The Department of Education (DEPED) Southern Leyte Schools Division is stepping up its efforts to help students who are at the “frustration” level. 

During the Oplan Balik Eskwela Convergence Meeting held at the SLEM Coop in Maasin City, the agency revealed that 168 elementary school students in Southern Leyte are at the so-called “frustration level” after an assessment of 5,000 students — equivalent to 3 percent. This means that they can read but don’t understand what they read.

According to education officials, students at this level show a lack of understanding even though they can read, which is a major challenge in the basic education sector.

The agency aims that by the end of the school year, all students at the frustration level will reach the appropriate level of reading comprehension.

It is worth noting that reading comprehension is a foundation that affects all aspects of learning. 

On the other hand, in Maasin City Division, there are more than 1,300 students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 who are at the frustration level, based on a report by SGOD Chief Josefina Matibag during their Oplan Balik Eskwela meeting.

The Oplan Balik Eskwela program aims to ensure a smooth and prepared start to classes, but it is also a platform to analyze and address systemic issues such as learning gaps, especially in reading, which is one of the priorities of education in the province.