1. The document outlines the Division's action plan for implementing limited face-to-face learning in schools. It discusses organizing a task force, conducting assessments of school readiness, providing technical assistance to improve areas of weakness, and developing school-level action plans. 2. The Division will gather and analyze data from school safety assessments, then validate the results through school visits. Technical assistance will focus on managing school operations, teaching and learning, health/safety, inclusion, and community collaboration. 3. Individual schools will assess their own readiness, develop action plans, and recalibrate their plans after receiving technical assistance from the Division task force. The goal is to safely reopen schools where possible.

1. DIVISION VIRTUAL ORIENTATION
ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LIMITED
FACE TO FACE LEARNING MODALITY
November 22, 2021
ARNALDO G. VENTURA
Officer – in – Charge
Office of the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

2. Topics for Discussion:
1. Salient Features of Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1- DOH and Deped
2. DepEd Memorandum No. 71, 2021
3. Plan of Actions

3. I: BACKGROUND

4. a. The President has approved on September 20, 2021 the joint
proposal of DepEd and DOH for the conduct of pilot face-to-face
classes in 100 public schools and 20 private schools, or a total of 120
schools nationwide.
b. In preparation for eventual school reopening and/or blended
learning, caution must be observed, and extensive planning should be
undertaken to prevent schools from becoming epicenters of resurging
cases in the country.
c. Once the government expands implementation beyond pilot schools,
all the aforementioned imperatives shall be considered in the
development of models for the safe resumption of face to-face learning
including the implementation of blended learning.

5. e. All public schools nationwide shall conduct a self-assessment
using the School Safety Assessment Tool [SSAT] (Enclosure No. 1 )
in preparation for the expansion phase and onward transitioning to
new normal of face-to-face.
f. The Schools Division Superintendents shall facilitate the
administration of the School Safety Assessment Tool in all schools
in their respective area of jurisdiction and determine the level of
readiness based on the result of SSAT. For schools with substantial
gaps based on the result, the SDO shall provide assistance to
address the gaps and improve readiness.

6. II: Scope

7. a. This policy shall provide guidance on the mechanisms and standards
on the resumption of face to-face classes. The guidelines shall also
cover the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders across governance
levels to ensure effective, efficient, and safe implementation.
b. The resumption of face-to-face classes will be implemented initially in
selected participating schools in minimal-risk areas based on the
Department of Health (DOH) risk classification in the following phases:
(a) pilot implementation – November 15 – January 2022
(b) expanded implementation
(c) full implementation under the new normal.

8. III: Policy
Statement

9. This Joint Memorandum Circular is hereby established to
guide the safe implementation of the limited face-to-face
classes and to improve learning outcomes during the COVID-
19 pandemic. Specifically, the phased implementation seeks
to:
1.deliver quality basic education in a safe learning
environment to learners in low- to minimal-risk areas;
2.address the teaching and learning gaps encountered in the
distance learning modalities.
3.strengthen the school-community health and safety
support system for all children.

10. IV. Operational
Framework

11. a. The operational framework for the resumption of face-to-
face: classes, as shown in Figure 1, was adopted from the
UNESCO - UNICEF - World Bank Framework for Reopening
Schools and DepEd Shared responsibility principle.
b. The framework has four major pillars, namely;
(a) Safe Operations
(b) Teaching and Learning
(c) Including the Most Marginalized
(d) Well-being and Protection.

12. The framework is centered on the following common elements: (a) Health and
safety of learners, (b) Learning opportunities, (c) School operations, and (d)
Engagement of the entire society.
Figure 1: Based on UNESCO-UNICEF- World Bank Framework for Reopening Schools and DepEd Shared Responsibility Principle.

13. b. The framework has four major pillars, namely;
a. Safe Operations
b. Teaching and Learning
c. Including the Most Marginalized
d. Well-being and Protection

14. Cutting across all the pillars are the policy and finance
support to ensure operational , mechanisms are in
place. Central to this is the Shared Responsibility
principle. The framework will effectively engage the
entire society in making sure that learners are safe and
healthy while attending the face-to-face classes.
Specifically, the framework puts the learner's health and
safety at the heart of the implementation, allowing them
to learn better.

