DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Bureau of Curriculum Development

MANUAL OF OPERATIONS FOR SPECIAL PROGRAM

IN JOURNALISM (SPJ)
Grades 4 to 12

Article 1
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

Section 1. Curriculum
1.1 Program Description
The program is a nine-year course in Journalism
which aims to strengthen free and responsible journalism
in Grades 4 to 12 and develop the learner’s skills required
in mass communication particularly print and broadcast
media. Its main focus is primarily on the mastery of
competencies required to land a prolific career in
journalism.

1.2 Rationale
Recognizing the need to build the foundation for
developmental journalism as well as to cater to the
special needs of gifted learners among Grade 4 to Grade
12 students, the Department of Education (DepEd)
launched the Special Program in Journalism (SPJ)
which aims to enhance the students’ skills and
competencies in this discipline. It caters to students who
have chosen journalism as their career pathways in
support of the K to 12 Program.

The program supports R.A. 7079, otherwise known

as the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, which mandates

Manual of Operations for Special Program in Journalism [Date] 1

 the Department of Education “to conduct and implement
programs in various aspects of journalism.”

To ensure effective and efficient operationalization

of the Program, all stakeholders should be well-informed
of its components and guidelines, hence, the need to
undertake the monitoring and evaluation of the program
that enables supervisors, school heads, department
heads, and teachers, to devise acceptable ways of
implementing the SPJ, and to solve issues and concerns
that emerge. Moreover, the Monitoring & Evaluation aims
to gather information and feedback, the results of which
will be useful inputs to the refinement of the program. It
will also be an opportunity to meet with project partners
from government and non- government organizations and
share experiences on journalism related programs.
The curriculum entries and exits are well-crafted to
enable non- journalism students’ to easily adjust to the
standards of the program.

1.3 Program Standards

The learner demonstrates understanding of the
basic principles and theories of journalism, its practices
and techniques and responsibly applies them as tools for
effective communication and information.
1.4 Learning Standards
Grades 4-6
Journalism 4 - 6
The learners demonstrate understanding of the basic
principles and concepts of journalism, its practices and
techniques, and responsibly apply them as tools for
effective communication of news and information.

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 Grade 7
Journalism 7
The learner demonstrates understanding of the
basic principles, theories, practices and techniques of
print journalism, its history, legal and ethical standards by
producing newsletters responsive to individual,
community, societal and global needs.

Grade 8
Journalism 8
The learner demonstrates understanding of the
advanced and broader applications of the concepts and
techniques of print journalism by producing an eight-page
printed or online news publication responsive to
individual, community, societal, and global demands.

Grade 9
Journalism 9
The learner demonstrates understanding of the
practices, techniques, and fundamentals of broadcast
journalism by producing radio news programs in
response to the personal, school and community needs.

Grade 10
Journalism 10
The learner demonstrates understanding of the
practices, techniques and fundamentals of broadcast
journalism by producing TV news programs in response
to personal, school and community needs.

Grade 11
Journalism 11
First Semester:

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 This course equips learners of essential skills and
understanding of print media ( focusing on feature writing)
and its convergence to online media
Second Semester:
This course equips learners of essential skills and
understanding of radio broadcasting media and its
convergence to online media.
Grade 12
Journalism 12
This course (in seminar format) aims to expose learners
on the ethical and legal standards of journalism practice
in the Philippines as preparation for the on-the-job
training

1.5 Implementation Options

Sample Class Programming as stipulated in DepEd Order
No. 31 s. 2012.
Grades Four to Six
Below is a model of classroom programs showing the learning
areas in Grades Four to Grade Six and suggested time allotments. The
school is empowered to design their own but should consider the time
allotment per learning area.

Time Learning Areas Number of

Minutes
7:00 – 7:15 Pambansang Awit
7:15 – 7:25 Homeroom
7:25 – 7:55 Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao 30
7:55 – 8:45 Journalism 4 50
8:45 – 9:35 Araling Panlipunan 4 50
9:35 – 9:55 RECESS
9:55 – 10:45 English 4 50
10:45 – 11:35 Mathematics 4 50

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 1:00 – 1:40 MAPEH 4 40
1:40 – 2:30 Science 4 50
2:30 – 3:20 Filipino 4 50
3:20 – 4:10 EPP / TLE 50
Total 410

