SCHOOL HEAD’S MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON POLICY CHANGES IN DAVAO CITY: MATATAG CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION IN FOCUS

The implementation of the MATATAG curriculum has imposed changes in educational policy. It aims to explore a comprehensive understanding of school management practices on policy changes, focusing on implementing the MATATAG curriculum among five (5) Division of Davao City school heads. Hence, this study utilizes qualitative design, specifically a case study. Data was collected through key informant interviews. The results showed similar claims to Lewin's change management theory, which involves unfreezing, changing, and freezing as one example of school management practices in implementing new policies such as the MATATAG curriculum. The general theme formulated is the adaptive transformational education in implementing the new curriculum. Three main themes were identified: transitional challenges and curriculum adoption, strategic support and capacity building, adaptive leadership, and positive implementation. Based on the findings, this study further suggests training and enough preparation for any educational policy are needed before it is implemented. School leaders should be adaptive, provide enough support, and promote positive communication among their teachers to achieve success in the new curriculum. KEYWORDS: MATATAG curriculum, policy implementation, school management practices, school heads, Philippines