deped supports no homework policy

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Statement on the no-homework policy bills

PASIG CITY, August 28, 2019 – With its issuance of the “Guidelines on Giving Homework or Assignment to All Public Elementary School Pupils,” otherwise known as DepEd Memorandum No. 392, series 2010, the Department of Education (DepEd) reiterates its commitment to the holistic development of learners inside and outside the classroom.

The said issuance aims to enable learners to have more quality time with their parents, family, and friends by limiting the homework/assignment to a reasonable quantity on school days and by eliminating the same during weekends.

It is in this regard that the Department supports the no-homework policy proposed by legislators from the House of Representatives. By ensuring that they complete all assignments and projects in school, the no-homework policy enables our learners to find balance between their academic development and personal growth by having ample time for enjoyable activities with family.

The Department will further study the other provisions of the bills to determine the repercussions on the current teaching and learning process.

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DepEd supports proposed no-homework policy

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MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) has expressed its support for the no-homework policy bills proposed by lawmakers at the House of Representatives.  

DepEd, in a statement released on Wednesday, August 28, said the measures would “enable learners to have more quality time with their parents, family, and friends by limiting the homework [and] assignment to a reasonable quantity on school days and by eliminating the same during weekends.”  

It said the policy would allow students to “find balance between their academic development and personal growth by having ample time for enjoyable activities with family.”

House Deputy Speaker Evelina Escudero and Quezon City Representative Alfred Vargas filed separate bills  in August.  

Escudero filed House Bill (HB) No. 3611 , which seeks to remove homework as a requirement and have Kinder to Grade 12 students do academic activities solely within school premises.

“Homework assignments can deprive students and parents [of] precious quality time for rest, relaxation, and interaction after schools hours and even on weekend,” the bill’s explanatory note reads.

The bill also seeks to prohibit students from taking textbooks home in order to “lighten the physical burden of schoolchildren,” who, Escudero said, often have to carry heavy bags due to schoolwork that has to be done beyond the school. This will apply to Kinder to Grade 6 students.  

Vargas filed HB No. 3883 , which seeks to eliminate homework on weekends for all elementary and high school students.  

This is so that students can “enjoy their free time from the precisions of school during weekends and to be able to have a quality time with their family and friends.”    

Vargas, in his proposal, also cited a 2018 study that featured discussions on a similar policy in a public school in Western Cape province in South Africa. Vargas said scholars in South Africa had argued “that homework is a burden for children and parents,” has caused the decline of family time, and even undermines learning interest.  

HB 3883 seeks to “promote and protect the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being of the youth.”

While DepEd welcomed the proposals, teachers groups have slammed the proposed measures.  

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) in a statement told Congress to instead focus on reviewing the K to 12 curriculum.

“We are not issuing homework to burden our students. It is demanded of us by the K to 12 program, so much [so] that our performance evaluation system ensures its implementation,” said ACT national chairperson Joselyn Martinez.  

Teacher’s Dignity Coalition said: “Our teachers are trained educators. We know the value of homework. It’s about discipline, responsibility, and continuity of learning.” – Rappler.com

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DepEd reiterates commitment to holistic dev't as it backs ‘no-homework’ policy

The learning process of Filipino students will not be compromised amid a lawmaker's proposal to implement a "no-homework" policy, the Department of Education (DepEd) assured the public on Wednesday.

In a statement, the DepEd explained that a memorandum for guidelines on giving homework to public elementary school pupils has also been issued in 2010 with the goal of allowing the students spend quality time with their families after school hours, especially during weekends.

"It is in this regard that the Department supports the no-homework policy proposed by legislators from the House of Representatives," it said.

"By ensuring that they complete all assignments and projects in school, the no-homework policy enables our learners to find balance between their academic development and personal growth by having ample time for enjoyable activities with family," it added.

House Deputy Speaker and Sorsogon Representative Evelina Escudero recently filed House Bill 3611 which seeks to lighten the physical burden among kindergarten to Grade 12 students when carrying heavy bags to-and-from schools due to homework.

