ARTICLE 1

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

 

Section 1. Curriculum

1.1    Program Description
The program is a six-year course in Journalism which aims to strengthen free and responsible journalism in secondary schools and develop the learners’ skills required in mass communication particularly journalism and broadcast media. Its main focused is primarily on the mastery of competencies required to land a prolific career in journalism.

1.2    Rationale
Recognizing the need to build the foundation for developmental journalism as well as to cater to the special needs of the learners among secondary students, the Department of Education (DepEd) launched the Special Program in Journalism (SPJ) which aims to enhance the students’ skills and competencies in the discipline to cater to students who have chosen journalism as their career pathways in support of the K to 12 Program.
The program support Republic Act 7079, otherwise known as the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 which mandates the Department of Education to conduct and implement programs in various aspects of journalism (See Appendix A).
To ensure effective and efficient operationalization of the program, all stakeholders should be well-informed of its components and guidelines; hence, the need to undertake the monitoring and evaluation of the program that enables supervisors, school heads, department heads, and teachers to devise acceptable ways of implementing the SPJ, and to solve issues and concerns that emerge. Moreover, the Monitoring and Evaluation aims to gather information and feedback, the results of which will be useful inputs to the refinement of the program. It will also be an opportunity to meet with project partners from government and non-government organizations and share experiences on journalism related programs.

1.3    Program Standard
The learner demonstrates understanding of the basic principles and theories of journalism, its practices and techniques and responsibly applies them as tools for effective communication and information.
 
1.4    Learning Standards

 

Grade 7
Journalism I (Print Journalism)
The learner demonstrates understanding of the basic principles, theories, practices and techniques of print journalism, its history, legal and ethical standards by producing newsletters responsive to individual, community, societal and global needs.

Advanced English I (Reading to Writing)
The learner demonstrates understanding of the language key concepts through expansion and maximization of his/her potentials thereby intensifying his/her command of the language which focuses on reading and writing.

 

Grade 8
Journalism II (Print Journalism)
The learner demonstrates understanding of advanced and broader applications of the concepts and techniques of print journalism by producing broadsheets responsive to individual, community, societal and global demands.

Advanced English II (Public Speaking)
The learner demonstrates understanding of the key concepts in speech development and uses information communication technology as tools for responsible journalism.

 

Grade 9
Journalism III (Radio Journalism)
The learner demonstrates understanding of the basic principles, theories, practices and techniques of radio journalism by producing radio news programs responsive to individual, community, societal and global demands.

Advanced English III (Technical Writing)
The learner demonstrates understanding of the key concepts, general format, kinds and principles of technical writing and the uses of various forms of electronic media as tools for responsible journalism.

 

Grade 10
Journalism IV (TV Journalism)
The learner demonstrates understanding of the principles, theories, practices and techniques of television journalism through the production of TV programs responsive to individual, community, societal and global demands.
 
Advanced English IV (Research)
The learner demonstrates understanding of the knowledge of how one’s writing based on research serves as a hallmark of journalistic proficiency that contributes to the attainment of responsible journalism.

 

Grade 11
Journalism V (Online Journalism)
The learner demonstrates understanding of the basic principles, theories, practices and techniques of online journalism through internet publication in response to individual, community, societal and global demands.

Advanced English V (Creative Writing for Journalism)
The learner demonstrates understanding of key concepts, elements, forms and approaches on creative writing using information communication technology and addressing increasing demands for responsible journalism.

 

Grade 12
Journalism VI (Practicum)
The learner demonstrates understanding of the knowledge, skills and attitude acquired of news media practitioners through internship that is responsive to individual, community, societal and global demands.

Advanced English VI (ESP for Journalism)
The learner demonstrates understanding on the key concepts, functions, principles, skills and strategies needed for ESP or English for Specific Purposes for him/her to be ready for college, real world task and the world of work.

 

1.5    Implementation Options
Sample Class Programming
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.6    Time Allotment
The time allotment for each subject is the minimum period for class interaction. The learning time can be expected to include off-school learning experience at home or in the community for transfer of learning to real life situations as provided for in the curriculum. The outputs of such off-campus learning experiences are usually in the form of products and performances which shall be monitored and credited.
A one-hour period for Homeroom Guidance Program is provided for the weekly meeting between the teacher-adviser and the class.
 

 

 

 

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.7 Medium of Instruction
The medium of instruction in all subjects (except in Filipino, Araling Panlipunan, and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao) of the Special Program in Journalism is English. However, the learner may use English of Filipino whenever writer outputs or any form of participation is required.

