ABSTRACT
This descriptive-qualitative study determined the challenges encountered by teachers in the implementation of Catch-up Fridays as groundwork for a sustainable reading program in the Schools District of Alimodian I during the school year 2023-2024. The research method utilized in this study was a qualitative method using in-depth interviews and the research design was phenomenology. It was revealed that teachers viewed Catch Up Fridays as a way to improve learners’ literacy and numeracy skills, an additional burden for teachers, and an opportunity to be flexible and creative. It was found through in-depth interviews that the challenges encountered by teachers in implementing Catch-up Fridays included learners’ absences, lack of learning materials, additional workload for teachers, and lack of training. To hurdle challenges in the implementation of catch-up Fridays, the interview revealed that teachers provide engaged activities, show a positive outlook, make contextualized learning strategies.
Keywords: Teachers, Challenges, Implementation, Catch-Up Fridays, Groundwork, Sustainable Reading Program
INTRODUCTION
Catch-Up Fridays is a dynamic learning initiative designed to significantly enhance social, fundamental, and essential skills that are crucial for meeting the objectives of the basic education curriculum. This initiative is a pivotal part of the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP), which aims to address learning gaps caused by various disruptions, thereby supporting the fundamental education goals outlined in the MATATAG Agenda. At the heart of Catch-Up Fridays is the "Drop Everything and Read" (DEAR) program, which will be rolled out through an engaging orientation and interactive activities specifically tailored for field officials. This program emphasizes the importance of reading and aims to create a culture of literacy among students. Additionally, Catch-Up Fridays will serve as a collaborative platform for field implementers to provide valuable feedback on the guidelines, ensuring that the initiative is tailored to meet the unique needs
The Department of Education (DepEd) is dedicated to implementing Catch-Up Fridays in all elementary and secondary schools, as well as community learning centers (CLCs) across the nation. This commitment will foster a supportive learning environment, encouraging active participation and engagement from students, teachers, and the wider community. With this initiative, we are setting the stage for a more robust and effective educational experience for all learners.
One of the most crucial aspects of any language is reading. People have historically struggled with reading, including problems with vocabulary development, pronunciation, and understanding of the text (DepEd Memo No.001, S. 2024).
Schools can implement Catch-Up Fridays in several ways. The time allotted for each subject area will be used to improve students' understanding and proficiency in reading, values, health, and peace education on Cath-Up Fridays. Students can also communicate their ideas via writing in a variety of formats, including diaries, tales, personal essays, and other creative works that are reflective of their own educational experiences. Reading proficiency is not just about understanding words. It entails actively reading the material, understanding its meaning, and combining knowledge to create fresh viewpoints and ideas.
The comprehensive analysis revealed that incorporating Catch-Up Friday sessions, which allowed students to review and catch up on their reading, in addition to the use of personalized reading materials tailored to their individual needs, had a substantial and measurable impact on improving students' reading proficiency levels. These results highlight how important it is to offer tailored treatments and educational materials in order to improve students' overall reading competency. More so, teachers need to engage in collaborative expertise sessions towards reading. In addition, teachers require various professional development opportunities to collaborate on creating materials and sharing effective strategies for implementing Catch-up Fridays. These activities help them address the challenges encountered and ensure successful implementation. Exploring the hurdles of implementing Catch-Up Fridays and broadening horizons. The results suggested that Catch-Up Friday sessions were beneficial for improving reading skills and creating an engaging learning atmosphere that supported students' academic advancement. The book emphasizes
that reading is not just a hobby but also a vital life skill that actively contributes to the development of the nation. The idea that reading is a means of gaining information is the basis for the focus on the value of reading.
Thus, the study's purpose was to address the challenges encountered during Catch-Up Fridays, particularly in Elementary schools of Alimodian District I. It aimed to close learning gaps and enhance students' reading skills by utilizing the urgent deployment of Catch-up Fridays. Students may benefit from this research by developing into capable, involved, and accountable citizens who possess the abilities needed to succeed in the contemporary world.
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