The DepEd said it will study the provisions of the bill "to determine the repercussions on the current teaching and learning process."

Education Secretary Leonor Briones also said that the department will issue a directive regulating the giving of homework to students during weekdays. —LDF, GMA News

Deped Statement on the No-Homework Policy Bills

PASIG CITY, August 28, 2019 –  With its issuance of the “Guidelines on Giving Homework or Assignment to All Public Elementary School Pupils,” otherwise known as DepEd Memorandum No. 392, series 2010, the Department of Education (DepEd) reiterates its commitment to the holistic development of learners inside and outside the classroom.

The said issuance aims to enable learners to have more quality time with their parents, family, and friends by limiting the homework/assignment to a reasonable quantity on school days and by eliminating the same during weekends.

It is in this regard that the Department supports the no-homework policy proposed by legislators from the House of Representatives. By ensuring that they complete all assignments and projects in school, the no-homework policy enables our learners to find balance between their academic development and personal growth by having ample time for enjoyable activities with family.

The Department will further study the other provisions of the bills to determine the repercussions on the current teaching and learning process.

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Mark Anthony Llego, hailing from the Philippines, has made a profound impact on the teaching profession by enabling thousands of teachers nationwide to access crucial information and engage in meaningful exchanges of ideas. His contributions have significantly enhanced their instructional and supervisory capabilities, elevating the quality of education in the Philippines. Beyond his domestic influence, Mark's insightful articles on teaching have garnered international recognition, being featured on highly respected educational websites in the United States. As an agent of change, he continues to empower teachers, both locally and internationally, to excel in their roles and make a lasting difference in the lives of their students, serving as a shining example of the transformative power of knowledge-sharing and collaboration within the teaching community.

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DepEd issues statement on the no-homework policy bills

The Department of Education recently issued a statement to clarify some points about the bill seeking to ban the practice of giving students home works.

This is in response to several issues being thrown to the proposed measure.

With the issuance of the DepEd Memorandum No. 392, series 2010, also known as “Guidelines on Giving Homework or Assignment to All Public Elementary School Pupils,” the said government agency reiterates its commitment to the holistic development of learners inside and outside the classroom.

In a statement, DepEd emphasized that the said issuance aims to enable learners to have more quality time with their parents, family, and friends by limiting the homework/assignment to a reasonable quantity on school days and by eliminating the same during weekends.

The education department supports the no-homework policy proposed by legislators from the House of Representatives. By ensuring that they complete all assignments and projects in school, the no-homework policy enables our learners to find balance between their academic development and personal growth by having ample time for enjoyable activities with family.

DepEd will further study the other provisions of the bills to determine the repercussions on the current teaching and learning process.

Stanley Buenafe Gajete

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DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones Supports “No Homework” Bill

Deped chief supports proposed “no homework” policy.

NO HOMEWORK POLICY – Secretary Leonor Briones of the Department of Education expressed her support for the proposed “No Homework” bill.

Previously, Deputy Speaker Evelina Escudero filed the House Bill No. 3611 with the aim to prohibit the homework for school children. The proposed bill covers kindergarten to high school level.

Escudero aims to give students more time to spend for their family and extracurricular activities after school. The bill also wants to limit the school activities given to the young school children.

Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas also filed House Bill 388 or the “No Homework on Weekends Act of 2019” that prohibit teacher to give assignment to the students during weekends.

On Tuesday (August 27, 2019), the DepEd chief Leonor Briones expresses her support for the ‘No Homework’ policy. Briones said that most students usually lose time for rest and family due to homework or projects.

“Ang gusto natin, lahat ng pormal na pag-aaral, assignment, project, whatever, gagawin sa loob ng eskuwelahan. Pag-uwi nila, libre na sila, free time nila to be with their parents, friends,” Briones said.

Briones wants all educational activities including assignments, projects, and formal study to be done inside the school. She also said that DepEd already made the policy but some school have been used to give homework.