15. V: Eligibility of Participation to
the Implementation of
Face-to-Face Classes

16. 1. Schools
a. The school shall be located in minimal-risk areas•.'based on
criteria set by DOH before they can participate in the limited
face to face classes.
b. Participating public and private schools shall pass the
school safety assessment using the School Safety
Assessment Tool (see Annex_B).

17. c. Results shall be validated by a composite team from: Schools
Division Office (SDO) based on the standards specified in the School
Safety Assessment Tool (SSAT). The team shall be composed of:
- Disaster Risk Reduction and Management ( DRRM) Coordinator
- SDO Health Personnel
- Planning Officer
- SDO Engineers
- Representative from Curriculum Implementation Division (CID)
- Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist

18. d. The school shall have expressed support from LGU:
(Barangay, Municipality, City, Province) in the form of a
resolution or letter of support allowing them to participate in
face-to-face classes.
e. The school shall secure expressed support and consent of
parents of students who shall participate in the reopening of
face-to-face classes, in the form of a written Consent Form
(see Annex C).

19. 2. Teachers and Employees
a. All teachers and employees who are 65 years old and below
and with no diagnosed co-morbidities shall be eligible to
provide service during the conduct of the face-to face
classes.
b. Likewise, teachers and employees who are considered
PWDs, are pregnant and lactating, whose services are
indispensable under the present circumstance may be
considered eligible, (as provided for in CSC Memorandum
Circular No. 18, s. 2020).

20. c. Regardless of the vaccination status, teachers and other employees
are eligible to participate, while those with stable comorbidities may
join voluntarily. School administrators may decide on teachers and
other employees then schedule based on careful analysis of risks and
benefits.
d. COVID-19 vaccination shall remain an essential strategy to
complement the existing implementation of the Prevention, Detection,
Isolation, Treatment, and Reintegration (PDITR) strategies, which is
the cornerstone of the country's response to prevent further
transmission.
e. DepEd shall encourage teachers and personnel, regardless of
employment status, to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

21. 3.Learners
a. Selection of learners who will participate in the pilot
implementation shall be guided by the following criteria:
- Participation is voluntary with signed written consent from
parent/guardian (see Annex C for sample written consent form)
- Only learners from within the city/municipality where the
school/learning center is located shall be considered

22. - Can walk going to school, or, with regulated public transportation, or
with available private transport
-Without existing comorbidities

23. b. Participating schools may further do prioritization of learners
according but not limited to the following conditions:
- Children who require childcare, such as those whose parents
must work outside the home, or who have no directly available and
immediately responsible adults/ guardians at home.
- Learners heavily dependent on face-to-face-learning
interventions, such as Key Stage I learners (Kindergarten to Grade
3).
- Learners who struggle to meet the required learning
competencies;

24. - Senior high school learners enrolled in Technical-Vocational-
Livelihood (TVL) track requiring workshop equipment in school.
- Learners that are documented to be affected by mental health
concerns that may be eased by face-to-face interactions. The school
shall provide a referral process to address mental health concerns.

25. VI: Guidelines On Safe Reopening
( to be discussed by other members of the Division Task Force
especially : SHNS , DRRM , CID )

26. Division Action Plan on
the Opening of Limited
Face to Face Classes
Learning Modality

27. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Expected
Outcome
I. Planning & Organizing
a. Creation of Division Task
Force on the
Implementation of
Limited face to Face
Classes.
b. Defining their terms of
reference
c. Preparation of Division
Action Plan
November 14
– 15
SDS , ASDS
DRRM Coordinator
SDO Health Personnel
Planning Officer
SDO Engineers
Representative from
Curriculum Implementation
Division (CID)
SMES
- Organized the
task force
- Defined the
duties and
responsibilities
- Crafted Division
Action Plan

28. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
II. Information
Dissemination
a. Overview on Joint
Memorandum Circular
No. 1 – DOH & DEpED
re: Implementation of
Limited Face to Face
Modality
b. Overview on School
Safety Assessment Tool
(SSAT )
November 16 OSDS, CID, SGOD
Officials & Personnel ,
PSDS & School Heads
- Grasped
information on
Joint Memo
Circular No. 1
re: Guidelines on
the Implementation
of Limited Face to
face & School Safety
Assessment Tool.

29. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
II. Information Campaign
c. Division Orientation on
the Guidelines on the
Implementation of Limited
Face to School Task Force
November 22 PSDS, School Heads ,
ICT Coordinator,
School Task Force on
the Opening of Limited
Face to Face Classes
Modality
- Oriented the
members of the
Task Force on
Deped & DOH
Joint Memo
Circular No. 1
re: Guidelines on
the Implementation
of Limited Face to
face Modality &
School Safety
Assessment Tool.

30. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
III. Data Gathering
a. Online submission
facility / Collection of
data from the field.
November 23
– December
29
School Heads, School
ICT Coordinator, PSDS,
Planning Officer, SMES
SEPS
- Gathered data
on SSAT of all
schools.

31. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
IV. Data Analysis
a. Analyze / Review the
submitted data .
b. Validate the data
January 3 –
15, 2022
January 20 –
30
Division Task Force
esp. Planning Officer
Division Task Force &
DFTAT Members
Analyzed and
validated the
submitted data

32. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
V. Provision of Technical
Assistance
a. Conduct school
visitation / onsite
validation
b. Check the following
areas:
Managing School Operation
- Shared Responsibility
- Alternative Work arrangement
- Classroom lay-out & Structure
- School Traffic Management
- Protective Measures, Hygiene
Practices & Safety Procedures
- Communication Strategy
- Contingency Plan
February 2022 Division Task Force &
DFTAT Members
Provided technical
assistance to
selected
elementary &
secondary schools

33. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
V. Provision of Technical
Assistance
Focusing on Teaching &
Learning
- Learning Resources
- Limited Face to Face ( Class &
Teachers Program , Learners
Profile, , WHLP etc.
- Teacher Support
( LAC, Coaching, Mentoring &
Training )
February
2022
Division Task Force &
DFTAT Members
Provided technical
assistance to
qualified
elementary &
secondary schools

34. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
V. Provision of Technical
Assistance
Well – Being & Protection
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Covid 19 Case Management
- Developed Strategies to prevent
COVId 19 cases
- Identified Strategies to prevent
Covid 19 cases
- Developed strategies to isolate
and treat Covid 19
- Developed strategies to provide
psychosocial support to the
learners, teachers and personnel .
- Contact tracing procedure
- Referral System
February
2022
Division Task Force &
DFTAT Members
Provided technical
assistance to
qualified
elementary &
secondary schools

35. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
V. Provision of Technical
Assistance
Including the Most
Marginalized
- Identified the most
disadvantaged in terms of
access to learnings.
- Identified strategies for these
less fortunate learners.
February
2022
Division Task Force &
DFTAT Members
Provided technical
assistance to
qualified
elementary &
secondary schools

36. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
V. Provision of Technical
Assistance
Home and School
Collaboration
- Developed Plan in
coordinating with the
LGU/ BLGU
- Developed strategies in
conducting orientation
with parents / guardian.
February
2022
Division Task Force &
DFTAT Members
Provided technical
assistance to
qualified
elementary &
secondary schools

37. Proposed
School Action Plan
on the Implementation of
Limited Face to Face Classes
Learning Modality

38. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Expected
Outcome
Phase 1 – Preparatory
Activity
I. Planning & Organizing
a. Creation of School Task
Force on the
Implementation of Limited
face to Face Classes.
b. Define their terms of
reference
c. Preparation of School
Action Plan
November
17 – 19
School Head, School Task
Force, SGC etc.
- Organized the
task force
- Defined the
duties and
responsibilities
- Crafted School
Action Plan

39. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
II. Information
Dissemination
a. Conduct of School
Orientation on:
- Joint Memorandum
Circular No. 1
- School Safety
Assessment Tool
November
22
School Head, School
Task Force, SGC etc.
- Oriented on
the provisions
stated in Joint
Memo Circular
No. 1
re: Guidelines on
the Implementation
of Limited Face to
face & School Safety
Assessment Tool.

40. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
III. Data Gathering
a. Conduct evaluation
using SSAT Tool.
November 23
– December
20
School Task Force - Assessed the
status of the
school

41. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
IV: Submission of Data
- Uploading of SSAT to
Division Online Facility
January 3 –
15, 2022
School Head and
School ICT Coordinator
Uploaded SSA
data

42. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
V. On Site / On Line
Validation
a. Check the following
areas:
Managing School Operation
- Shared Responsibility
- Alternative Work arrangement
- Classroom lay-out & Structure
- School Traffic Management
- Protective Measures, Hygiene
Practices & Safety Procedures
- Communication Strategy
- Contingency Plan
February
2022
Division Task Force ,
DFTAT Members , School
Head, Members of the
School Task Force
( School Health &
Nutrition Section, DRRM
& Other SGOD Sections )
Conducted online/
offline validation to
all elementary &
secondary schools

43. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
V. On Site / On Line
Validation
Focusing on Teaching &
Learning
- Learning Resources
- Limited Face to Face ( Class &
Teachers Program , Learners
Profile, , WHLP etc.
- Teacher Support
( LAC, Coaching, Mentoring &
Training )
February
2022
Division Task Force ,
DFTAT Members ,
School Head, Members
of the School Task
Force
( Curriculum
Implementation
Division )
Provided technical
assistance to
qualified
elementary &
secondary schools

44. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
V. On Site / On Line
Validation
Well – Being & Protection
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Covid 19 Case Management
- Developed Strategies to prevent
COVId 19 cases
- Identified Strategies to prevent
Covid 19 cases
- Developed strategies to isolate
and treat Covid 19
- Developed strategies to provide
psychosocial support to the
learners, teachers and personnel .
- Contact tracing procedure
- Referral System
February
2022
Division Task Force ,
DFTAT Members ,
School Head, Members
of the School Task Force
( School Health &
Nutrition Section,
DRRM & Other SGOD
Sections )
Provided technical
assistance to
qualified
elementary &
secondary schools

45. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
V. On Site / On Line
Validation
Including the Most
Marginalized
- Identified the most
disadvantaged in terms of
access to learnings.
- Identified strategies for these
less fortunate learners.
February
2022
Division Task Force ,
DFTAT Members ,
School Head, Members
of the School Task Force
( SGOD – PRS & SMES )
Provided technical
assistance to
qualified
elementary &
secondary schools

46. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
Phase 2
Recalibration of Plans
1. Conduct meeting with
the members of the School
Task force to discuss the
technical assistance
provided by the DFTAT /
SDO Task Force during
online / offline validation.
February
2022
PSDS, School Head,
Members of the School
Task Force
a. Conducted
meeting with
Task Force
Members

47. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
2. Develop Plan of Actions
( Phase 2 ) based on the
finding / TA provided.
3. Implement the
strategies and activities
indicated in the plan of
actions.
March 2022
March 2022
School Head, Members
of the School Task Force
School Head, Members
of the School Task Force
SGC Members,
Stakeholders
Recalibrated Plan
of Actions based
on the provided
TA.
Implemented the
activities and
strategies in the
plan of actions.

48. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
III: Re- asessment
1. Conduct re- evaluation
of the level of
preparedness of the
school on opening of
face to face classes
modality using SSAT.
2. Present the result of re
– assessment to the
school partners for
possible intervention.
March 2022
to April 2022
School Head, Members
of the School Task Force
School ICT Coord.
School Task Force
Improved the
level of readiness
in each area of the
school on the
implementation of
face to face
learning modality

49. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
3. Submit the SSAT to
Division Online Facility.
4. Prepare the school for
the online/ offline
validation on 4 areas :
5. Final assessment on the
readiness of the school.
( Repeat the Process )
April 15
April 16 – 30
School ICT Coordinator
School Task Force
DFTAT , Division Task
Force
Uploaded SSAT
Prepared the
school for
validation
Assessed the
readiness of the
school

50. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
Implementation Phase
1. Opening of the Face to
Face Implementation
School Heads, Teachers
Parents , other
stakeholders
Successful opening
of the limited Face
to face Learning
Modality

51. Strategy Time Frame Persons Involved Performance
Measure
2. Monitoring of the
Opening of the limited face
to face learning modality
3. Documentation of the
strength & facilitating forces
during the implementation
of the face to face learning
modality.
School M & E Team
School Documentation
Team
Monitored the
opening of the
school limited Face
to face opening
Documented the
implementation of
the limited face to
face learning
modality