SSP GUIDELINES ( SPECIAL SCIENCE PROGRAM

guidelines about special science program

1. IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES OF THE DIVISION-INITIATED SPECIAL SCIENCE PROGRAM DIVISION MEMORANDUM No. 241, s. 2023

2. With the nation's vision to become scientifically and technologically advanced and on par with developed countries, the Special Science Program (SSP) was implemented as a division-initiated program aimed at developing students' knowledge and skills in Science and Mathematics. The program features an enhanced Science and Mathematics curriculum at the elementary and junior high school levels. Program Description

3. According to Article XIV, Section 10 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, science, and technology are crucial for national development and progress. The State prioritizes research and development, invention, innovation, and their utilization, as well as science and technology education, training, and services. The Department of Education's primary duty is to provide opportunities for learners in Basic Education to develop scientific attitudes, technological skills, and higher-order thinking abilities in an environment that fosters their growth. In response, the Curriculum Implementation Division of the Department of Education Division of Rizal spearheaded the development of the Special Science Curriculum, which focuses on Science, Mathematics, and Research. The curriculum aims to equip students with scientific and technological skills to make them globally competitive. The Elementary Special Science Program (ESSP) is implemented in select elementary schools, while the Secondary Special Science Program (SSSP) is offered in select secondary schools in the province. Rationale

4. 1.Provide a learning environment for selected learners through special Mathematics and Science curricula that recognize multiple intelligences and foster the development of God-loving, globally competitive, nationalistic, creative, environmentally aware, scientifically and technologically oriented, and skilled individuals. 2.Provide selected learners with avenues, opportunities, and exposures to develop necessary skills and aptitudes. 3.Capacitate school heads and teachers in managing and implementing the Special Science Program. Program Objectives

5. Roles and Responsibilities Promote the Special Science Program (SSP) to public schools. Prepare a list of aspirant special science class students. Conduct qualifying exams for the aspirants. Screen the aspirants and notify the parent/guardian. Interview the aspirants together with their parents. Conduct an orientation for qualified students and their parents. Enroll the students. Follow up on the learners' progress and standing. Perform related work. Admissions Committee

6. Roles and Responsibilities Class Adviser/Subject Teacher Assist in the admission process. Facilitate the teaching-learning process. Assess learners' academic performance. Keep school records and submit required reports. Keep parents/guardians informed about the student's progress. Analyze and utilize data to improve learning outcomes. Communicate the assessed and analyzed data to relevant stakeholders and authorities. Conduct interventions for learners who do not meet the grading criteria at least five weeks before the submission of the final grade for a particular grading period. Participate in continuing professional development activities in Science and Mathematics, such as training, seminars, LAC sessions, etc. Perform related work.

7. Roles and Responsibilities Learners 1. Maintain the required academic standing. 2. Adhere to the school's rules and regulations. 3. Exhibit desirable values. 4. Actively participate in related school activities.

8. Roles and Responsibilities Parents 1. Monitor the learners' academic performance. 2. Support the implementation of the SSC program. 3. Abide by the existing policy guidelines of the school and SSC program.

9. Roles and Responsibilities Special Science Coordinator (can be MT or Dept Head) 1. Ensure the implementation and evaluation of curricular programs. 2. Manage the screening of applicants to the program. 3. Conduct orientations for qualified SSP learners and their parents. 4. Maintain appropriate and accurate records for science and instructional initiatives. 5. Co-chair committee meetings and address instructional needs. 6. Participate in relevant training in STEM education.

10. Roles and Responsibilities Special Science Coordinator (can be MT or Dept Head) 7. Prepare and submit consolidated reports on the effectiveness and efficiency of curricular and instructional programs. 8. Assist in the analysis of data used to evaluate students' achievement as well as curriculum and program effectiveness. 9. Update teachers about current trends, methods, and programs in curriculum and instruction. 10.Consult/Coordinate with the school head for appropriate decision-making. 11.Make recommendations to the school head regarding the improvement of the Program implementation. 12.Perform related work.

11. Roles and Responsibilities School Head Ensure the successful implementation of the SSP. Choose teachers with the required qualifications and competencies to handle SSP classes. Organize committees for SSP implementation. Conduct instructional supervision and provide technical assistance to SSP teachers. Provide opportunities for professional development such as LAC, INSET, and other relevant trainings.

12. Roles and Responsibilities School Head 6. Monitor, evaluate and report the overall program implementation to the Division Supervisor in Science. 7. Allocate a budget for the implementation of SSP. 8. Maintain active partnerships with government agencies and non-government organizations for the sustainable implementation of the project. 9. Perform related work.

13. Implementing Guidelines for Secondary Special Science Program ELIGIBILITY An elementary student in Grade 6 attending a school recognized by the Department of Education is eligible to apply for the Secondary Special Science Program if they meet the following criteria. He/She must: • have a FINAL GRADE OF 85% or better in ALL LEARNING AREAS and NO GRADES BELOW 85 IN ANY GRADING PERIOD evidenced by the student's report card; • be a Filipino citizen and should not have any pending or approved application to immigrate to any foreign country

14. Implementing Guidelines for Secondary Special Science Program ELIGIBILITY • presented Certificate of Good Moral Character from elementary school attended; and • preferably, be in good health and fit to undergo a rigorous academic program.

