Learning and Organizational Development (LOD)

LCC’s 146th Council Meeting Tackles Research, 2021 NLC, and HB 9157

The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) holds its 146th LCC Meeting on June 28, 2021 virtually via Microsoft Teams. Chaired by Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado M. San Antonio, the meeting was participated in by Council members, representatives, resource persons, and the LCC Secretariat.

One of the main agenda items discussed during this quarterly meeting is the adoption of the research output developed by the Council through its lead member agency for research, the Philippine Normal University (PNU), on the Foundational Framework and Analytic Scoring Rubric for Exemplary Community-based Literacy Programs and Engagement. It may be recalled that LCC Secretariat, together with PNU researchers recently conducted a series of orientation workshops to capacitate the Local Government Units and Nongovernment Organizations on how to utilize the said framework and tool to ensure that the literacy programs implemented at the local level (city, municipality, and barangay) are effective and exemplary. The said capacity building activity was held virtually in three clusters: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Another important matter considered during the Council meeting is the approval of the theme and objectives of the 2021 National Literacy Conference (NLC) which is set to be conducted in September to celebrate the National Literacy Week as stipulated under DepEd Memorandum No. 72, s. 2019. The theme for this year’s NLC is “Literacy Learning Innovations in the New Normal Towards Sustainable Development.” This annual event aims to present the current literacy situation in the country; share practices on addressing challenges and opportunities in literacy education; and present research studies on literacy education during the pandemic, as well as policy recommendations on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.

Furthermore, updates on House Bill No. 9157 on the proposed enactment of the National Literacy Council Act were also presented. Salient features of the bill include renaming the Literacy Coordinating Council; expanding its powers, functions, and membership; creation and providing funds for Local Literacy Councils, and institutionalization of the National Literacy Awards, among others.

Accomplishments of the LCC for the first semester, as well as the upcoming activities for Quarters 3 and 4 of FY 2021, among other matters, were also highlighted in this meeting.

The LCC Secretariat wishes to thank all LCC members, representatives, and resource persons for the successful conduct of the 146th LCC Meeting.

Jonnabel Escartin

LCC Secretariat Participates in a Series of Online Training on Leadership Program for Education Authorities

The International Development Institute (IDI), in cooperation with USAID, conducted a Leadership Program for Education Authorities (LPEA) participated in by various educators from different countries, including DepEd officials and education specialists from the Philippines. This five-day course with the theme “Improving Learning Outcomes at the School Level Post-Pandemic” was held on March 29-April 2, 2021 via Zoom. It strengthened capacity of senior education officials at the federal and provincial levels in countries in South Asia and East Africa. The objective of the course is to build their leadership capacity to better understand the new reality; revisit and reevaluate their existing plans and develop new strategic directions; set newly calibrated vision and goals; build capacity to collect and analyze data, prioritize and assess and plan to overcome implementation challenges, including political economy challenges; and monitor and evaluate their performance towards set goals. The program is designed for both policy makers and officials involved in the day to day implementation of education programs at the federal and provincial levels. Some of the lecturers from IDI who have in-depth knowledge on education, leadership and interest in empowering communities, also shared their expertise on their respective topics.

Dr. Arun R. Joshi presents the Settings Goals and Strategy for the Post-Pandemic Context
Mr. Jonathan Kassa talks about Health and Safety Protocols during disruptive times
Ms. Kerin Hilker-Balkissoon presents extensively her experience on incentivizing Teachers, Staff, Parents, and Students.
Prof. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer shares his experience on Innovations in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning as well as Decision Making with Data.
Dr. Robert Hessler in his 35 1/2 years in public education showcases his experience in School Leadership during disruptive times

The course was designed to expose and equip education policy makers and implementation authorities with the analytical, leadership, and management skills needed to effectively handle their responsibilities and continuously drive reforms in these fast changing and challenging environment. The program provided the participants from the Philippines, Romania and Ghana with an opportunity to learn directly from global experts, policy leads, and practitioners.

The LCC Secretariat wishes to convey its deepest gratitude to USAID and IDI for the privilege and opportunity they have given to all their participants who participated in this program in increasing their leadership effectiveness amidst this crisis.

Czarina D. Abellonar