DepEd, private sector partners meet for PISA 2025 preparations

The Department of Education (DepEd) has convened key private sector stakeholders to seek their support in various priority initiatives, such as the preparations for the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) participation in 2025.

In a news release on Saturday, the DepEd said it conducted the 2024 Stakeholders’ Forum at the Education Department’s central office on Thursday, during which Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Teaching Janir Datukan led discussions on PISA, highlighting the comprehensive preparations underway to equip teachers and students.

Datukan shared an overview of PISA, which is implemented by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The exam aids in evaluating the quality of the country's education system in comparison to global standards.

The DepEd official also presented the general plans and activities in preparation for PISA 2025.

“We intend to provide them [teachers and learners] with the resources. So, it’s going to be like a bar exam,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara during the Senate Committee on Finance deliberations on Tuesday on the DepEd's proposed budget next year.

“Maybe we can house them, create a special class, review class for them where they receive special attention. Maybe a tutorial type of system and digital assistance as well, meaning provision of computers so they are familiar with taking exams on computers. [So,] there’s no shock factor come exam time in March 2025,” he added.

According to Angara, they have so far identified 1.6 million 15-year-old public school learners from Grades 7 to 10 who may possibly take the PISA.

The stakeholders’ forum, the DepEd said, also served as a platform for collaborative discussions on enhancing the Senior High School Work Immersion Program, as it aims to improve students' employability.

The Education Department also outlined plans to bolster teachers' professional development and career advancement, aligning with quality standards.

Sixty-five stakeholders participated in the forum, according to the DepEd. — VBL, GMA Integrated News