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DepEd Backs No-Homework Bill: Lahat ng Lessons Dapat During School Hours

The Department of Education (DepEd)  supports the no-homework bills already filed at the House of Representatives, and will soon issue guidelines aligned to it, even if these are yet to become law. 

House Bill No. 3611 , which gives directive to the Department of Education to impose a no-homework policy for grade-school students, was filed recently by House Deputy Speaker Evelina Escudero .

“Homework assignments can deprive students and parents precious quality time for rest, relaxation and interaction after school hours and even on weekends,” Deputy Speaker Escudero said in a statement.

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The House Bill also proposes that children not be required to bring home textbooks “to prevent the adverse effects of carrying heavy bags to-and-from school.” Instead, lockers or a dedicated space in school where students could deposit their textbooks should be provided. 

In an interview with GMA’s 24 Oras , Education Secretary Leonor Briones said she agrees with the Bill and sees it merits. 

“Lahat ng mga lessons dapat during school hours. After that si parents na... Para ‘yung mga bata naman ay may time mag-bond sa parents o maglaro o just to relax by themselves,” she said.

In addition, Secretary Briones said there really is no guarantee that it is the child himself who accomplishes the homework. “Kung minsan si lola, si mommy, si yaya ang nagtutulong o gumagawa mismo, [o] si tutor, ng homework.

“In principle, I am supportive of the pending bills in Congress because the final test of the pudding is not really on the homework, we cannot prove the effectiveness of our educational system through homework,” she told GMA News Online .

As a show of support, the Department of Education will issue guidelines to regulate the giving of homework to elementary students, including the amount of homework allowed, and who will be covered by such policy.

A statement issued by the DepEd yesterday, August 28, reads:

“With its issuance of the ‘Guidelines on Giving Homework or Assignment to All Public Elementary School Pupils,’ otherwise known as DepEd Memorandum No. 392, series 2010, the Department of Education (DepEd) reiterates its commitment to the holistic development of learners inside and outside the classroom.

“The said issuance aims to enable learners to have more quality time with their parents, family, and friends by limiting the homework/assignment to a reasonable quantity on school days and by eliminating the same during weekends.

“It is in this regard that the Department supports the no-homework policy proposed by legislators from the House of Representatives. By ensuring that they complete all assignments and projects in school, the no-homework policy enables our learners to find balance between their academic development and personal growth by having ample time for enjoyable activities with family.

“The Department will further study the other provisions of the bills to determine the repercussions on the current teaching and learning process.”

An existing directive, DepEd Memorandum 392 , which orders teachers not to give homework to students on weekends, is already being implemented in public schools. 

Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas has also filed a similar proposal, House Bill 3833 , which prohibits teachers from giving students homework for weekends. HB 3833 carries a Php50,000 fine or imprisonment of one to two years for violators. 

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No homework for Filipino students: Doesn’t it sound good?

Asia philippines.

Philippines education department backs legislation focused on holistic development

Manila: Efforts in the legislature to do away with assigning homework to students in basic education drew the support from an unlikely quarter — the Department of Education (DepEd).

“The Department of Education supports the no-homework policy proposed by legislators from the House of Representatives,” the DepEd said in a statement.

It said that since 2010 it had been advocating for an all-inclusive learning regime for Filipino students, to include out of the classroom schooling, a policy that will, in effect, restrict teachers from giving homework to students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

“With its issuance of the ‘Guidelines on Giving Homework or Assignment to All Public Elementary School Pupils’, the DepEd reiterates its commitment to the holistic development of learners inside and outside the classroom.

According to Education Secretary Leonor Briones, the aim of the issuance was for “learners to have more quality time with their parents, family, and friends by limiting the homework/assignment to a reasonable quantity on school days and by eliminating the same during weekends”.

But while the education department embraces the “no homework” concept in basic education, a lack of an enabling law stood in the way of its implementation in the classrooms.

House Deputy Speaker Evelina Escudero has submitted to the House of Representatives the Bill to make the “no homework” rule in classrooms, a reality.

