DepEd allows flexibility in teaching new K-10 curriculum

Starting the second quarter of the school year, schools may already adopt class schedules based on their specific needs and capacities, based on the revised policy of the Department of Education (DepEd) in implementing the MATATAG K-10 curriculum.

DepEd Order (DO) No. 012, s. 2024, signed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, grants schools the flexibility to implement the new curriculum in consideration of their specific contexts, such as, but not limited to, the type and size of the school, curricular program offerings, and the availability of teachers and classrooms.

The new provisions offer schools three options for adjusting instructional time, specifically for Grades 3 to 10.

First of which is the allotment of 45 minutes a day for five days for all learning areas, and the Homeroom Guidance Program for 45 minutes once a week, as previously provided by DO No. 10, s. 2024.

Meanwhile, based on the amended policy, schools are allowed to give uniform time allotments of 50, 55, or 60 minutes per learning area.

Under this, English, Mathematics, Science, and Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC)/Values Education will be 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 must be taught four times a week, and Homeroom Guidance Program once a week.

The third option, meanwhile, may be used in circumstances where any of the given options is not applicable. It authorized schools to propose other combinations, provided that the learning contact time is at least five hours and 30 minutes per day.

Under this, time allotment for English, Mathematics, Science, and GMRC/Values Education shall not be less than 225 minutes per week.

The time allotment for EPP/TLE, MAPEH, AP, and Filipino shall not be less than 200 minutes per week, and that for the Homeroom Guidance Program shall not be less than 45 minutes per week.

The proposed combination shall be subject to the approval of the School Division Superintendent or authorized representative.

The Mother Tongue will also be continuously used as the medium of teaching and learning, but will no longer be offered as a subject.

Schools division offices were tasked to ensure that technical assistance will be provided to schools in the preparation of class programs.

The schools shall also ensure fair and equitable distribution of teaching loads while protecting the welfare of teachers. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News