Department of Education

Region V

Freedom Sports Complex, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur

OPEN HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

IN THE DIVISION OF CAMARINES SUR: AN ASSESSMENT
(Research through Basic Education Research Fund)

ROSALINA VENTAJAR – CEA, Ph.D.

Head Teacher I
Buhi SPED Integrated School

and

JOSEPHINE CASYAO - DOROIN, Ph.D.

Senior Education Program Specialist
Planning and Research

Introduction

The main objective of this study is to appraise the status of implementation of the
Open High School Program (OHSP) in the Schools Division of Camarines Sur.
Specifically, this determined the status of implementation of OHSP in terms of: a.
enrolment, b. cohort survival rate, c. dropout rate; the appraisal of the respondents on
the implementation of the OHSP along a. Curriculum, b. Instructional Delivery
Mechanism, c. Instructional Competence, d. Implementation Outcomes and the
challenges and constraints in the implementation of OHSP.

Methods

This study is descriptive-quantitative and qualitative in nature. The data gathering

tools used were the questionnaire, focus group discussion, interview and documentary
analysis. The five-point Likert scale was used to determine the degree of response.
Such was quantified using the percentage and weighted mean.

Results

The following were the findings of the study: 1. The enrolment in the OHSP has
declined. As to the cohort survival rate, 2015-2016 has recorded 91.3%.. Dropout rate
is 1.6%. 2. The appraisal of the respondents on the OHSP implementation in the SDO
of Camarines Sur along Curriculum, Instructional Delivery Mechanism, Instructional
Competence, and Implementation Outcomes, was high but on the challenges and
constraints on OHSP implementation, the appraisal was moderate. 3. The good point
divulged by the respondents as a challenge to the continuance and sustainability was
the role of the school heads in their advocacy to the program. The five years of its
implementation conveyed some constraints. First is insufficiency of funds and lack of
local support. The unavailability of modules, classrooms and instructional materials
were also considered as obstacles. Furthermore, OHSP or any ADMs should be
properly managed by having a clear understanding of the OHSP goals and objectives.

Discussions
To improve access, DepEd should intensify its information dissemination
campaign. Cohort survival rate can be increased and dropout rate decreased if
teachers use strategies to help students learn, exhaust all efforts and alternative
deliveries of instruction just so that students enrolled will finish the program. 2.
Modules and learning materials for OHSP should be developed. One important factor
for the success of the program is to have a full-time OHSP teacher and support through
funds for program implementation. A clear source of fund and well-defined policies of
the program have to be set and articulated by the DepEd. On instructional competence,
the teachers may design activities fit for the learners. Teachers should be equipped in
content and pedagogy, and more innovative in their strategies. As to its implementation
outcomes, there should be a constant meeting with the SDO-Camarines Sur
EPS/OHSP Coordinator for updates regarding the program. 3. Linkage and networking
with alumni may be done to generate continuing attention and interest in the program.
Initiatives such as “Adopt a Classroom” may be channeled through alumni associations
and the LGUs. 4. A proposed development plan may be used as reference, a guide
and basis for improving the OHSP implementation.