THE SECOND Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), together with the Department of Education, continues its efforts to improve curriculum and instruction.

Recently, the commission conducted a joint school visit to the Philippine Women’s University-Jose Abad Santos Memorial School (JASMS) in Quezon City, one of the country’s pioneering progressive schools.

EDCOM II Co-chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian said the visit is part of their ongoing activities to visit different institutions and learn from their best practices. He added that JASMS is known for implementing progressive pedagogies and methodologies, which is why they are eager to learn from the school.

According to JASMS Principal Diana Cynthia Gutierrez, the school stands out for its child-centered learning philosophy, which emphasizes student agency and fosters an inclusive environment where individual and interest-based learning are encouraged.

The school’s approach to education moves away from traditional textbook-based learning, promoting experiential learning that encourages real-world engagement and self-discovery.

Dr. Remedios Cruz, JASMS Executive Director for Basic Education, provided further insight into the school’s learning strategies.

“Our students are immersed in research-based projects and activities that go beyond traditional textbooks. They use multimedia and modular learning materials tailored to their interests and developmental needs,” Cruz said.

The curriculum at JASMS includes Philosophy, Ethics, and Logic starting from junior high, and integrates Science from preschool through higher grades. The school also emphasizes skill-based learning with courses in robotics and computer science to prepare students for the future job market.

Importantly, the curriculum is reviewed at the end of each quarter to ensure its continued effectiveness and relevance.