“The objective will always be to improve and develop our educational system and be able to mould our students and pupils as productive members of our society equipped with the right and appropriate education,” she said.

“It is a bill that is grounded on studies and experiences as an educator myself for 25 years,” the lawmaker from Sorsogon said.

The DepEd said that in supporting the no-homework policy being pushed in the House of Representatives, it hopes that the concept will enable Filipino earners “to find balance between their academic development and personal growth by having ample time for enjoyable activities with family.”

It had been observed that obsession by parents and students for academic excellence had somehow affect the social well-being of pupils.

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Bill aims to give students ‘no homework’ weekends

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MANILA, Philippines — Saying children are “overworked” with 10 hours spent at school on weekdays, Tutok to Win Rep. Sam Versoza has filed House Bill No. 8243 — the proposed “No Homework Law” — to stop teachers from giving homework to elementary and high school students during weekends so as to allow students to “rest and recharge.”

A 2010 Department of Education memorandum circular advised teachers to limit the giving of homework to public elementary school students to a reasonable quantity on weekdays, while no homework is to be given on weekends. HB 8243 sought to institutionalize this for all elementary and high schools across the country.

Since the 17th Congress (2016-2019), lawmakers have tried to institute a no homework policy on weekends, but such measures remained pending before the House basic education and culture committee.

Versoza, in a privilege speech on Monday, said students work extra hours to accomplish their homework. In some instances, parents themselves would finish their children’s tasks.

“The Filipino youth are overworked and yet the Philippines is trailing behind other countries,” Versoza said in his privilege speech.

He cited recent reports that the average intelligence quotient (IQ) of Filipinos was 81.64, while the global average IQ was 100. The Philippines ranked 111th out of 200 countries in terms of average IQ.

“This is alarming and proves that the Philippines is in the middle of an educational crisis. If the system is not working, let us improve the system,” Versoza said.

He noted that Finland, China, South Korea, Japan, and other progressive nations already cut back on giving homework to students and that the Philippines should consider this as well.

Versoza said an hour of homework a day was “sufficient to achieve satisfactory results” and that increasing the number of hours for homework “may cause stress to students and their families.”

The lawmaker also pointed to the disparity between the rich and poor in completing school tasks.

“Kids from wealthier homes are more likely to have resources such as computers, internet connection, dedicated areas to do schoolwork, and parents who tend to be more educated and more available to help them with their homework,” Versoza said.

On the other hand, children from disadvantaged homes are more likely to take on after-school jobs, be at home without parents’ supervision, or take care of siblings instead of doing homework.

He also cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, which showed that the Philippines had the highest dropout rate among Southeast Asian countries, with a lack of interest in school as one of the reasons cited.

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“This only shows that school is not fun anymore,” Versoza said.

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Deped to issue ‘more precise’ guidelines on students’ homework policy, homework ban to promote ‘holistic approach’ among families — solon, deped: no-homework plan to help students attain school-life balance.

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‘No homework’ policy could create wrong values among learners

By Merlina Hernando-Malipot

Educators from both public and private schools on Tuesday expressed concern on the “no homework” bills noting that the proposal might promote “wrong values” among learners – thus, making the country’s education system more “problematic.”

Proposals made by lawmakers to ban homework for students in both public and private schools – across all basic education levels – did not sit well with the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) and the Federation of Associations of Private Schools & Administrators (FAPSA).

Both groups urged lawmakers, as well as the Department of Education (DepEd), which supported the bills banning home works, to rethink and reconsider the implications on both learners and the education system, as a whole.

For TDC, homework should not be seen as a burden but as an avenue to instill discipline and responsibility among learners. "Our teachers are trained educators, we know the value of homework,” said TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas.

Basas, a former public school teacher of Baesa High School in Caloocan City, noted that doing homework teaches a student not only about the subject matter, but also about good values. “Homework is not intended to make life difficult for our students,” he said.

