Indices of Quality Education in Public Elementary Schools

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The quality of Philippine education in public schools has declined a few years ago based on the poor results of entrance tests. High dropout rates and number of repeaters, low passing grades, lack of particular language skills, overcrowded classrooms, and poor teacher performances affected the quality of Philippine education (Education and Skills, 2012). Thus, this study examined the present practices of schools suggests ways to improve the quality of education.

METHODS

A survey questionnaire was administered to the respondent-schools to investigate the level of quality education and its relationship to teachers' profile, school infrastructure, instructional practices, and materials available. Data from the National Achievement Tests (NAT), grading tests’ Mean Percentage Scores (MPS), contest performance, and the schools' best practices were collected via documentary data gathering and interviews. The findings from the survey, NAT and MPS results, contest performance, and best practices were analyzed to find out their relationship to the indices of quality education of the school that were studied.

RESULTS

Most schools have excellent class size and teacher-pupil ratio, working conditions for teachers along with their professional development, teaching learning process, school management, methods to evaluate and assess learning outcomes, and school curricula and pedagogical materials. They also possessed very satisfactory school infrastructure and teacher qualification. All educational elements mentioned above are sufficient factors that can provide quality education for all if utilized judiciously.

DISCUSSIONS

The indices of quality education of the schools under study were not affected by the age, experience, and educational qualification of the respondents. Even if the schools have enough manpower, adequate resources,and steady infrastructure the level of educational quality delivered by them were not significantly raised to their most efficient level. Their best practices suggest exemplary quality, yet their effects were not evident in their achievements. Teachers' dedication, commitment, and expertise still have tremendous impact to the school's performance.