DepEd continuously reviews, reduces workload of its teaching personnel
By Roel Tibay
Published Sep 4, 2018 07:59 pm
By Merlina Hernando-Malipot
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday said that it continuously reviews and reduces the workload of its teaching personnel as part of its expansion of employee welfare.
In a statement, DepEd said it has been reviewing teachers’ workload in “recognizing every profession's need for conducive working condition” and in keeping with Secretary Leonor Briones’s 10-Point Agenda.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Purpose of review
DepEd, however, clarified that while it continuously works “to simplify the processes and reduce forms,” these “reviews are being conducted not to eliminate reporting entirely but to ensure the data collected are not compromised and are integral to proper assessment, planning, and allocation of resources and intervention.”
In essence, DepEd noted that these “reports enable teachers and the Department to identify areas of improvement and set the direction for evidence-based decisions to aid in the delivery of quality basic education.”
DepEd explained that the review consists of a series of consultations with field representatives, teachers, school heads and regional supervisors. DepEd noted that third-level officials – who used to be teachers – have “attested that the preparation of reports has become simplified and efficient over the years.”
Interventions
The review of teachers’ workload has two phases. First is the “creation of simplified” school forms, standardization of format, updating and reduction of data needed in existing school forms, and second is making the “most of the available technology and information system.”
As a result of the said review, DepEd announced that it has “reduced 36 common school forms to 10 official school forms” – which already include forms for Senior High School. It has also “streamlined processes” to minimize the “duplication and redundancy of data” which, in turn, diminishes “time and effort spent by teachers on work preparations.”
DepEd also noted that since various forms that are required by “different agencies for diverse purposes” continue to exist, it remains “relentless in conducting reviews that will further simplify the forms and processes, thereby enabling teachers to focus more on teaching.”
To address other work-related concerns of teachers, DepEd said it is “also looking into interventions such as talks with teachers and process owners to consider data sharing instead of creating separate forms.” Likewise, DepEd is considering the “possible creation of nonteaching items to prepare administrative and management reports.”
Earlier, some teachers’ groups manifested their growing concern on the number of teachers who have been complaining on heavy workload required by DepEd – particularly clerical tasks that are not related to teaching.
While it acknowledges the concern of the teachers’ groups, DepEd reminded that workers in the Department – from members of the executive and management committees to their staff who perform technical and administrative duties even during weekends, holidays, and hours before and after office; from teaching and nonteaching personnel who have lasted decades in service to drivers and utility personnel who go beyond their regular tasks – “are toiling hard to keep the agency on track.” Similarly, workers in all branches of the government are not immune to the suffering and joy of being in public service.”
Along with teaching, DepEd also reminded that “professions that ensure the delivery of basic education and social services are among the noblest and most fulfilling calling one can devote the self to, and being in public service requires twice the passion and commitment.” Being in public service, DepEd added, is to “experience suffering and joy at the same time: the risks and the challenges, and the excitement and satisfaction of touching people, changing lives and contributing to our betterment as a nation.”
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Purpose of review
DepEd, however, clarified that while it continuously works “to simplify the processes and reduce forms,” these “reviews are being conducted not to eliminate reporting entirely but to ensure the data collected are not compromised and are integral to proper assessment, planning, and allocation of resources and intervention.”
In essence, DepEd noted that these “reports enable teachers and the Department to identify areas of improvement and set the direction for evidence-based decisions to aid in the delivery of quality basic education.”
DepEd explained that the review consists of a series of consultations with field representatives, teachers, school heads and regional supervisors. DepEd noted that third-level officials – who used to be teachers – have “attested that the preparation of reports has become simplified and efficient over the years.”
Interventions
The review of teachers’ workload has two phases. First is the “creation of simplified” school forms, standardization of format, updating and reduction of data needed in existing school forms, and second is making the “most of the available technology and information system.”
As a result of the said review, DepEd announced that it has “reduced 36 common school forms to 10 official school forms” – which already include forms for Senior High School. It has also “streamlined processes” to minimize the “duplication and redundancy of data” which, in turn, diminishes “time and effort spent by teachers on work preparations.”
DepEd also noted that since various forms that are required by “different agencies for diverse purposes” continue to exist, it remains “relentless in conducting reviews that will further simplify the forms and processes, thereby enabling teachers to focus more on teaching.”
To address other work-related concerns of teachers, DepEd said it is “also looking into interventions such as talks with teachers and process owners to consider data sharing instead of creating separate forms.” Likewise, DepEd is considering the “possible creation of nonteaching items to prepare administrative and management reports.”
Earlier, some teachers’ groups manifested their growing concern on the number of teachers who have been complaining on heavy workload required by DepEd – particularly clerical tasks that are not related to teaching.
While it acknowledges the concern of the teachers’ groups, DepEd reminded that workers in the Department – from members of the executive and management committees to their staff who perform technical and administrative duties even during weekends, holidays, and hours before and after office; from teaching and nonteaching personnel who have lasted decades in service to drivers and utility personnel who go beyond their regular tasks – “are toiling hard to keep the agency on track.” Similarly, workers in all branches of the government are not immune to the suffering and joy of being in public service.”
Along with teaching, DepEd also reminded that “professions that ensure the delivery of basic education and social services are among the noblest and most fulfilling calling one can devote the self to, and being in public service requires twice the passion and commitment.” Being in public service, DepEd added, is to “experience suffering and joy at the same time: the risks and the challenges, and the excitement and satisfaction of touching people, changing lives and contributing to our betterment as a nation.”