The updated guidelines for the implementation of the revised Kindergarten to Grade 10 curriculum, or the MATATAG Curriculum, will take effect this month, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Thursday, Sept. 19.
“Implementation begins in the second quarter of the school year, with DepEd ensuring that schools receive technical support in adjusting class programs,” DepEd said in a statement, referring to the flexible guidelines for the implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum.
Based on DepEd Order No. 09 s. of 2024, or the Implementing Guidelines on the School Calendar and Activities for the School Year (SY) 2024-2025, the second quarter starts in public schools on Sept. 25.
Addressing teacher, resource concerns
DepEd issued Order No. 012, s. 2024, which allows schools to adapt class schedules based on their “specific needs and capacities” to ensure the “smoother delivery” of education despite constraints in staffing and facilities.
DepEd said it will introduce “flexible guidelines” for the implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum to “address challenges faced by teachers and schools in managing resources.”
Schools Division Offices (SDOs) were also directed to ensure that technical assistance was provided to schools in the preparation of class programs.
DepEd stressed that schools need to ensure a “fair and equitable distribution of teaching loads while protecting the welfare of teachers.”
Three options
The new provisions, DepEd said, offer three options for adjusting instructional time, giving schools the ability to tailor their approach while maintaining core learning standards.
In DO No. 10, s. 2024, all learning areas will be given 45 minutes a day for five days, with the Homeroom Guidance Program scheduled for 45 minutes once a week.
This, DepEd said, will be retained as the first option or “Option A.”
In the amendment, DepEd provides “Option B,” where learning areas may be given uniform time allotments of 50, 55, or 60 minutes per learning area.
English, Mathematics, Science, and Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC)/Values Education must be taught five times a week, according to the revised guidelines.
Additionally, DepEd noted that 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, with the Homeroom Guidance Program once a week.
DepEd stated that “Option C” is for circumstances where any of the given options is not applicable. “Schools may propose other combinations, provided that the learning contact time is at least five hours and 30 minutes a day,” DepEd explained.
The time allotment for English, Mathematics, Science, and GMRC/Values Education shall 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,” DepEd said.
DepEd explained that the proposed combination shall be “subject to the approval” of the School Division Superintendent or authorized representative.
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