15. Implementing Guidelines for Secondary Special Science Program DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS 1. Duly accomplished Application Form 2. Recent 1 x 1 ID pictures 3. Certified true copy of report card (Grade 6 Report Card) by the class adviser / school head/ principal 4. Photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate

16. Implementing Guidelines for Secondary Special Science Program ADMISSION The selection procedure shall be conducted in three stages. The first stage is by determining the applicant's grade which is based on final grades in ALL LEARNING AREAS in Grade 6. The second stage is based on examinations in Part I: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning; Part II: English, Science, Mathematics, and Mechanical-Technical; and Part III: Self Inventory. Applicants will be ranked from highest to lowest based on their Final Score. The last stage of the process is the Interview Process. The top 55 applicants are considered passers in the Secondary Special Science Program. Applicants and their parents who have successfully passed the selection process will be required to sign the agreement upon enrollment.

17. Implementing Guidelines for Secondary Special Science Program COMPOSITION GRADES FOR RANKING Grade 6 General Average- 30% Examination- 50% Phil-IRI- Filipino (7.5%) and English (7.5%)- 15% Interview- 5%

18. Implementing Guidelines for Secondary Special Science Program COMPOSITION OF EXAM ITEMS Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning- 10 English- 25 Science- 30 Mathematics- 25 Mechanical-Technical- 10 Self-Inventory- 5 Total - 105

19. Implementing Guidelines for Secondary Special Science Program GRADING SYSTEM The grading system and assessment guidelines for regular and add-on subjects in the Special Science Classes should adhere to the principles outlined in DepEd Order No. 08, series of 2015, titled "Guidelines on Classroom Assessment for the K to 12 Basic Education Program." In the Special Science Classes, the proposed rating system will be based on the average grade of the 11 subjects.

20. RETENTION At the end of Grade 7, all students under the program shall undergo evaluation for retention and must comply with the following requirements: 1. Attended at least 95% of the total number of school days. 2. Has not been absent from the class for 10 consecutive days, unless/ otherwise/provided the student was hospitalized as certified by the attending physician or by the admitting medical institution. 3. Has not been tardy for half of the total number of school days. 4. Complied with the following academic standards: • Obtained a General Average of at least 85%; • Without a grade lower than 85% in Science and Math and all other subjects in any grading period; • An average rating of at least 85% in Science, Mathematics, and all subjects in the final rating inclusive of advanced subjects.

21. REPLACEMENT(Exclusively for Grade 7 turning Grade 8) Student from any regular class may be transferred to the SSSP Class provided that the following requirements shall be met: 1. With at least 87% General Average; 2. With Grades not lower than 85% in all subjects in any grading period; 3. No derogatory record as certified by the Guidance Counselor; and 4. Shall attend bridging classes to be conducted during the academic break to fulfill the lacking advanced subjects (such as Environmental Science , Statistics , and Research) with at least 45 hours or 1 week per advanced subject from 8am-5pm

22. REPLACEMENT(Exclusively for Grade 7 turning Grade 8) 5. Schools shall inform the division office two weeks prior to the conduct of bridging classes. Please refer to the provisions of D.O. No. 13 s. 2018 on the requirements in offering classes during academic break. 6. Teachers who will handle bridging classes during academic break shall earn service credits equivalent to the total number of hours of actual teaching divided by 8 hours but shall not exceed 15 days. Refer to the provisions of D.O. No. 53, s. 2003 known as “Updated Guidelines on Grant of Vacation Service Credits to Teachers”. 7. Shall pass the qualifying examination set by the committee (Test Items shall come from the Division Office) NOTE: Guidelines in replacement procedures do not cover transitions from Grade 8 to Grade 9 and Grade 9 to Grade 10.subjects.

23. TIME ALLOTMENT ICT and Advanced Mathematics (Statistics, Analytic Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus) shall be given sixty minutes a day or 240 minutes per week. Research and Advanced Sciences (Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Advanced Chemistry, and Advanced Physics) shall be given one hour twice a week or 120 minutes per week.

24. FACULTY QUALIFICATIONS • Identified DOST scholars with specialization in Science and Mathematics. • With at least 15 units in master’s degree (MAT or MAED in the same field) in Science or Mathematics. • Attended training and LAC sessions pertaining to Science, Mathematics and Research for at least 24 hours. • Teaching Science or Mathematics subjects for at least 5 years in the absence of the preceding qualification.

25. CURRICULUM Students in the Secondary Special Science Program will take the regular K-to-12 Basic Education Curriculum and additional subjects in advanced Mathematics, Science and Research. Listed are the additional subjects per grade level: Grade 7 Research Statistics Environmental Science Grade 8 Research Biotechnology Information and Communications Technology

26. CURRICULUM Grade 9 Research Advanced Chemistry Analytic Geometry and Trigonometry Grade 10 Research Advanced Physics Basic Calculus

27. S A L A M A T H Mr. RICHARD L. BALANGUE Master Teacher II-Mathematics In Teresa NHS, our dreams take flight, A Special Science Program, shining bright. We explore the realms of science's lore, Innovate and excel, seeking even more. With "Explore, Innovate, Excel" as our creed, DEPED Matatag , we'll surely lead. In math and science, we'll reach great heights, In Teresa's embrace, our future ignites. Teresa's Future: Where Dreams Take Flight Riskyphoitoh