On the contrary, Basas believed that homework was all “about discipline, responsibility and continuity of learning.” He added that doing homework also promoted quality time when family members help out the learner to complete the task at hand. “It may also strengthen family bonding - thus quality time,” he added.

Meanwhile, FAPSA President Eleazardo Kasilag warned about the impact of the “no homework” bills should they pass into law. “Our lawmakers should consider the situation in our country,” he said. “Homework helps to sustain the flow of lessons banning it for non-academic reasons such as bonding time at home is contrary to the vision of education,” he added.

Given that the students do not have the “innate” discipline, Kasilag noted that “we should ban what hinders them from studying like social media, untimely malling or computer games, but not homework.”

Kasilag also lamented how the lawmakers have “practically padded our curriculum with everything” –from illegal drugs prevention, election duties, surveying, population census, disaster, nutrition, seminars and training, mass immunizations, community mapping, deworming, and feeding – among others. These efforts, he added, are nothing but “pa-pogi” points. “They are not educators they just need sustaining votes for longer power,” he added.

Earlier, Sorsogon representative Deputy Speaker Evelina Escudero filed House Bill (HB) No. 3611 which seeks to remove homework as a class requirement and limit school activities to the campus noting that “homework assignments can deprive students and parents precious quality time for rest, relaxation and interaction after school hours and even on weekends.” Citing studies suggesting that “homework does impact upon family life,” Quezon City Representative Alfred Vargas also filed a similar proposal through HB 3883 which focus on stopping teachers from giving assignments or homework on weekends.

Homework as a ‘burden’

Meanwhile, the DepEd backed the bills banning homework among learners. In an interview, Education Secretary Leonor Briones noted that DepEd already had an “existing policy” which discourages giving of homework to learners. “Alam naman natin na kung minsan, ang homework, hindi naman ang bata ang gumagawa pagdating sa bahay,” she said.

Briones was referring to the DepEd Memorandum No. 392 series of 2010 which was issued by former Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro. The said memorandum directed schools that “no homework/assignments shall be given during weekends for pupils to enjoy their childhood.”

“I am in favor of this,” Briones said when asked if DepEd supports the said proposals to ban giving of homework. She noted that despite the earlier directive given by her predecessor, there are still schools that continue to give homework to their students “that’s why our lawmakers proposed” these bills.

In supporting the said bills, Briones underscored the need for learners and parents – as well other family members – to have quality time for bonding. “Ang gusto natin lahat ng pormal na pag-aaral – assignment, projects, whatever – gagawin sa loob ng paaralan pag-uwi nila, free time nila to bond with their parents, with their friends,” she said. “Meron mga bata na gusto nila, tuloy-tuloy sila mag-aral pero hindi kailangan homework dahil dagdag na burden ito sa bata,” she added.

With complaints on overly congested curriculum and school requirements, Briones agreed that homework should no longer be required from the learners. “Marami nagko-complain na mabigat ang curriculum – lalo na sa senior high school tapos may school activities pa sila,” she added.

In a separate interview, Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla noted that DepEd has yet to receive a copy of the said proposals. However, she assured that “this is something our experts will look into.”

Meanwhile, TDC and FAPSA maintained that bills such as these are “unnecessary” given the multitude of challenges that the county’s education system currently face. “Homework is not meant to burden learners but to teach them self-learning, self-discipline and time management,” TDC reiterated. Homework or assignments, the group added, instead teaches learners to be responsible individuals and could be maximized as a "bonding activity" for parents and their children.

For FAPSA, lawmakers need to come up with “better” and timely proposals that would help address the quality of education in the country. “We need something better from our lawmakers not this very simple HB if they are out of better ideas, we can give you relevant vital and pressing needs of educators,” the group ended.

Tag: NO-HOMEWORK POLICY

Sen. poe’s version of “no-homework law” based on findings.

Senator Grace Poe filed her version of No-Homework Law thru Senate Bill No. 966 -An Act Establishing A No-Homework Policy for All Primary and Secondary Schools in the Country. It was read on First Reading and Referred to the Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture last August 28, 2019. Read More …

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