What is DepEd Order No. 19, s. 2016

Guidelines on the Organizational Structures and Staffing Patterns of Stand-alone and Integrated Public Senior High Schools (SHS)

DepEd Order No. 19, s. 2016, also known as the "Guidelines on the Organizational Structures and Staffing Patterns of Stand-alone and Integrated Public Senior High Schools (SHS)", was issued by the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines on June 17, 2016. It aimed to provide comprehensive guidelines, standards, and procedures to clearly define the organizational structures and staffing patterns of different types of public senior high schools, as well as clarify the roles and functions of their teaching and non-teaching staff.

The Order's key features include

• Organizational structures for different types of SHSs: The Order outlines the organizational structures for four types of SHSs: small, medium, large, and extra-large. Each type of SHS has a different organizational structure based on its size, number of students, and curricular programs offered.
• Staffing patterns: The Order also specifies the staffing patterns for each type of SHS, including the number and types of teaching and non-teaching positions.
• Roles and functions of personnel: The Order clarifies the roles and functions of different personnel in SHSs, such as principals, assistant principals, department heads, teachers, and guidance counselors.

The Order was a significant step in the implementation of the Senior High School (SHS) program in the Philippines, which was mandated by Republic Act No. 10533, or the "Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013". The SHS program is a two-year upper secondary education program that aims to prepare students for college, further technical education and skills development, or employment.

Here are some of the benefits of DepEd Order No. 19, s. 2016:

• Improved efficiency and effectiveness of SHSs: The Order's clear guidelines on organizational structures and staffing patterns help to ensure that SHSs are run efficiently and effectively.
• Enhanced quality of education: The Order's focus on qualified and competent personnel helps to improve the quality of education in SHSs.
• Better delivery of the SHS program: The Order's clear roles and functions for different personnel help to ensure that the SHS program is delivered effectively.

However, the Order has also been criticized for some of its provisions, such as the reduction in the number of teaching positions in some SHSs.

Overall, DepEd Order No. 19, s. 2016 is a significant document that has played an important role in the implementation of the SHS program in the Philippines.