1st Excellence in Educational Transformation Award winners change the way schools look at learning

MANILA, Philippines - Winners of the inaugural Excellence in Educational Transformation Awards (EETA) have proven that with dedication, creativity and knowledge of new learning methodologies, schools can transform themselves, their students, and the community for the benefit of all.

Organized by ABS-CBN Bayan Academy, Rex Book Store Inc. and the Knowledge Channel Foundation, the EETA honors basic education institutions for innovations that have improved the quality of the school. More importantly, the EETA seeks to share these developments with other schools across the country.

At the recently concluded awarding ceremonies, the seven winners — St. Paul College San Rafael, Bulacan; Assumpta Technical High School of San Simon, Pampanga; Pembo Elementary School in Makati; Claret School of Zamboanga City; Ednas School of San Carlos, Pangasinan; Colegio San Agustin in Makati; and overall winner Elizabeth Seton School in Las Piñas City — all presented cases of exceptional innovations in their school systems. These winners excelled in the following areas of innovation: curriculum design, learning materials, learning methodologies, administrative systems and processes, and learning spaces and places.

According to Bayan Academy chairman Dr. Eduardo Morato Jr., “The EETA is more than just a competition. It is an opportunity for schools to share success of their transformation — the journey, the hardships, the successes — with the rest of the educational community. And more than just recognizing the achievements of these schools, the EETA preaches their example to other institutions. Like a flame that leaps from one branch to the next, it is hoped that transformation will spread across the entire educational system, one school at a time.”

Rex Book Store COO Don Timothy Buhain related that the creation of the awards was the result of a fruitful collaboration with Our Lady of Peace School (OLPS) in Antipolo City and Dr. Morato. “This partnership led to improvements in student achievement test scores and increased enrollment rates for OLPS. The EETA was established with the hope of inspiring other schools to follow suit and start their own journey of transformation.” In light of their example, OLPS was awarded a special citation, received by Sr. Celine Santos, SPC.

The Elizabeth Seton School (ESS) was named the most transformative school for learning effectiveness and school efficiency. Their innovations include: a competency-based curriculum that links lesson plans to the school’s objectives; integration of entrepreneurship and multiple intelligences across disciplines; and the use of interactive handouts and information and communications technology (ICT) materials.

Saint Paul College San Rafael (SPCSR) in Bulacan was recognized for its innovation in learning spaces and places for learning effectiveness.

Assumpta Technical High School (ATHS) in San Simon, Pampanga was awarded for innovation in administrative systems and processes for school sustainability, primarily for its socialized tuition fee scheme. In the past, ATHS provided inexpensive quality education to children from rural poor families but was fully reliant on the generosity of its board of trustees.

Pembo Elementary School (PES) of Makati City is unique among the EETA awardees for being the only government-run school to receive the distinction. The school was recognized for innovations in learning methodologies and administrative systems for learning effectiveness.

Claret School of Zamboanga City (CSZC) was also honored for its innovations in learning methodologies and delivery systems for learning effectiveness. Its dynamic learning program (DLP), where lessons are 20 percent teacher-initiated and 80-percent student-centered, was cited for its transformative impact on students.

Ednas School of San Carlos (ESSC) in Pangasinan was awarded for its adaptation of innovations in learning methodologies and delivery systems for learning effectiveness.

Colegio San Agustin (CSA) in Makati won for innovations in curriculum design and development and learning spaces and places for learning effectiveness. The Augustinian-run exclusive school for boys and girls was cited for its enrichment programs in all subjects, which include special electives for music, PE, and technology and livelihood education (TLE) classes.

The winners were chosen from 13 shortlisted entries, which were visited by the EETA screening committee composed of Dr. Morato; psychologist and Asian Institute of Management (AIM) professor Dr. Milagros Lagrosa; educational consultant, Professor Cecilia Manikan; Ateneo Graduate School of Business (AGSB) program director and STI College Sta. Rosa CEO Tony Del Carmen.

The shortlist was later narrowed down to the seven finalists by the EETA national committee comprised of Dr. Morato; Development Academy of the Philippines Graduate School for Public and Developmental Management dean, Dr. Gloria Mercado; and KCFI president Rina Lopez-Bautista.

The top awardee, Elizabeth Seton School, took home P500,000, while the rest of the winners received P300,000 each.

For more information on the EETA winners, call 9203025; e-mail: [email protected] or visit Bayan Academy at 827 EDSA, QC.