Grade 1 pupils in Iloilo City have poor reading grasp

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

Not all of them know how to read.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas is “worried” of the “bad results” of comprehension test by the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (Phil IRI) to 15 elementary schools in Jaro district last year.

In a report, Education Supervisor Ma. Luz M. delos Reyes noted the Phil IRI test was given November to December 2004 to all grade 1 pupils. “This test was conducted in the second semester when the Grade 1 pupils are found to be ready to attack words and to get the meaning from printed materials,” she cited.

“The test result will serve as baseline data for comprehension. By June 2005, the 74.14 percent are expected to read at the instructional level and 15.36 percent should be at the independent level wherein they are expected to read at least one grade level beyond grade 1,” delos Reyes pointed out.

The report bared that 74.14 percent of pupils are in the frustration level, meaning they are having a hard time in reading; 15.36 percent are in the instructional level or those who can read with the help of an instructor; and only 10.50 percent know to read independently.

“I am very concerned,” Treñas stressed, adding that the problem should not be left unattended. The mayor questioned the potentials of the young in ten years with this low level of comprehension the children have right now.

Although, Treñas explained that the problem is not just here as the primary schools nationwide are also affected. He even attributed that this is mainly due to apparent “distraction” like computer games and television.

To address the issue, Treñas is pushing for the creation of a school council, involving the community. Likewise, he will ask the principals to make a commitment on improving the reading performance of their pupils.

He added that he would meet with school principals and parents to discuss the situation. Further, Treñas also proposed that there should be seminar with teachers by the Department of Education ( DepEd ) and the strengthening of day care program as well as tapping the universities for the teaching capabilities.                 

Treñas also urged that “ Synergia ” should be adapted in all districts of the city. It is a private foundation that is committed to help city schools improved the reading comprehension of children. The project will be replicated in city's seven districts, he said.

Meanwhile, Treñas agreed of the DepEd proposal, saying he is “in favor that no cultural, sports and extra-curricular activities would be held during school days”. He added that the conduct of teachers' seminars should gear toward improving teaching skills.

These remedial measures, Treñas said, should be realized since “we are claiming to be the educational center of the region and to improve the existing workforce that we have”.