Relevance of the Implementation of the Multigrade Programs to the K to12 Curriculum: Basis For A Proposed Plan

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Teachers as implementers of Department of Education Programs greatly affect its implementation depending upon the resources provided and given to them. The researcher as one of them, felt the need to determine the relevance of the Implementation of the Multigrade Program to the K to 12 Curriculum in the multigrade schools and the constraints that hinders them to fully implement what is necessary in the said program.

METHODS

The study employed descriptive-correlational method of research with documentary analysis with the interview questionnaire/rating scale. Data were treated statistically using frequency count, percentage, rank order, mean, standard deviation, Kendall Coefficient of Concordance W, and Chi-square test.

RESULTS

Highly relevant multigrade programs along Learning and Innovation Skills with a weighted mean of 4.89 was Direct Training of Teachers, School Administrators and Supervisors. Along Information, Media, and Technology Skills, the very relevant multigrade programs with a weighted mean of 4.53 was Direct Technology and Livelihood Programs. Along Life and Career Skills the highly relevant was livelihood programs with a weighted mean of 4.82.The constraint that was considered very serious in the implementation was Monograde Curriculum with a weighted mean of 4.95 and lack of flexible and special types of curriculum organization for multigrade classes with a weighted mean of 4.88.

DISCUSSIONS

The data revealed that the relevance of the implementation of multigrade programs to the K to 12 Curriculum depends on the provision of resources and supports extended and given to the multigrade schools, thus meeting the demands of the curriculum along various aspects. The Department of Education should give more priority to the needs of multigrade class/es in terms of supply modules, lesson guide, programmed instruction, itinerant teacher, movable type of furniture and equipment, ready-made lesson plans, portable chalkboards and serviceable technologies for much better and easier preparation of instructional materials and more effective teaching-learning process to meet the desired goals of multigrade education through innovations. The administration must be aware of the hindrances that greatly affect the teachers. Specialized Curricula, modified lesson plans, learning kits, teachers’ benefits and funding of resources must be provided to fully implement the multigrade programs. The plan was very much necessary to improve the level of implementation of the multigrade programs.