QUEZON CITY, Philippines – A concerned parent posted on social media a screen shot of her son’s school test paper which she said has “disturbing content.”
The parent said it seemed inappropriate to use phrases like “abusado ang mga pulis”(abusive policemen) and “malalaki ang tiyan ng mga pulis” (police have big pot bellies) to use in a school test paper on lessons about adjectives especially for Grade 2 pupils who are still in their formative years.
Snippet of the test paper given to Grade 2 students that drew flak for its age-inappropriate content
Another disturbing line that caught her attention was “pulang pula ang dugo na nagkalat sa sahig” (the blood on the floor is very red).
The post has gained more than 8,000 reactions and over 13,000 shares on social media.
Snippet of the test paper given to Grade 2 students that drew flak for its age-inappropriate content
The parent explained that she already talked to her son’s teacher and the school principal who already apologized for the matter. She preferred, however, not to mention the name of the school so as not to trigger a controversy that would affect other students and other teachers in the school.
She, however, told the school management to be more strict in editing the contents of their materials and the teacher to be more sensitive especially that she is teaching children in their early level of education.
Reacting to the issue, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde directed a strong message to all teachers in the country.
“Huwag nating lasunin ang pagiisip ng mga kabataan (Do not poison the minds of the youth). Tayong mga guro (Teachers) are considered the second parents of our children so let’s teach them of what is right and what is good for the nation, not what is good for your university, for your school,” Albayalde said.
“Remember, education plays a vital role sa ikauunlad ng isang bansa. Napakaimportante po ang edukasyon. Kung iyang ang ituturo natin sa ating mga kabataan, ano ang mangyayari sa Pilipinis 5 to 10 years from now pagka-graduate nila(Remember, education plays a vital role in a country’s progress. Education is very important. If that is the kind of lesson we will teach, what do you think will happen to the Philippines, 5 or 10 years from now after they graduate)?…At that early age you are already inciting, educating that child to go against his own country,” he added.
The Department of Education (DepEd) is now investigating the case and verifying which school the viral test paper came from.
According to Education Under Secretary Ann Sevilla, once they identify the name of the school they will remind the management to be more careful in writing and editing their learning materials.
DepEd will also demand an explanation for the disturbing words before they take action.
Sevilla noted that teachers should not use conclusive words to describe a person or an organization especially in teaching young students in grade school.
Albayalde, meanwhile, said they are willing to help should the head of the school decide to file a case against the teacher saying, “if this is the way para matuto rin ang [ibang] teachers (If this is the way for other teachers to learn as well).” – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Aiko Miguel)
The post Albayalde to teachers on viral test paper: ‘Do not poison the minds of the youth’ appeared first on UNTV News.