DepEd to Cut Teachers’ Paperwork by 57%

In a move aimed at improving the quality of education in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) is set to implement a new policy that will significantly reduce the administrative burden on public school teachers. With the full backing of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., this initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance efficiency in the public school system.

Reducing the Paperwork Load

The new policy introduces a 57% reduction in school forms, cutting down the previously required 174 forms to just five essential forms that all teachers must regularly complete. Additionally, teachers may need to fill out 31 forms related to ancillary tasks and 39 forms for teaching-related assignments, depending on their designated responsibilities under DepEd Order No. 005, s. 2024.

This initiative directly addresses concerns from educators who have long expressed frustration over excessive paperwork. By simplifying reporting requirements, DepEd aims to free up teachers’ time so they can focus more on lesson planning, student engagement, and instructional activities.

Support from Leadership

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the importance of the reform, stating, “Teachers have long raised concerns about excessive paperwork, and this policy directly responds to that. Reducing their bureaucratic workload will not only improve their well-being but also enhance the quality of instruction they provide to our learners.”

DepEd will soon release an official department order outlining the new guidelines, ensuring that schools across the nation are well-informed about the changes. Nationwide orientation sessions will also be conducted to facilitate smooth implementation.

Findings on Teacher Workload

A study by DepEd’s Technical Working Group (TWG) on school forms found that teachers spend an excessive amount of time on non-teaching tasks. Research from IDInsight further revealed that 42% of teachers work over 50 hours per week, with an average of 17.8 hours dedicated to ancillary duties and 8.1 hours spent on program-related tasks. Much of this workload stems from the time-consuming task of completing various school reports.

Establishing a More Efficient System

As part of the reform, DepEd will develop a Data Management framework to standardize data collection across all schools. This initiative aims to eliminate redundant and outdated documentation while ensuring that essential school management information remains accurately recorded.

Additionally, DepEd will launch advocacy campaigns to raise awareness of the reforms and actively engage education stakeholders in improving teacher working conditions.

This transformative approach underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s education system, ensuring that teachers are given the necessary support to focus on what truly matters—providing quality education to Filipino students.

GOOD NEWS FOR TEACHERS