NAVIGATING CURRICULUM REFORMS: THE ROLE OF SCHOOL LEADERSHIP IN THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MATATAG CURRICULUM IN EAST-TACURONG DISTRICT

Abstract

The successful implementation of educational reforms, such as the DepEd Matatag Curriculum, hinges significantly on the role of school leadership. This study explores the role of school leadership in the successful implementation of the DepEd Matatag Curriculum in East-Tacurong District, Sultan Kudarat during the 2024-2025 school year. Utilizing a phenomenological approach, the study involved semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with fifteen school heads across elementary schools in the district. The aim was to examine how school leaders contribute to the reform’s implementation by identifying their strategies and addressing challenges. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis, categorizing participants' responses into key themes.The findings reveal that school leaders in East-Tacurong District employ several support mechanisms to ensure the successful implementation of the Matatag Curriculum. These include prioritizing instructional leadership through feedback and data-driven guidance, providing continuous professional development via training programs and School Learning Action Cells (SLACs), fostering a collaborative culture, and ensuring access to essential resources like curriculum guides and digital tools. However, significant challenges were identified, such as teacher readiness, resource constraints, inadequate monitoring systems, and limited community engagement. The study also highlights equity issues, particularly the disparity in access to resources between urban and rural schools, which impacts the effectiveness of the curriculum.The strategies employed by school leaders—such as capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and equity-focused interventions—are essential for overcoming these challenges. The study concludes that while school leaders have made substantial progress in implementing the curriculum, continued efforts in resource allocation, stakeholder communication, and technology integration are crucial for sustaining the reform’s success.