PREPAREDNESS AND DIFFICULTIES OF PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES

Abstract: The opening of face-to-face classes is possible, provided sufficient planning and mitigation are implemented. The key purpose of this study is to find out the preparedness and difficulties of public elementary schools in the implementation of face-to-face classes in a medium-sized school division in a highly urbanized city in central Philippines. Descriptive-quantitative research was conducted and used a 66-item survey questionnaire as a tool to gather data from three hundred twenty-six (326) teachers. The study found a very high level of preparedness in the implementation of face-to-face classes. In addition, the level of difficulties in the implementation of face-to-face classes was found to be moderate. The preparedness of the respondents in managing school operations and learning environments differs significantly when compared according to civil status. Further, the difficulties of the respondents in the implementation of face-to-face instruction differ significantly when compared to civil status. The results of this study serve as a springboard for future improvements of the existing guidelines in implementing face-to-face classes. Keywords: Preparedness, difficulties, public elementary schools, face-to-face class, managing school operations, teaching and learning, stakeholders’ engagement and partnership, learning environment.