Discrepancy Evaluation of Track Choices and School Resources for Senior High School Curriculum Enhancement

Abstract

Evaluated in the study, using the discrepancy evaluation model (DEM) were
students’ track choices, and school resources for the Senior High School (SHS)
program of selected Philippine Adventist denominational schools. The Department
of Education (DepEd) and Adventist denominational goals and standards aligned
with 21st century skills were the basis for the discrepancies. Purposive sampling
was employed wherein 668 students, 102 teachers and 17 high school principals
from 20 schools participated. The results revealed Very High discrepancy above the
standard in the choice of the academic track; and High on Technical-Vocational,
livelihood (TVL), Sports, and Arts-Design tracks. Among the academic
strands, Moderatediscrepancy above the standard was found in the choice of
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) while the
Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM), General Academic Strand
(GAS) and Humanities and Social Science (HUMMS) had a rating
of Low, Moderate and Moderate, respectively. Discrepancies on Senior High
School (SHS) program design, installation, process, and perceived cost imbedded
in the evaluation of the school resources were found. The study recommends that
Adventist senior high schools maintain programs for variables with Very
High (above the standard) to Low discrepancies, and apply enhancement programs
for variables with Moderate to Very High discrepancies. Furthermore, strong
recommendations emphasized that schools collaborate with each other not to
compete for students but to refer them to the schools that offer their track or strand
choices and to integrate AY/Pathfinder modules into course outlines and classroom
teaching as enhancement for a distinctly Adventist SHS curriculum.