FORMER Education Secretary Leonor Briones on Wednesday recommended inter-school exchanges on effective school management and teaching practices following the result of the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment.

In a hearing of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Briones stressed the need for the integration of the PISA and other assessment results into the planning, monitoring, and evaluation standards of DepEd, as well as its Enhanced Basic Education Information System.

The former official also suggested the updating and deployment of familiarization materials provided for PISA 2022 if the Philippines decides to participate in PISA in 2025.

“If we decide to participate in PISA 2025, the familiarization materials provided for PISA 2022 is best updated in the light of recent developments, and deployed soon because we only have one year left. Other countries prepare for PISA for a much longer time,” Briones said.

She also emphasized learning happens and goes hand in hand not only in schools but also in homes and communities.

Filipino learners scored 347 in the 2022 PISA for Reading Literacy; 355 for Mathematical Literacy; and 356 for Scientific Literacy, all below the average of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Meanwhile, The MLAC Institute for Psychosocial Services, Inc. is advocating for a holistic approach, underscoring the importance of mental health and psychological needs of students, as well as the role of parents in cultivating learning.

MLAC Institute for Psychosocial Services, Inc. executive director Hannah Morillo said the institute’s recommendations include increased emphasis on the socio-emotional development of the school going child, establishment of sustained partnership between schools and caregivers, and encouraging parental involvement, as well as a robust school-home environment in ensuring the safety, mental health and well being of students.