THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) on Monday reiterated the structure and intent of the upcoming three-term school calendar is designed to streamline instructional time and minimize learning disruptions starting School Year 2026–2027.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the shift is a strategic move to improve the continuity and effectiveness of teaching across the country’s public school system.

“The objective is to ensure that learning is delivered in a more organized and consistent manner throughout the school year,” Angara said in a news release.

Under the new policy, the school year will be divided into three structured terms, each containing three distinct phases:

• Opening Block: Focused on learner profiling, readiness assessments and initial school preparation.
• Instructional Block: Dedicated to uninterrupted, continuous teaching and learning to ensure curriculum targets are met.
• End-of-Term Block: Reserved for academic intervention, consolidation of lessons and professional development for teachers.

DepEd clarified that this reorganization provides longer periods for focused instruction, allowing for better pacing of lessons and dedicated time for student remediation.

Not a trimester system

The department clarified that the school year is simply being reorganized into three grading periods rather than the traditional four, while maintaining the same subjects, curriculum and total number of required school days.

While the policy is mandatory for public schools, private educational institutions retain the flexibility to adopt their own academic calendars, provided they comply with existing curriculum standards.

The development of the three-term calendar followed extensive consultations at the national, regional, and school levels, involving teachers and school leaders.

The DepEd is currently conducting nationwide orientation sessions for Regional and Schools Division Offices.

Briefings for school heads and teachers are also underway to guide schools on adjustments regarding lesson planning, assessment, and operational logistics.

The DepEd said it will closely monitor the initial rollout and refine the policy based on field feedback to ensure it effectively supports both learners and educators. (PNA)