For Grades 7 to 12
Below is a model of classroom programs showing the learning
areas in Grades 7 to Grade 12 and suggested time allotments. The
school is empowered to design their own but should consider the time
allotment per learning area.
OPTION 1
A prototype class program in lieu of TLE and without a separate period
for independent / cooperative learning:

TIME/DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

7:00-8:00
ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH MAPEH
8:00-9:00
JOURNALISM JOURNALISM JOURNALISM JOURNALISM MAPEH
9:00-10:00
FILIPINO FILIPINO FILIPINO FILIPINO MAPEH

10:00-10:15 R E C E S S

10:15-11:15 SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE MAPEH

11:15-12:15 AP AP AP EP EP

12:15-1:15 L U N C H B R E A K

1:15-2:15 MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS HOMEROOM

GUIDANCE
PROGRAM

Total 6.0 HOURS 6.0 HOURS 6.0 HOURS 6.0 HOURS 5.0 HOURS

The total time daily does not include off-school learning

experiences that teachers may require outside of school hours for the
production of products and performances as evidence of transfer of
learning.

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 OPTION 2
A prototype class program as an additional learning area and with a
separate period for independent / cooperative learning. This program

TIME/DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

7:00-8:00
JOURNALISM JOURNALISM JOURNALISM JOURNALISM INDEPENDENT /
COOPERATIVE
LEARNING
8:00-9:00 ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH MAPEH

9:00-10:00
FILIPINO FILIPINO FILIPINO FILIPINO
MAPEH

10:00-10:15 R E C E S S

10:15-11:15 SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE MAPEH

11:15-12:15 MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS MAPEH

12:15-1:15 L U N C H B R E A K

1:15-2:15 AP AP AP EsP EsP

2:15 -3:15 TLE TLE TLE TLE HOMEROOM

GUIDANCE
PROGRAM
TOTAL 7.0 HOURS 7.0 HOURS 7.0 HOURS 7.0 HOURS 5.0 HOURS

The total time daily does not include off-school learning

experiences that teachers may require outside of school hours for the
production of products and performances as evidence of transfer of
learning. This class program also applies to schools that offer
Journalism as an elective subject.

1.6 Time Allotment

The time allotment for each subject is the minimum period for
class interaction. The learning time can be expected to include off-
school learning experience at home or in the community for transfer of
learning to real life situations as provided for in the curriculum. The
outputs of such off-school learning experiences are usually in the form
of products and performances which shall be monitored and credited
accordingly.

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 Grade Level Description Minutes/ Minutes/
Day Week
Grade 4 Journalism 4 50 250
Grade 5 Journalism 5 50 250
Grade 6 Journalism 6 50 250
Grade 7 Journalism 7 60 240
Grade 8 Journalism 8 60 240
Grade 9 Journalism 9 60 240
Grade 10 Journalism 10 60 240
Grade 11 Journalism 11 *** ***
Grade 12 Journalism 12 *** ***
Total

1.7 Medium of Instruction

The medium of instruction in all subjects (except in Filipino,
Araling Panlipunan, and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao) of the Special
Program in Journalism is English. However, the learner may use
English or Filipino whenever written outputs or any form of participation
is required.

Section 2. Instruction
2.1 Teacher Qualification and Standards
SPJ teachers in Grades 4 to 6 should have at
least undergone certificate programs or trainings related
to journalism. In Grades 7 to 12, SPJ teachers should be
at least graduate of Bachelor of Science in Education
major in English or Filipino. He/She should have an
experience of at least three years as journalism teacher
or school paper adviser, should be computer literate and
should be willing to undergo the training on content and
strategies of the said program.

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 Those who are Mass Communication graduates or
media practitioners, as stipulated in the hiring guidelines
for Senior High Schools DepEd Order No. 3, s 2016 and
DepEd Order No. 27, s. 2016, may also be considered to
handle the Special Program in Journalism provided they
meet the requirements needed for the position and are
willing to undergo specialized training on content and
strategies of the said program. (Per DepEd Order No. 31
s.2012)

2.2 Delivery of Instruction

The SPJ teachers are highly encouraged to be
creative, innovative and resourceful to ensure maximum
participation and involvement of the students that will
redound to the development of their knowledge and
skills in this discipline. As such, various strategies are
used which include: Differentiated Instruction (DI),
Strategies that will cater to the Multiple Intelligences (MI)
of the students, Multi-Literacies Approach among others.

