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Principals ask for bottom to top decision
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Posted on Apr 20 1999
With a number of proposed amendments due for implementation next school year at the Public School System, principals are asking for flexibility at the school level from superiors.
The old school of introducing top to bottom decisions for reforms are now being questioned by school leaders.
“The schools know their needs so give us flexibility,” said Billy Billy, principal of Gregorio T. Camacho elementary school.
During the recent principal’s meeting, concerns were aired over the proposed instructional time allotment for the primary level.
In a proposed amendment for Board policy 407, the committee led by board member Thomas Pangelinan is asking schools to allocate a minimum of 300 minutes of instructional time daily.
If implemented, 180 minutes will be required for language arts which would also cover reading and writing. The period for Mathematics will last for 60 minutes, same with music, arts and physical education.
While science and social studies may be integrated with language arts.
San Vicente school principal Martha Haberman questioned the word “minimum” which sets a limit to instructional time.
Instead of providing each class with flexibility to work on certain weak points, this future policy will define the daily instructional time in the primary level.
Billy said accreditation officials are discussing with PSS officials about side-based management in providing schools with accountability and certain degree of autonomy in their daily operations.
Acting Associate Commissioner for Instruction Rita Sablan told school leaders to review these recommendations prepared by the Board’s committee on student affairs and forward their comments.
“We would like to work with everybody on how best we can serve the children,” she said.