Section 2. Instruction

2.1    Teacher Qualification and Standard
The SPJ teacher should be at least a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Education major in English. He/She should have an experience of at least three years as journalism teacher or school paper adviser, should be computer literate and should be willing to undergo the training on content and strategies of the said program.
Those who are Mass Communication graduates may also be considered to handle the Special Program in Journalism provided they meet the requirements needed for the position and are willing to undergo specialized training on content and strategies of the said program as per DepEd Memorandum no. 103, s. 2009 (See Appendix B).
 
2.2    Delivery of Instruction
The SPJ teachers are highly encouraged to be creative innovative and resourceful to ensure maximum participation and involvement of the students that will redound to the development of their knowledge and skills in this discipline. As such, various strategies are used-- Differentiated Instruction (DI), Multiple Intelligences (MI), Multi-Literacies Approach and among others.

2.3    Screening and Admission of Students
Admission is open to incoming Grade 7 learners who have obtained a proficient rating of 88% in English and Filipino and a general weighted average of 85% or above in Grade VI, who exhibit talent in journalism based on the results of the qualifying tests and interview to be conducted by the school screening committee.
The SPJ Qualifying Exam (SPJQE) to be administered by the Central Office through the school screening committee is composed of objective type and on-the- spots-essay writing.
Questions to be asked during the interview should focus on assessing the applicant’s oral language proficiency and inclination to journalism to validate the documents submitted and to gauge the applicant’s possibility of succeeding in the program.
The requirements for admission are the following:
•    Form 138-A (Report Card)
•    Recommendation letter from the school paper adviser or English teacher in Grade VI
The combined results of the SPJQE and interview will be the sole basis in choosing the top 35 students to be admitted in the program.

2.4    Assessment and Rating System
The rating system shall be the standards-based assessment as stipulated in DepEd Order no. 31, s. 2012 (See Appendix C).

2.5    Promotion, Retention and Transfer
Promotion shall follow the same policy being applied in the regular program.
For the learner to be retained in the program he/she should maintain an average of 85% in Journalism and Advanced English and 83% in the core subjects.

2.6    Selection of Honor Students
The School Selection Committee shall determine the over-all ranking of the whole graduating class based on the learners’ performance on the core curriculum and specialization.
 
To determine the Top 10, the learners shall be ranked using the 7-3 point scheme (7 points for the academic performance and 3 points for the co-curricular/extra- curricular) as contained in Enclosure nos. 1 and 2 of DepEd Order no. 92, s. 2009 (See Appendix D).
The computation of grades shall be based on:
30% Specialization
40% Core Curriculum
30% Co-Curricular / Extra-Curricular
The most outstanding learner in the SPJ hall be based on the overall ranking of students from the regular program and special curricular programs.
Recognition shall be given to students who demonstrate extra ordinary skills in journalism.

 

2.7    Welfare and Benefits of Students
The school together with the division office and regional office can spearhead a Memorandum of Agreement with the Local Government Units (LGU) and non- government organizations for possible scholarship slots for outstanding students under this program.
Annual participation of selected students in the National Festival of Talents will also provide opportunities for further growth and development of the students under this program.
 
ARTICLE 2

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Section 1. Instructional Spaces
Schools that offer Special Program in Journalism (SPJ) must have adequate instructional rooms that conform to the minimum standard for instructional spaces as stipulated in the Manual of Educational Facilities.
On top of these basic facilities, the school that offers SPJ must provide other facilities to ensure effective delivery of curricular program.

1.1    Physical Facilities
1.    Speech Laboratory – at least 35 units of speech cubicles with speaking gadgets and equipment.
2.    Computer Lab – with at least 35 computer units equipped with internet connections, printer with scanner, modem, CD writer, camera with tripod, video recorder, interactive white board, LCD projector, air-conditioning unit, chairs, tables.
3.    Audio-Visual Room – big enough to hold 100 students or more for conference.
4.    Radio and Television Studios – equipped with the following installations:
•    Decoration and/or sets
•    Professional video camera
•    Microphones
•    Stage lighting rigs and the associated controlling equipment
•    Video monitors for visual feedback from the production control room (PCR)
•    Small public address system for communication
•    A glass window between PCR and studio floor

1.2    School Furniture Equipment / Assistive Devices and Other Facilities
Schools that offer SPJ must meet the following requirements for school furniture equipment and other facilities as stipulated in the Manual of Educational Facilities.
•    School seats
•    Tables
•    Storage and Display
•    School Equipment
•    Fittings, Fixtures, and Furnishings
•    Instructional Devices
 
Section 2. Instructional and Learning Resources

2.1    Learning Materials
Special Program in Journalism implementing schools must ensure that there are sufficient learning materials designed to meet the specific needs of the diverse learners
2.1.1    Print
This refers to printed materials such as textbooks, modules, handouts, brochures, and other materials that come in hard copies.
2.1.2    Non-Print
This refers to materials in soft copies such as CDs, software programs, and other resources found on the internet.

