Quality Assurance in Banaba Elementary School: Inputs to Iso Certification Preparation

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Philippine Education adopted reforms to boost enrolment levels, graduation rates and mean years of schooling, and to improve the quality of education (World Education News and Reviews, 2018). Many of these reforms were implemented against a backdrop of declining educational standards in the Philippine education system during the first decade of the 21st century. Philippine basic education seems to suffer in both quality and equity, and these challenges exist at the primary level of basic education. In order, therefore, to improve the educational services, a new administration method could be the solution. One possible method can be the Total Quality Management (TQM) adoption.

METHODS

Employing a quantitative research design, it captured the assessment of a school head and ten teachers on the extent of manifestation of Total Quality Management in the administration of public elementary school. Data were gathered from a research-made and expert-validated questionnaire. Research instrument encompassed the assessment on the manifestation of the various TQM principles in school administration and some administration issues and concern.

RESULTS

Quantitative method of research revealed level of manifestation of TQM in school administration. The following principles of TQM were manifested with great extent: (1)students are viewed as the most important customers, (2) school management principle is always employed, (3) stakeholders are empowered to participate in quality improvement process, (4) there is an atmosphere of respect, cooperation and trust that motivates stakeholders, and (5) stakeholders are educated to understand the need for change. On the other hand, identified administration issues and concerns were (1) pupils’ attitude, (2) insufficiency of resources, (3) funding, (4) strength of labor force, (5)absenteeism, (6) bracing for enrolment, (7) lack of management commitment, (8) facility maintenance and operations, and (9) security and safety.

DISCUSSIONS

Main goal of every school is to provide quality education. This can be attained by providing quality school administration and continuously engaging in worthwhile efforts to further improve the delivery of services to stakeholders. A management plan is needed to provide a strong directional focus in designing, implementing, and evaluating the administration scheme of public elementary school.