A multi grade class is defined as a class composed of two or more grades less than one teacher in a complete or incomplete elementary school. But when was this system introduced in the Philippines setting?
The Multi Grade System has been implemented since 1920’s. it has always been covered by policies on monograde class organization which resulted in multi grade classes. The multi grade system has been with us for quite sometime but it is very obvious that we have not regarded it as a very viable alternative delivery system to provide access to basic education as well as quality education by providing complete grade levels in all public elementary schools.
While DECS (now DepEd) officials then had always recognized the existence of multi grade classes, it was only under the leadership of Secretary Armand Fabella (1993-1994) that the multi grade program was launched as a systematic and viable means of meeting the goal and providing education for all.
The existence of the multi grade classes in our country is also embodied under the provision of the Philippine Constitution. Considering the present thrusts of the government to make at least elementary education truly accessible to all particularly to children in remote barangays, a policy has been made and declared to build a school in all school-less barangays where enrolment and population growth trends warrant the establishment of a new school, and develop and /or implement the Multi grade System of Delivery, so as to enable children to complete their elementary schooling particularly in areas where it is uneconomical to put up a six-classroom building.
From then on, multi grade classes became truly a part of our educational system. at present, some of these multi grade classes were already converted to monograde classes due to increase of enrolment while other areas of the country are just starting to put up multi grade classes.
By: Judith E. Tanael
