In an ongoing effort to enhance the professional growth of educators, the Department of Education (DepEd), through the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP), has rolled out the Guidelines on the Conduct of Regional Office (RO), Schools Division Office (SDO), and School-Developed Professional Development Programs for FY 2024. This initiative, in line with DepEd Order No. 011, s. 2019 (NEAP Transformation) and Republic Act No. 11713 (Excellence in Teacher Education Act), aims to bolster teacher and school leader competencies nationwide.
Objectives of the Guidelines
The guidelines provide a framework to ensure that school-based professional development programs are impactful and accessible to all educators. Specific objectives include:
Guidance on Fund Utilization: Offering directions for effectively using FY 2024 Human Resource Development (HRD), Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), and local funds for school-based professional development.
Standardizing Processes: Establishing clear steps in identifying professional development needs, planning, designing, quality assurance, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) accreditation, and program delivery.
Equitable Access: Ensuring all teachers and school leaders can access NEAP quality-assured and PRC-accredited programs.
Promoting a Coaching Culture: Fostering collaborative learning and expert sharing among educators to enhance school-based professional development.
Coverage of Professional Development Programs
The guidelines apply to a variety of professional development programs, including:
- Regional Office-developed programs
- Schools Division Office-developed programs
- 3-day School-Based In-Service Training (INSET) scheduled for November 25-29, 2024
- Learning Action Cell (LAC) programs
These initiatives will address the career progression of teachers, induction programs, regular professional development, and subject-specific training, ensuring consistency across regional, division, and school levels.
Key Areas of Focus for School-Based INSET
The topics for the School-Based INSET will align with national priority programs, including but not limited to:
- MATATAG Curriculum for various grade levels
- National Learning Camp and National Reading Program
- National Mathematics Program
- Inclusive Education Programs (e.g., Alternative Learning System, Indigenous Peoples Education, Special Needs Education)
- Comprehensive Sexuality Education
- Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Professional Learning Packages for subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and English
- Instructional Leadership Training (ILT)
Quality Assurance and Monitoring
For professional development programs at the Regional and Schools Division Office levels, the guidelines underscore the importance of quality assurance, delivery, and evaluation in line with DepEd Memorandum No. 044, s. 2023, which sets the standards for NEAP Core Programs.
School-level programs will adhere to additional school-specific guidelines detailed in Enclosure 1: Guidelines on the School-Level Development and Implementation of School-Based Professional Development Programs.
Funding and Accountability
The guidelines also outline the proper use of HRD funds for the design, development, and evaluation of professional development programs. This includes adherence to the Guidelines on the Utilization of FY 2024 HRD Fund issued in March 2024. Schools and offices are expected to submit their plans, ensure PRC accreditation, and monitor the effectiveness of these programs.
Conclusion
This concerted effort by NEAP and DepEd ensures that teachers and school leaders receive high-quality, equitable access to professional development opportunities. With clear processes, standardized guidelines, and a focus on collaborative learning, these programs will help elevate the standards of education and foster a culture of continuous improvement among educators.
For further queries or clarifications, contact the NEAP Office of the Director via email at neap.od@deped.gov.ph or landline at (02) 8638-8638.
Immediate Action
The Department of Education calls for the immediate dissemination of these guidelines to ensure the smooth implementation of the professional development programs across all levels.
By following these guidelines, schools and offices will contribute to a more effective, efficient, and impactful professional development landscape for all educators in the Philippines.