PROVISION OF SUPPORT MECHANISM IN THE SCHOOL-BASED ALS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL: FROM THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF SCHOOL HEADS

Educational Administration

The primary objective of this qualitative-phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of school heads in managing and providing support mechanisms in school-based Alternative Learning System (ALS) Senior High School programs in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The study sought to uncover the various strategies, challenges, and insights that shaped their leadership and management practices in supporting ALS Senior High School learners. Eight school heads who have been assigned to ALS-SHS-implementing schools for at least two years were selected through purposive sampling based on set criteria. These participants took part in in-depth interviews. Through thematic analysis, ten core themes emerged: experiences in providing support mechanisms for the school-based ALS Senior High School; management functions or strategies performed in the school to ensure equal support mechanisms; ways to ensure alignment of support mechanisms with the specific needs of ALS-SHS learners; challenges encountered in providing such mechanisms; assistance received from stakeholders; help provided by DepEd officials; strategies employed to overcome difficulties; recommendations to DepEd officials; suggestions for other principals; and lessons learned from their experiences. The results of this study highlighted the importance of responsive school leadership, strategic collaboration with stakeholders, and adaptive management in sustaining and improving support systems for ALS Senior High School learners. The insights generated may serve as a vital reference for educational leaders and policymakers in refining ALS-SHS implementation at the school level.

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