Reading program for Grade 1 pupils urged

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

Although classes are ending, it cannot be denied that not all of the pupils know how to read.

With this, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has proposed a reading program for all Grade 1 pupils in the city's public schools when the classes open in June. He cited the program will be supported by the city government through the Special Education Fund (SEF).

To note, Treñas expressed disappointment over the “bad results” of comprehension test by the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (Phil-IRI) to 15 elementary schools in Jaro district last year.

“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.

The mayor stressed that such “eye-opener” on the situation of pupils should be improved. Treñas pointed out that he will meet with the city's school board to outline the strategy on improving primary education here.

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.

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.

He noted that there is P73 million SEF allotted by the city government. Meanwhile, Treñas has requested the city accountant to sit down with representative of school board regarding the unliquidated cash disbursements.

Further, there would also be a meeting with the principals and officials of the Department of Education ( DepEd ) to discuss concerns on public instruction. Treñas also pushed that there should be seminar with teachers by the DepEd and the strengthening of day care program as well as tapping the universities for the teaching capabilities.                 

Earlier, Education Supervisor Ma. Luz M. delos Reyes in a report, 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.

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.

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, would be realized since “we are claiming to be the educational center of the region and to improve the existing workforce that we have”.