The Department of Education (DepEd) has introduced flexible guidelines for the implementation of a scheme to address challenges faced by teachers and schools in managing resources.
In a memorandum order, the DepEd allowed schools to adapt class schedules based on their specific needs and capacities to ensure a smooth delivery of education despite constraints in the number of staff and facilities.
“The new provisions offer three options for adjusting instructional time, giving schools the ability to tailor their approach while maintaining core learning standards.” DepEd stated.
Option A provides that all learning areas will be given 45 minutes a day for five days, and the Homeroom Guidance Program for 45 minutes per week.
Under Option B, learning areas may be given uniform time allotments of 50, 55, or 60 minutes each. English, Mathematics, Science, and Good Manners and Right Conduct/Values Education must be taught five times a week.
Additionally, Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP)/Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE), Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH), Araling Panlipunan (AP), and Filipino for four times a week, and Homeroom Guidance Program once a week.
Under Option C, the schools may propose other combinations, provided that the learning contact time is at least five hours and 30 minutes a day.
The time allotment for English, Mathematics, Science, and GMRC/Values Education should not be less than 225 minutes per week. Moreover, the time allotment for EPP/TLE, MAPEH, AP, and Filipino shall not be less than 200 minutes per week, and the time allotment for the Homeroom Guidance Program shall not be less than 45 minutes per week.
The proposed combinations are subject to the approval of the School Division Superintendent or authorized representative.
Schools division offices must also ensure that technical assistance is provided in the preparation of class programs, and the schools should ensure fair and equitable distribution of teaching loads while protecting the welfare of the teachers at the same time.
The implementation begins in the second quarter of the school year, with DepEd making sure that schools receive technical support in adjusting class schedules.
