DepEd reviewing teacher workload

Amid concerns over teacher workload, the Department of Education (DepEd) said it is reviewing the tasks and responsibilities of public school teachers.

“The DepEd continuously reviews and reduces the workload of its teaching personnel as part of its expansion of employee welfare,” it said in a statement on Tuesday.

“The review consists of a series of consultations with field representatives, teachers, school heads and regional supervisors,” it added.

The agency issued the statement following claims of some groups that the heavy workload contributed in the recent cases of suicides of three public school teachers.

It also cautioned stakeholders from making conclusions on the incidents, saying it has directed its regional offices to conduct investigations on the deaths.

While its review aims to simplify the processes and reduce forms that teachers have to accomplish, the DepEd said filing reports will not be eliminated as the data are integral to proper assessment, planning and allocation of resources and intervention.

“In essence, reports enable teachers and the department to identify areas of improvement and set the direction for evidence-based decisions to aid in the delivery of quality basic education,” it said.

“Third-level officials, who used to be teachers, have attested that the preparation of reports has become simplified and efficient over the years,” it added.

The DepEd noted that forms have already been reduced from 36 common school forms in the past to 10 official school forms.