Engaging school and community effectively as partners in learning and teaching is arguably one of the most important issues facing in elementary education because of the COVID-19 situation. Parents as partners who will serve as para teachers is a concept which interweaves received feedback and different reactions. 

        In order to avoid tensions and challenges that would be inherent to partnership in learning and teaching, all parents in all grade levels are invited for an open communication with the teachers and school heads to address and identify priorities in learning. During “Kumustahan”, parents are encouraged to act as partners for a new direction which is needed today and important way to have quality assurance activities during home-based learning.    

        Partnership in learning and teaching is one aspect of the larger picture of the school and the best approach during pandemic situation so that all students are positively linked with learning gain and achievement. A strong sense of communication among school and community is more likely to be a key to achieving transition and sustainability. Engaging community in partnership would create a positive impact for the students to be active participants in their own learning. Although some of the parents might not be 100% involved themselves in partnership, it does not mean that they will not help their children in learning. They are just confused on what strategies will be best equipped for their children, so all teachers are eagerly showing their full support to help prepare the parents for their new role. 

By: Maria Cecilia V. Mirania | Teacher III | Cataning Elementary School | Balanga CIty, Bataan