INEQUITABLE FOCUS
Saturday Math Program Leaves Underperforming Learners Behind REX ALDRIN BANTE
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s the Philippines grapples with its lackluster performance in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), particularly in Mathematics, Trento National High School’s response through the Program for Excellence in Mathematics – Mathematics Teachers’ Association of the Philippines (POEM-MTAP) Saturday Program has raised eyebrows as concerns have emerged regarding its failure to adequately cater to struggling learners in Math. Despite the urgent need to address the learning gaps among students, the program seemed to prioritize more on advanced learners, overlooking those who struggle with Math proficiency. Mrs. Rowena A. Ronquillo, the Math Coordinator of Trento MORE MATH. Grade 8 class take another lesson in Math 8 as part of the Saturday Math Program. ©Jhon Mark Tustado
INEQUITABLE FOCUS p2
SCITECH
Bridging the Science gap
FEATURE
A PENDANT OF PERIL
Grade 10 students conduct ‘real-world’ research
SWEEPING WAVES OF CHANGE
p12
p11 Illuminating the way to a brighter TOMORROW
THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION OF TRENTO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
VOLUME XXXII • NO. 1
AUGUST 2023 – MARCH 2024
Student leaders head “Reading Camp” GIAN ANDRE CAMARILLO
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n-line to November as the Reading Month and to introduce a funfilled reading activity, the Supreme Student Leader Government (SSLG) together with the school reading teachers facilitate the ‘Reading Camp’ Activity on November 10, 2023. The implementation of the activity is part of the mandate of the SSLG as stated on DepEd Order No. 49, s. 2011 - Mandated Programs, Projects, and Activities of the Supreme Student Government. The activities that were offered during the event were Scrabble, Word Bingo, Word Factory, and Logo Guessing. The event was
National High School, highlights the students’ interest in the Saturday Math classes. “The attendance of our learners shows their willingness to develop their skills in the field of Mathematics especially since they can learn advanced topics in these classes,” Mrs. Ronquillo explained. However, most of the program attendees were students from the Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) Program with the number of non-STE students falling below five attendees on average. Despite the school’s efforts to enhance Math skills through the program, data analysis revealed a notable disparity in attendance between students from different academic programs as the STE Program seemed to be well-represented in the classes – leaving a glaring lack of participation among learners from the regular classes.
participated by Grade 7 Students who were identified as ‘frustrated’ readers. “It’s one way to introduce the love for reading,” Ma’am Ever Joy Chucas, the school reading coordinator said. SSLG President Jan Marenie Sanoria said that the camp is a great initiative to instill a passion for reading in students. “Being student leaders of the school, we want to be of big help in addressing students’ reading gaps,” she added. She further stated that the SSLG’s approach as reading facilitators is advantageous since it can create a relatable and comfortable atmosphere among students.
GIAN ANDRE CAMARILLO
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KADA UDTO, MUBASA KO. Learners visited the school reading room for reading activities every lunch break. ©Cherwin Gaudicos
Students eat, read, repeat
“Kada Udto, Mobasa Ko” boosts literacy GIAN ANDRE CAMARILLO
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o address reading problems among Grade 7-10 students, Trento National High School launched the “Kada Udto, Mobasa Ko”. This activity is one of the features of the school’s Project STAR (Strengthening Time to Accelerate Reading Skill), the School Reading Project that aims to bring every student
into his or her grade level proficiency. The “Kada Udto, Mobasa Ko” takes place every day from 12:40 – 1:00 in the afternoon in the School Reading Room. “The activity has been initiated to provide more opportunities for struggling students to practice reading in their spare time before classes hours,” said School Reading Coordinator Ever Joy
ON-the-RECORDS GRADE
7
46
NON-STE STUDENTS
GRADE
15
STE STUDENTS
READING PARTNERS. SSLG Officers discussed the mechanics of the activities to the Grade 7 Reading Camp attendees. ©Ever Joy Chucas
6
STE STUDENTS
25
8
9
NON-STE STUDENTS
19
NON-STE STUDENTS
56
NON-STE STUDENTS
SATURDAY MATH PARTICIPANTS BY YEAR LEVEL
15
GRADE
38
STE STUDENTS
STE STUDENTS
Note: The non-STE attendees come from 14 regular classes per grade level
Chucas. She added that the activity provides learners opportunities and experiences that will develop teaching beginning reading, learning to read, reading to learn, and literary, creative, and interpretative skills. The initiative aligns with DepEd’s “Bawat Bata Bumabasa” program, which aims to make every Filipino learner a reader.
GRADE
10
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METR ONO TRIG
hrough hands-on experimentation, literature reviews, and data analysis, Grade 10 Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) students at Trento National High School engaged in research activities to deepen their understanding of various subjects and improve their critical thinking and research abilities. One Grade 10 STE cohort project explores renewable energy sources' potential impact on mitigating climate change where student researchers investigate different forms of renewable energy such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass. The group analyzed data concerning efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental considerations, presenting their findings in research papers and presentations. In an interview, Yira Prochina, one of the researchers, felt fortunate to be allowed to be able to have first-hand experiences such as collaboration among groupmates, fostering teamwork, communication, and problemsolving skills. “We also develop the ability to discern credible sources from unreliable ones and to seek multiple perspectives,” Prochina added. Peter Paul H. Nacua, an STE teacher, notes the students' enthusiasm and dedication to scientific inquiry. “I believe in the importance of fostering a culture of curiosity and critical thinking among my learners to prepare them for academic success and informed citizenship.” He added that this activity builds essential skills among learners for navigating an increasingly complex world. In the student assessment conducted by OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) in 2022, the nation achieved scores approximately 120 points below the average, scoring 373 in science and ranking the country as the third lowest in science among the 81 participating countries.