The Prevailing School Climate in Selected Schools in the Province of Camarines Norte

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

School climate plays an important role in attaining an effective and efficient school operation. The persistent problems in the educational system such as professional growth and development of teachers and providing total quality of school life to students were of greater consideration. The concepts of school climate in the study were important basis of making the school activities acceptable to all its clientele: the entire educational community.

METHODS

The study is a qualitative and quantitative descriptive type of research. There were one hundred respondents from each school comprised of teachers, parents, and students in selected secondary Schools in Schools Division of Camarines Norte. Questionnaire, observation checklist, interview, and Focus Group Discussion were used in gathering data. With the utilization of weighted mean, percentage and ratio, data were presented and analyzed.

RESULTS

The major findings of the study in terms of enrolment rate of schools were influenced by several factors like school size, quality of instruction, and personal preference. The number of teaching personnel was enough but not in the administrative and support staff. There was a shortage of references and other learning and supplementary materials. Likewise, there were more available instructional and ancillary facilities in bigger schools as compared to smaller schools. It was strongly recommended to all persons in the academe to consider the school climate in policy formulation and implementation to a successful school operation.

DISCUSSIONS

Schools should implement programs and projects that will increase and maintain enrolment. Measures should be made to increase the number of non-teaching personnel in school to maximize the teaching hours and performance of teachers. Schools should find ways how to provide necessary textbooks, learning materials and references to students. Planning is essential to support the needs for a holistic school climate and consider and recognize the contributions of stakeholders and strengthen its linkages. Furthermore, it is recommended for further study to include the prevailing school climate of private schools for comparison and contrast on national and international standards. These studies should look at other indicators and variables such as public expenditure/school finance, health status of learners', social relationship, personality of teachers, students and administrators, and school performance indicators be included which are not mentioned in the study.