DepEd, Japanese firm seek to enhance students' math skills

The Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with a Japanese company in a bid to improve the math proficiency of public school learners.

Months before the next Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the DepEd on Wednesday signed a memorandum of agreement with Japan-based firm Sprix, Inc. to provide public school students free access to the Test of Fundamental Skills (TOFAS).

According to the Education Department, TOFAS allows teachers to assess students’ calculation and problem-solving skills “accurately, providing valuable data to tailor instruction according to each student’s needs.”

“Beyond academic benefits, TOFAS also promotes student well-being by offering teachers and parents clear insights into each learner’s mathematical journey, paving the way for enhanced engagement in mathematics and programming,” the agency added.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said that initial feedback from regional directors regarding TOFAS “has been overwhelmingly positive,” thus DepEd wants to expand its use to more learners.

“Strengthening our students’ math skills is essential,” Angara said in a statement.

“With TOFAS, we have a targeted tool that identifies math proficiencies and areas for growth, and we are confident this will empower students across the country,” he added.

In the 2022 PISA results, the Philippines ranked sixth lowest among the 81 countries and economies that participated in the study, indicating that Filipino learners continued to lag in mathematics, science, and reading.

With this, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had directed the DepEd to work hard on improving the country's performance in PISA.

Angara also earlier recommended the creation of a task force to improve the performance of Filipino students in the next PISA, which is set to be conducted in March 2025. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News