2.3 Screening and Admission of Students

Admission is open to incoming Grade 4, Grade 7,
and Grade11 learners who have obtained a proficient
rating of 85% in English and Filipino and a general
weighted average of 85% or above in the previous level,
who exhibit talent in journalism based on the results of
the qualifying tests and interview to be conducted by the
school screening committee.
The SPJ Qualifying Exam (SPJQE) to be
administered by the Central Office through the school
screening committee composed of Objective type and
On-the -spot essay writing .
Questions to be asked during the interview should
focus on assessing the applicant’s oral language

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 proficiency and inclination to journalism to validate the
documents submitted and to gauge the applicant’s
possibility of succeeding in the program.

The requirements for admission are the following:

• Form 138-A (Report Card)
• Certificate of Good Moral Character
• Recommendation Letter from the school paper
adviser or English / Filipino teacher in the
previous year
The combined results of the SPJQE and
Interview will be the sole basis in choosing the
top 35 students to be admitted in the program.

2.4 Assessment and Rating System

The rating system shall be the standards-based
assessment as stipulated in DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2015
(See Appendix A).
2.5 Promotion, Retention and Transfer
Promotion shall follow the same policy being
applied in the regular program.
In order for the learner to be retained in the
program, he/ she should maintain an average of 85% in
Journalism and 83% in the core subjects.
2.6 Selection of Honor Students
2.5.1. The School Selection Committee shall determine
the over-all ranking of the whole graduating class based
on the learners’ performance on the core curriculum and
specialization.
To determine the honor students, the learners
shall be recognized according to academic performance
as indicated in DepEd Order 36 s. 2016 Table 4 Criteria

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 for Awards for Outstanding Performance in specific
discipline.
2.5.3. Recognition shall be given to students who
demonstrate extra ordinary skills in journalism.

2.7 Welfare and Benefits of Students

The school, together with the division office and
regional office can spearhead a Memorandum of
Agreement with the Local Government Units (LGU) and
non-government organizations for possible scholarship
slots for outstanding students under this program.
Annual participation of selected students in the
National Schools Press Conference will also provide
opportunities for further growth and development of the
students under this program.

Article 2
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Section 1. Instructional Spaces

Schools that offer Special Program in Journalism (SPJ) must
have adequate instructional rooms that conform to the minimum
standard for instructional spaces as stipulated in the Manual of
Educational Facilities (See Appendix A).

On top of these basic facilities, the school that offers SPJ must
provide other facilities to ensure effective delivery of curricular
program.
1.1 Physical Facilities
1. Speech Laboratory – At least 35 units of speech cubicles
with speaking gadgets and equipment.

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 2. Computer Lab – with at least 35 computer unit package with
internet connection, PC/laptop, LCD projector, printer with
scanner, camera with tripod, video recorder, air-conditioning
unit, chairs, tables.

3. Audio-Visual Room – standard-sized room which can

accommodate at least 100 students for trainings and other
related activities.

4. Radio and Television Studio – equipped with the following

installations:

• decorations and/or sets

• professional video camera
• microphones
• stage lighting rigs and the associated controlling
equipment
• video monitors for visual feedback from the
production control room (PCR)
• small public address system for communication
• a glass window between PCR and studio floor

1.2 School furniture equipment / assistive devices and other

facilities
Schools that offer SPJ must meet the following
requirements for school furniture equipment and other facilities as
stipulated in the Manual of Educational facilities (See Appendix B
for the complete list)

1.2.1 School seats

1.2.2 Tables
1.2.3 Storage and Display
1.2.4 School Equipment

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 1.2.5 Fittings, Fixtures, and Furnishings
1.2.6 Instructional Devices
Note: For other options on radio and television studio equipment
acquisition, please refer to Article 3.

Section 2. Instructional and Learning Resources

1.1 Learning Materials
Special Program in Journalism implementing schools must ensure
that there are sufficient learning materials designed to meet the
specific needs of the diverse learners.

2.1.1 Print.
This refers to printed materials such as textbooks,
modules, handouts, brochures, and other materials that come in
hard copies.

2.1.2 Non-Print
This refers to materials in soft copies such as CDs,
software programs and other resources found in the Internet.

2.1.3 Online Resources

A learning resource portal should be created online in order to
gather relevant resources other than the print and non-print
sources.

2.1 Teacher Resource Materials

Special Curricular Program teachers must use a wide array of
print and non-print resource materials in order to address the
various needs of diverse learners.

Section 3. Class Size

A class under the SPJ must have a maximum of 35
students.

