DepEd allows flexible Matatag schedules

THE Department of Education (DepEd) has introduced flexible guidelines for the implementation of the Matatag education curriculum, allowing schools to adapt class schedules based on their specific needs and capacities that would ensure the smooth delivery of education despite constraints in staffing and facilities. Under DepEd Order 012 series of 2024, the new provisions offer three options for adjusting instructional time, giving schools the ability to tailor their approach while maintaining core learning standards. The first option, under the previous Department Order 10 series of 2024, all learning areas will be given 45 minutes a day for five days, and the Homeroom Guidance Program for 45 minutes once a week. Option B, which is introduced in DO 12, learning areas can be given uniform time allotments of 50, 55 or 60 minutes per learning area, with core subjects English, Mathematics, Science and Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC)/Values Education (VE) classes being taught five times a week. Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP)/Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE), Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (Mapeh), Araling Panlipunan (AP), and Filipino may be taught four times a week, and the Homeroom Guidance Program for once a week. Option C is also given in circumstances where any of the given options are not applicable, in which schools can propose other combinations as long as the learning contact time is at least five hours and 30 minutes a day. The time allotment for English, Mathematics, Science and GMRC/VE classes must not be less than 225 minutes per week, while the allotment for EPP/TLE, Mapeh, AP and Filipino shall not be less than 200 minutes per week, and the time allotment for Homeroom shall not be less than 45 minutes per week. The proposed combination shall be subject to the approval of the Schools Division Superintendent or its authorized representative, while Schools Division Offices shall also ensure that technical assistance is provided to schools in preparation for class programs. Schools are also obliged to ensure an equitable distribution of teaching loads while protecting teachers' welfare. The implementation of the new schedules will begin in the second quarter of the school year, with DepEd ensuring that schools receive technical support in adjusting class programs.