Enrollment rate lower than expected
WHERE have the students gone?
The predicted increase in student enrollment in public schools this year fell short of expectation, according to officials of the Department of Education (DepEd)-Pangasinan Schools Division.
Schools Division Superintendent Aurora Domingo, speaking during the Media in Action forum of the Pangasinan Press Club on Wednesday, said a total of 174,000 students in elementary and 79,000 in high schools have enrolled for the school year, representing a mere 0.3 percent increase, not one percent as predicted, from last year,
The forecast was based on the belief that many private school pupils and students would be transferring to the public schools because of the high tuition fees.
“Hinahanap po namin ‘yon. Saan ‘yong mga sinasabing lilipat?” Domingo noted.
The division is still waiting for the enrollment numbers from the private schools where enrollment is still ongoing.
Initial reports indicate that numbers of enrollees in private schools are seeing a slight decline.
“Anyway, we are still hoping that by the end of July we will meet the target,” she added.
LOSING INTEREST?
Dr. William Macob, Dagupan City schools supervisor, offered an explanation for the failed target.
“Ang napapansin namin maraming bata lalo na sa elementary na hindi willing na mag-aral,” Macod said.
He said those who dropped out should be encouraged to consider the Alternative Learning System (ALS) which is recognized by higher education institutions. (With report from PIA-Pangasinan).
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