Section 3. Class Size
A class under the SPJ must have a maximum of 35 students.
 
ARTICLE 3

LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

Section 1. Qualification Standards

1.1    Principal
The principal of SPJ schools should possess the following qualifications:
•    A major or at least a minor of the subject areas where the special program is intended
•    Has attended relevant trainings in Journalism or in any Special Curricular Programs of DepEd

1.2    Program Coordinator
The SPJ Coordinator must at least be a major in English or Journalism and has sufficient trainings in this discipline.
1.2.1    Roles of the SPJ Coordinator
•    Supervises the overall implementation of the program in the school
•    Attends relevant trainings in journalism
•    Conducts regular monitoring and evaluation of the program implementation
•    Provides opportunities for SPJ teachers and students development through seminars, trainings, symposiums, and workshops
•    Makes recommendation to the school head to the improvement of the program implementation
•    Submits quarterly assessment report to the division, regional, and central offices
•    Leads the conduct of screening of applicants to the program

Section 2. Community Partnership

2.1    Roles of the School Governing Council (SGC)
The SPJ Coordinator shall automatically be a member of the SCG. Said representative may be one of the SPJ teachers, parents, and students. The SGC has the following roles:
•    Ensures the successful implementation of the program by providing all possible forms of assistance
•    Provides opportunities for students’ accomplishments
 
2.2    Roles of the Special Program Representative
•    Raises its efforts to an even higher level attracting the best and the brightest to the program
•    Provides accountability for the quality and relevance of the program
•    Empowers SPJ students to actively participate in the continuous improvement of the school
•    Encourages    and    facilitate    effective    community    and stakeholders’ participation in the continuous improvement of the school
•    Sets accountability in the decision-making process for continuous improvement of the school
•    Considers essential employability skills of the students in the program
•    Expands and sustains networking and community linkages for resources support/assistance

Section 3. Expansion of the Program

3.1    Program Certification
A school that undergoes program certification for Special Program in Journalism can cater Grades 7 – 10 of the program. A certification to implement the program is awarded to the school which meets the following criteria:
1.    Has reached the basic resources to open the program (teachers, physical facilities, tools, equipment, and materials) as stated in the manual
2.    Had submitted the necessary documents for application
3.    Had undergone and passed the inspection conducted by Special Program Quality Assurance Team (SPQUAT)
In case a school applying for certification fails the assessment conducted by SPQUAT, the school may be given one (1) school year to comply with or address the deficiencies and may be allowed to proceed for the second round of assessment.

3.2    Program Accreditation
A school that passed the certification process for Special Program for Journalism can proceed to program accreditation to continue the implementation in Grades 11-12. Program Accreditation will have three (3) levels namely: Level 1-Standard Level, Level 2-Progressive Level, and Level 3-Mature Accreditation shall be awarded to the school as the following are met satisfactorily per each level application:
1.    Passed the necessary documents for accreditation
2.    Had reached the necessary resources for accreditation
 
3.    Had undergone and passed the inspection conducted by the Special Program Quality Assurance Team (SPQUAT)
In case a school applying for accreditation fails the inspection by the SPQUAT for a particular level, the school may be given two (2) school years to accomplish the deficiencies and may be allowed to proceed for a second round of inspection.
 

ARTICLE 4

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

Section 1. Program Management

1.1    Teaching Load
The teacher handling the Journalism classes shall have a maximum of three (3) teaching loads inclusive of school paper advising.
For the successful implementation of the program, the SPJ and Advanced English teachers are not allowed to transfer or be reassigned to another school for at least three (3) years.

1.2    Subsidy
The DepEd shall provide the subsidy intended for schools offering the SPJ apart from the other subsidies which the school may obtain from other stakeholders.
1.2.1    Utilization/Disbursements of Subsidy
The subsidy received from DepEd and other stakeholders should be utilized exclusively for the implementation of the program.
1.2.2    Non-Eligible Expenditures
The school shall not be allowed to realign the funds allotted for the
program.
1.2.3    Liquidation
It is the duty of the school to submit on time the liquidation report of the funds or subsidy.

Section 2. Monitoring and Evaluation
Regular monitoring and evaluation by the Division Regional and Central Monitoring Teams will constitute the actual observation and interviews with the program implementers – school head, SPJ coordinator, teachers, parents, and students.