To: Bureau Directors
Regional Directors
Schools Superintendents

1. In line with the policy to improve access and quality in elementary education, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) is preparing for the implementation of the Third Elementary Education Project (TEEP). TEEP will be implemented in 26 priority provinces. Among its beneficiaries are the multigrade schools in these provinces.
2. As part of pre-implementation activities for TEEP, UNICEF has agreed to assist DECS starting March 1996 in establishing 12 (see inclosure) Multigrade Demonstration Schools (MG Demo Schools) to improve multigrade teaching in the Divisions of Benguet, Ifugao, Antique, Guimaras, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur.
3. The MG Demo Schools project will be coordinated by the Bureau of Elementary Education. The project aims to:
   1. Establish a viable number of demonstration schools in each of the six divisions which will serves as working models for the application of:
      1. Effective teaching strategies and processes for supervision;
      2. Active parent and community participation; and
      3. Innovative approaches to multigrade teaching.
   2. Provide an intensive support system for all school personnel and administrators (i.e., training, supervision), and adequate facilities and instructional materials in demonstration schools to enable them to improve the quality of their educational programs; and
   3. Establish a micro-resource center that will serve as a base for in-service training and interchange among teachers, principals, and district office administrators, as well as a focal point for a support network among multigrade teachers in a cluster of schools.
4. To ensure the smooth implementation of the MG Demo Schools project, all regional directors, schools superintendents, and other schools officials concerned are advised to:
   1. Include the 12 schools in the evaluation/testing programs at the district, division and regional level;
   2. Complete the incomplete schools;
   3. Give first priority to the 12 schools in allocating funds for repair/rehabilitation; and in the provision of new classrooms and furniture that will allow flexible class groupings. First priority should also be given to these schools in the provision of textbooks and teachers manuals on a 1:1 ratio;
   4. Designate a Multigrade Coordinator at the regional and in the division offices; and
   5. Coordinate closely with the Bureau of Elementary Education, UNICEF, and other DECS units in the conduct of project activities as enumerated in the inclosed work plan.
5. This Order shall take effect immediately.

Incl.: As stated
References: DECS Order: No. 51, s. 1995
Allotment: 1-2-—(M.O. 1-87)

To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:
OFFICIALS
PROJECTS
SCHOOLS

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