Strengthened SHS Program Teaching Load Simulator Tool

Strengthened SHS Program Teaching Load Simulator Tool

The Department of Education (DepEd) has introduced an innovative solution to optimize teacher assignments and elective subject offerings for Senior High School (SHS) programs: the Strengthened SHS Program Teaching Load Simulator Tool. This user-friendly simulator, designed to support schools piloting the Strengthened SHS Program in SY 2025-2026, aims to simplify the complex process of allocating teaching loads and identifying Grade 11 elective subjects.

What is the Simulator Tool?

At its core, the Simulator Tool is an Excel-based application with macros, providing a comprehensive platform for schools to manage their teaching resources effective. It integrates crucial data from various sources, including BEIS Data for school information, ESF7 Data for teacher inventory, and the K-12 and MATATAG Curricula for subject and time allotments.

How Does it Work?

The tool operates on a clear simulation logic to ensure optimal teacher assignments and subject offerings. It performs the following key functions:

• Calculates total teaching load: Determines the total teaching load required for each subject.

• Determines teacher needs: Identifies the total number of teachers needed per year level based on the number of sections.

• Assigns teaching loads: Assigns teaching loads to teachers, adhering to critical constraints such as aligning learning areas with teacher specialization and observing an 1,800-minute weekly teaching load limit8.

• Identifies elective subjects: Pinpoints possible elective subject offerings for Grade 11.

Key Features and Process Flow

The Simulator Tool is structured with three main worksheets:

• Instructions: Provides a step-by-step guide for effective tool usage.

• School Profile: Contains editable basic school information, SHS subjects, simulation command buttons, a list of suggested Grade 11 electives, and summaries of teacher assignments11.

• Simulator: Displays simulated teacher loading results and findings by grade level.

The general process flow for using the tool involves a few key steps:

• Prepare Data Requirements: This includes gathering enrollment data by grade level and strand, teacher inventory by specialization, Grade 12 subject offerings with time allotments, and other school information like the number of classrooms and shifts.

• Download and Unblock Macros: Users must download the Simulator Tool and ensure the macros are unblocked for the tool to function correctly.

• Complete the School Profile: Provide essential school information, including enrollment data and teacher inventory. Some fields are pre-filled, but updates can be made as needed.

• Encode SHS Grade 12 Subjects: Input Grade 12 subjects based on the K–12 Curriculum. This step is crucial for the tool to assess potential Grade 11 elective offerings.

• Simulate Initial Teaching Load Assignment: Generate an initial assignment of teaching loads for both Junior High School (JHS) and SHS teachers. This simulation also helps identify Grade 11 electives.

• Review Recommendations & Findings: View summaries, simulator findings, and suggested Grade 11 elective subjects to support decision-making for teacher deployment and subject offerings. The tool provides insights into teacher assignments, shortages (where no available teacher can be assigned to a subject/section), and instances where a teacher's load is below 1,800 minutes per week. It also suggests Grade 11 electives based on remaining SHS teacher availability by specialization.

• Encode SHS Grade 11 Elective Subjects: Input the selected Grade 11 electives to finalize the required data for a complete simulation of SHS teacher assignments.

• Simulate Teaching Load for SHS Teachers: Generate the final teaching load assignments for SHS teachers, ensuring subject-specialization alignment.

Important Notes
While the Simulator Tool provides valuable insights and recommendations, schools retain full discretion to finalize teacher assignments based on their specific context and needs. The tool is a supportive resource, not a rigid mandate, empowering schools to make informed decisions for a more efficient and effective learning environment.

This innovative tool promises to be a game-changer in how schools manage their teaching resources, leading to better-prepared teachers and more relevant subject offerings for students in the Strengthened SHS Program.

Strengthened SHS Program Teaching Load Simulator Tool - DOWNLOAD