The SUGPAT Alternative School officially began its instructional block for Term 1, marking the start of another learning journey for a new batch of out-of-school youth (OSY) enrolled under the Alternative Learning System (ALS).
Following the three-term school calendar of the Department of Education (DepEd), the first week focused on conducting baseline assessments that will help teachers understand the learners’ current competencies and better prepare instruction for the weeks ahead.
One of the key activities conducted during the week was the Functional Literacy Test (FLT), administered by Ms. Aneesa Addih, one of the teachers of the SUGPAT Alternative School and a DepEd ALS Teacher. The assessment utilized the newly released Functional Literacy Test developed by the Bureau of Alternative Education (BAE), providing an updated measure of learners’ literacy levels and educational needs.
Complementing the FLT, Mr. Rogin Christ Eribal, Director of the Ateneo Learning and Teaching Excellence Center (ALTEC) and one of the teachers of the program, facilitated baseline assessments in literacy and numeracy. These assessments were designed to provide a clearer picture of learners’ reading and mathematical competencies at the beginning of the school year.
Beyond academic assessments, learners also participated in profiling and reflection activities that allowed them to share their backgrounds, experiences, strengths, and aspirations. The information gathered will help the teaching team develop learning experiences that are responsive to the unique needs of each learner.
“Before we can effectively teach, we must first understand our learners,” shared Eribal. “The assessments conducted this week will help us identify learning gaps, build on existing strengths, and better plan our lessons as we move into the succeeding weeks of Term 1.”
Implemented by the Ateneo Learning and Teaching Excellence Center (ALTEC) in partnership with the Department of Education Alternative Learning System (DepEd ALS) Zamboanga City Division, the SUGPAT Alternative School provides out-of-school youth with opportunities to complete their Junior High School education through a flexible and learner-centered approach.
As the first instructional week comes to a close, the SUGPAT team looks forward to translating the results of the assessments into meaningful learning experiences that support the growth and success of every learner.
The initiative contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), while advancing efforts to reduce educational inequalities and expand access to learning opportunities for young people in Zamboanga City.
For the SUGPAT Alternative School, the first week was an opportunity to begin understanding each learner’s story, strengths, and dreams, laying the foundation for a meaningful school year ahead.
#BawatPangarapMahalaga