THE DEPARTMENT of Education has moved the end of the school year from June to July to address learning gaps and give teachers time for their training.

The department issued Order No. 012, s. 2021 on Tuesday, allowing schools to implement “intensive intervention and remediation activities for learners.”

It attributed the learning gaps “to reduced academic opportunities at home and substantial loss of live contact with teachers.”

The third grading was moved from March 22 to May 15 and the fourth quarter from May 17 to July 10.

Schools will conduct intervention and remediation activities for learners from March 1 to 12, while teachers will have their In-Service Training from March 15 to 19.

“This policy shall be implemented in ALL PUBLIC elementary and secondary schools nationwide for SY 2020-2021,” DepEd said.

Meanwhile, private schools, technical and vocational institutions, and higher education institutions, including state and local universities and colleges offering the K to 12 Basic Education Program were encouraged to implement the same guidelines according to their philosophy, vision, and mission.

The school year was originally set to end on June 11.