Question & AnswerQ&A (DEPED)
The Department of Education shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality basic education, establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of basic education, including free and compulsory public elementary education and free public high school education.
Basic Education is the education intended to meet basic learning needs which lays the foundation for subsequent learning. It encompasses early childhood, elementary and high school education, as well as alternative learning systems for out-of-school youth and adult learners, including those with special needs.
The principles include serving students and teachers as primary constituents, exercising instructional leadership and administrative management by school heads, making schools the heart of the formal education system, encouraging active parental and community involvement, and emphasizing volunteerism from all sectors.
The Secretary exercises overall authority and supervision over the Department, including formulating national educational policies, plans, standards, enhancing personnel welfare, and exercising disciplinary authority subject to civil service laws.
The Regional Director is responsible for defining regional educational policy frameworks, developing regional plans and standards, monitoring learning outcomes, approving school establishments, and overseeing the implementation within the region.
They manage division education plans, personnel, resources, monitor funds utilization, ensure compliance with quality standards, promote accreditation, supervise operations of public and private schools, and perform duties assigned by higher authorities.
Alternative Learning System is a parallel learning system to provide a viable alternative to the formal educational instruction, encompassing both non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills.
The school head sets mission and objectives, creates conducive learning environments, implements curriculum, manages personnel and resources, encourages staff development, builds community networks, accepts donations for school improvement, and performs other duties assigned.
Shared governance recognizes distinct roles and responsibilities in the education bureaucracy with democratic consultation, accountability, transparency, and an established feedback mechanism to coordinate among all levels including students, school officials, and communities.
Appointments are based on merit, competence, fitness, and equality, open to all qualified candidates without discrimination. Merit Selection Plans guide approvals, with selection and promotions boards at different levels ensuring adherence to civil service laws and policies.