SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian is advocating for a measure to discontinue the use of the spiral progression approach in the Basic Education curriculum.

In his Senate Bill 2984, Gatchalian noted the lack of studies employing robust empirical methodologies to evaluate the effectiveness of the spiral curriculum, especially within the Philippine context.

He explained that based on the last consultative meeting, there was consensus that teachers, in delivering lessons using the spiral progression approach, are no longer acting as content experts or subject specialists. Instead, they are required to teach as generalists.

“They also lack training, experience, preparation, and resources. In sum, neither teachers nor learners achieve mastery,” the senator said.

Gatchalian’s bill proposes deleting Section 5, paragraph G of Republic Act 10533, which mandates the use of the spiral progression approach to ensure mastery of knowledge and skills at each level.

The senator believes that removing this section would provide the Department of Education with greater flexibility in choosing the most effective approach or pedagogy to employ.