said.

While TDC agreed with Luistro that students need is a balance between study and play, Policarpio said that DepEd should not underscore the importance of giving homeworks. “Assignments are meant to teach the students self-learning, self-discipline and time management – skills that teach the students to be more responsible individuals,” she said.

Ina Hernando-Malipot, Manila Bulletin