1. Relative to DepEd Order (DO) No. 12 s. 2020, Adoption of the Basic Learning Continuity Plan for School Year 2020-2021 in Light of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, that streamlines the K to 12 Curriculum into the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) as an emergency measure to allow instruction amidst challenging circumstances to focus on the most essential learning, this Division hereby informs the field regarding the Guidelines on the Curricula for Learners with Disabilities in the Department of Education During Crisis Situations for SY2020-2021.
2. The following schemes or options may be adopted for learners with disabilities depending on their needs, services, and programs indicated in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Plan (ITP):
a. K to 12 Transition Curriculum for Learners with Disabilities To ensure that the K to 12 curriculum standards are maintained while adapting to the restrictive conditions of the pandemic, the DepEd Order No. 21, s. 2020 titled,” Policy Guidelines on the Adoption of the K to 12 Transition Curriculum Framework for Learners with Disabilities” shall serve as the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) for LWDs during the pandemic. In utilizing the MELCs for LWDs, teachers are reminded that they may encounter competencies that may not be suitable or applicable in the current distance learning set-up while the country is placed under community quarantine. In such cases, teachers may choose to skip those MELCs that may not be feasible during non-face-to-face delivery, and take them up with their classes once face to face learning resumes. When necessary, learners shall be taught according to their unique learning needs. It is recommended that the teacher unpacked the learning competencies into learning objectives. Hence, teachers are given the leeway to formulate learning objectives deemed necessary for their students’ cognitive development as long as they adhere to the existing curriculum standards prescribed by the DepEd.
