Interview with Ms Esterlita Dolatre, Principal IV of Cavite Science Integrated School – Regional Science High School (Maragondon, Cavite).

RCTQ’s research team visited various schools in Region IV-A from 28 February to 23 March 2024 as part of its comprehensive data gathering activity for a current study that will help develop a new education policy on school organizational structure and staffing standards (SOSSS) of the Department of Education (DepEd).

The data gathering aimed to examine the current organizational dynamics and staffing standards in various schools and division offices across Region IV-A.

Led by RCTQ Deputy Director Dr. Allan Reyes, the SOSSS research team visited the DepEd IV-A regional office before proceeding to schools division offices (SDOs) in Antipolo City, Rizal; Tanauan City, Batangas; San Pedro, Laguna; and Lucena City, Quezon. The team visited 16 public schools in Cavite (Noveleta, Maragondon, Silang and Dasmarinas); Laguna (Los Banos, San Pedro and Cabuyao); Batangas (Tanauan); Rizal (Antipolo, Angono); and Quezon (Lucena and Jomalig).

During these visits, researchers engaged in interviews with school heads and teachers to gain insights into the overall functioning of the schools and their plans for implementing DepEd Order No. 002, s. 2024 or the Immediate Removal of Administrative Tasks of Public School Teachers. Additionally, focus group discussions were conducted with teaching and non-teaching staff to assess their current workload and challenges.

The research team also observed various school offices to understand their functions and the impact of the absence of non-teaching personnel on school processes.

Data gathered have provided valuable insights into the operational dynamics of DepEd schools, particularly with regard to the role of non-teaching personnel. The research highlighted the types of schools that should be prioritized for additional non-teaching staff and revealed the challenges faced by teachers when burdened with administrative tasks.

Meeting at DepEd IV-A before the conduct of the data gathering attended by representatives from RCTQ led by Director Dr. Jennie Jocson and DepEd Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development (BHROD) led by Undersecretary Wilfredo Cabral.

Among the key issues identified were the promotion of school heads and teachers, teacher workload, and the need for additional training and support for administrative personnel. The data underscored the importance of tailoring policies to the specific contexts of individual schools to optimize the effectiveness of school personnel.

The project builds upon previous DepEd initiatives, such as DepEd Order No. 52, s. 2015, and DepEd Order No. 19, s. 2016, which aimed to rationalize organizational structures and staffing in schools. The current endeavor seeks to institutionalize these changes by developing new organizational structures and staffing conventions based on school typologies.

Through the project, RCTQ aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of education in the Philippines by ensuring that schools are equipped with the necessary resources and personnel to support teaching and learning effectively.

DepEd is expected to issue a new policy on school organizational structures and staffing standards based on the recommendations from RCTQ’s study. RCTQ will also identify outdated policies, processes, and practices in the Department that need to be updated, revised, or rescinded in the event that a new SOSSS shall be adopted.

AdminNewsDepEd,SOSSS
RCTQ's research team visited various schools in Region IV-A from 28 February to 23 March 2024 as part of its comprehensive data gathering activity for a current study that will help develop a new education policy on school organizational structure and staffing standards (SOSSS) of the Department of Education...
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