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 Article 3
LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

Section 1. Qualification Standards

1.1 Principal
The principal of SPJ schools should possess the following
qualifications:
• a major or at least a minor of the subject area/s
where the special program is intended
• has attended relevant trainings in Journalism
or in any Special Curricular Programs of DepEd

1.2 Program Coordinator

The SPJ Coordinator must at least be a major of English
or Journalism and has sufficient trainings in this discipline.

1.1 Roles of the SPJ Coordinator

1. Supervises the overall implementation of the program in the
school
2. Attends relevant trainings in journalism.
3. Conducts regular monitoring and evaluation of the program
implementation.
4. Provides opportunities for SPJ teachers and students
development through seminars, trainings, symposia and
workshops.
5. Makes recommendation to the school head as to the
improvement of the program implementation
6. Submits quarterly assessment report to the division, regional
and central offices.
7. Leads the conduct of screening of applicants to the program.

Section 2. Community Partnership

2.1 Roles of the School Governing Council (SGC)
The SPJ Coordinator shall automatically be a member
of the SGC. Said representative may be one of the SPJ
teachers, parents and students. The SGC has the following
roles:
• Ensures the successful implementation of the
program by providing all possible forms of assistance.
• Provides opportunities for students’ accomplishments
•

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 2.2 Roles of the Special Program Representative
1. Raises its efforts to an even higher level attracting the best and
the brightest to the program
2. Provides accountability for the quality and relevance of the
program
3. Empowers SPJ students to actively participate in the continuous
improvement of the school
4. Encourages and facilitates effective community and
stakeholders’ participation in the continuous improvement of the
school
5. Sets accountability in the decision making process for
continuous improvement of the school
6. Considers essential employability skills of the students in the
program
7. Expands and sustains networking and community linkages for
resources, support/assistance

Section 3. Expansion of the Program

3.1 Program Certification
A school that undergoes program certification for
Special Program in Journalism can cater Grades 7-10 of the
program. A certification to implement the program is
awarded to the school which meets the following criteria:
1. Had reached the basic resources to open the
program (teachers, physical facilities, tools,
equipment, and materials) as stated in the manual;
2. Had submitted the necessary documents for
application (see Appendix __ );
3. Had undergone and passed the inspection
conducted by Special Program Quality Assurance
Team (SPQUAT).

In case a school applying for certification fails the

assessment conducted by the SPQUAT, the school may be
given one (1) school year to comply with or address the
deficiencies and may be allowed to proceed for a second
round of assessment.

3.2 Program Accreditation

A school that passed the certification process for
Special Program for Journalism can proceed to program
accreditation in order to continue its implementation in

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 Grades 11-12. Program Accreditation will have three (3)
levels namely: Level I – Standard; Level II – Progressive;
and Level III – Mature. Accreditation shall be awarded to the
school as the following are met satisfactorily per each level
application:
1. Passed the necessary documents for accreditation
(see Appendix __ );
2. Had reached the necessary resources for
accreditation (see Appendix ___ );
3. Had undergone and passed the inspection
conducted by the Special Program Quality
Assurance Team (SPQUAT).
In case a school applying for accreditation fails the
inspection by the SPQUAT for a particular level, the school
may be given two (2) school years to accomplish the
deficiencies, and may be allowed to proceed for a second
round of inspection.

Article 4
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
Section 1. Program Management
1.1 Teaching Load
The teacher handling the Journalism classes shall
have a maximum of three (3) teaching loads inclusive of
school paper advising.
For the successful implementation of the program, the
SPJ and Advanced English (AE) teachers are not allowed to
transfer or be reassigned to another school for at least three
(3) years.

1.2. Subsidy
The DepEd shall provide the subsidy intended for schools
offering the SPJ apart from the other subsidies which the school
may obtain from other stakeholders.
1.2.1 Utilization/Disbursements of Subsidy

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 The subsidy received from DepEd and other
stakeholders should be utilized exclusively for the
implementation of the program.

1.2.2 Non-Eligible Expenditures

The school shall not be allowed to realign the funds
allotted for the program as stipulated in DepEd Order No.
___s.__.

1.3.3 Liquidation
It is the duty of the school to submit on time the
liquidation report of the funds or subsidy.

Section 2. Monitoring and Evaluation

Regular Monitoring and Evaluation by the Division, Regional
and Central Monitoring Teams will constitute the actual observation
and interviews with the program implementers – school head, SPJ
Coordinator, teachers, parents, and students.

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