SFAS Adopts CVIF DLP!

We’ve heard it once before:  the road to success is long and arduous.

The pursuit for quality education led to a literally long and arduous journey…destination:  Jagna, Bohol, Philippines.

This 4^th class municipality, a half-day’s journey from Negros Occidental, is home to the revolutionary CVIF Dynamic Learning Program (DLP).  A new and innovative system of learning, the CVIF-DLP was invented by two physicists, Dr. Christopher and Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido.  The CVIF-DLP was a product of their own frustrating search for quality education for their own school, the Central Visayan Institute Foundation (CVIF).

SFAS first heard of the CVIF-DLP in 2010, when the Bernido couple was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for their creation.  It took 3 long years before SFAS’ sibling team of administrator, Micmic Golez, school Vice Principal, JR Abello, and brother, Jay, visited Jagna, January of this year. 

After an orientation and actual sit-down with the Bernidos, the team was convinced—somewhat borrowing from Dr. Bernido’s message:  “CVIF-DLP is the way to go” for SFAS! 

SFAS administrators, Micmic Golez and JR Abello with CVIF administrators, Dr. Christopher and Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido in Jagna, Bohol.  For more photos of the visit, click on this link: 
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/set=a.503910666312901.1073741842.125402790830359&type=1&l=a0f3e3b3c2

After about 12 years of implementation already, their records speak for themselves.  50% of their graduates are in the top 90th percentile of students in the Philippines (based on their performance in national standardized tests) and 10% of their graduates pass the UPCAT (University of the Philippines College Admission Test --- the most selective university in the country).  More importantly, the DLP “addresses the whole spectrum of learners,” evidenced by the fact that they no longer have students performing below the average level.

After an initial orientation of the teachers about the program as well as a meeting with parents, the stage was set.  DLP was to be implemented in the coming school year for grades 4 – 10. 

To prepare for DLP implementation, a seminar/workshop was conducted last April 18 – 19 at SFAS.  Two DLP ambassadors, Mrs. Amparo Tuazon and Ms. Cherry Basa both teachers from the University of the East in Manila conducted the seminar. 

The ambassadors oriented and trained the teachers of SFAS on the different components of DLP. A few of the noteworthy components of the DLP are as follows:

1.     Parallel Classes Scheme—classes are held simultaneously with only one Expert Teacher assisted by a Facilitator.  A Math teacher, for example, holds his three grade 7 classes all at the same time (at 20 minutes each only). 

2.     Activity Based Multi-Domain Learning—the teacher simply gives Learning Activity Sheets to his classes to work on. There are no books; students are essentially required to take down notes.  And they are given exercises to learn lessons on their own first before the teacher comes in to help.

3.     Strategic Study and Rests—probably the most controversial component of the DLP, this pertains to the no-homework policy of the program, allowing students to rest their brains after classes to enhance actual learning. And holding MAPEH classes on Wednesday morning and the students are free in the afternoon for practices, club meeting, etc.  So "academic" classes are held four times a week only.

The teachers undergo a simulation exercise using the Learning Activity Sheet.

“DLP can help us prepare our students for the future because the program is more student-centered,” shared Ms. Lina Gabino, one of the teachers at SFAS. “The teachers are given the chance to talk less and they become teachers and consultants to the students.”

Ms. Cindy Dumdumaya who teaches Chemistry and Physics believes that “DLP is also a solution for teachers who cannot manage their students well. The program helps the teacher become more productive.”

Ms. Lina Gabino was also sent, along with Mr. JR Abello, to a DLP Seminar in Manila last April 23 – 25.  The Bernidos were key speakers throughout the seminar.  The seminar also featured speakers from different schools who have already embraced the DLP.  They shared their challenging experiences as well as their inspiring success stories.

The 4^th Workshop on the CVIF-Dynamic Learning Program was held at the De La Salle University.

Putting the training to work, SFAS teachers came back in May and started redesigning their curriculum DLP-style!  From simplifying lessons to adapting the “less is more” approach, teachers crafted their lesson “plans,” now known as Learning Activity Sheets (LAS).  They even participated in actual DLP simulations towards the end of May, conducting their classes with select students.

Ms. Nia Mae Ramirez is facilitator for Filipino Grade 7 class.

With such a dramatic change, thanks to DLP, SFAS is in for long and arduous journey this year!  But all the stakeholders—administrators, teachers, students, parents, others—hope this journey takes us to a common goal:  success…finally, quality education that will mold our children to be responsible, honest and excellent citizens as they are our future leaders!

** If you are interested to know more about CVIF-DLP, watch this video:  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cmYljCepS-8.

Faculty and Staff Development during the Summer

Last May 15, the faculty and staff of St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City attended different talks or workshop for their professional growth.  The day started with the first talk on Child Psychology given by Dr. Ma. Jocelyn G. Gayares, M.D. Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist. Dr. Gayares discussed the different stages of child development and encouraging desirable behavior for students.  

Next, Vice Principal JR Abello, gave a talk entitled "Financial, Stress and Time Management." The objective of the talk was to develop an attitude on being productive in work. 

Students in the elementary level are required to write in cursive form in all their classes.

The afternoon workshop on Cursive Writing for all Grade 1 to 6 teachers was facilitated by Principal Ms. Melit Gustilo on Cursive Writing. The objective was to teach the teachers to write in a standard angle. Ms. Gustilo explained that this school year, the teachers will have more time writing on the board because of the new teaching strategy being adopted by the school, e.g. CVIF Dynamic Learning Program, and that the teachers need to focus on their speed and accuracy in writing cursive.

All in all, the teachers and staff enjoyed the talks/workshop. They were able to learn new things which will definitely help them become better individuals, teachers for the students and colleagues to their fellow educators. 

Enrollment of 287 Scholars

Another year of opportunities has come for the 287 scholars of Tapulanga Foundation as their parents enrolled them in St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City last April 22 and 23.  The parents expressed their utmost gratitude to the school for providing good quality Christian education to their children and to Tapulanga Foundation and the sponsors for providing this education for free, a great gift to them.

Mrs. Joanna Nalagon, from Hacienda Katumbal, E.B. Magalona, is very thankful that her daughter, Gladly, got accepted as a Tapulanga Foundation scholar as she enters Grade 7 this June. She says that Glady is a smart and hardworking girl having graduated 1st Honor from Cuaycong Elementary School.

Editha Prado's daughter is also from Cuaycong Elementary School. April Joy Prado graduated with 3rd Honors in her school. Mrs. Prado shares that she is thankful because this scholarship is a huge help for them.

Ma. Theresa Nacion's mother considers her daughter's donor as the biggest blessing God has given to them. She only has one advice to her daughter and that is, " Indi gid magkalipat sa mga gabulig sa imo" ("Never forget those who have helped you.").  Theresa is on her final year in SFAS and has been a scholar her entire high school years.