Prospects and Challenges in the Implementation of SHS Strengthened Curriculum
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11594/ijmaber.07.10.25Keywords:
Capacity-Building, Change Management, Curriculum Enactment, Educational Leadership, Implementation Readiness, Instructional Coherence, Teacher ConcernsAbstract
Curriculum reform is important to meet the changing needs of education, society, and the workforce. In the Philippines, the Department of Education introduced the Strengthened Senior High School (SSHS) Curriculum under the MATATAG Agenda to make the curriculum clearer, reduce overload, and better prepare students for college, jobs, and business.
This study looked at the benefits and challenges of implementing the SSHS Curriculum in selected public and private schools in Baliwag City. It used a mixed-method design, combining both quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 80 Senior High School teachers participated in the survey, while selected school leaders were interviewed. Data were analyzed using statistical tools and thematic analysis.
The results showed that teachers were highly concerned about understanding the curriculum, its effects on students, collaboration, and improving it further, with the strongest concern being how to refine or improve the curriculum. Teachers saw the SSHS Curriculum as helpful for professional growth, teamwork, student-centered teaching, and better organization of lessons. However, several challenges were identified, such as heavier workloads, lack of resources, difficulty adjusting, limited training, and weak institutional support.
The study concluded that although there are challenges in the early stages of implementation, the SSHS Curriculum provides opportunities for improving teaching and professional development. It recommends continuous teacher training, stronger leadership support, sufficient resources, and better collaboration among schools to ensure successful implementation
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