SOAR HIGHER WITH SAFE CI
“People work for extra money but go the extra mile for recognition, praise, and rewards.”
Recognition of leaders has been practiced since then, people who feel appreciated end up experiencing more self-worth, and their ability to contribute to the organization increases as a result. Recognition and awards are proven as a motivating tool to sore higher and to continue performing as a model in their field of profession.
One example is the implementation SAFE CI (SUPERINTENDENT AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION) Secretary Leonor Briones said that it aims to recognize and reward the exemplary contribution of schools, Schools Division Offices (SDO), Regional Offices, and CI Bureaus/Offices in ensuring that learning really happens in the lives of public-school learners, especially amid the global pandemic.
In this connection, the awards were categorized from Most Learning-Focused Public Elementary School, Most Learning-Focused Public Junior High School, Most Learning-Focused Public Senior High School, Most Learning-Focused Schools Division Office, Most Learning-Focused Regional Office, Most Effective Division CI Strand, Central Offices. The head of the organizational unit winning the award shall be similarly recognized as Outstanding Principal, Outstanding School Division Superintendent (SDS), Outstanding Regional Director (RO), and Outstanding CO Division Chief/ Unit Head. SDOs shall submit one official nominee with Advanced Level in School-Based Management corresponding to each school award category. The most learning-focused Public Elementary are categorized into Key stages, Kinder Key Stage 1, Grade 1-3 Key Stage 2, and Grade 4-6 Kay Stage 3. The awards will only be based on academic achievement through the exemplary practices of the schools anchored in the SBM guidelines to improve teaching and learning.
Awards in the field of curriculum and instructions have many advantages but, it has also had a fair share of disadvantages. Among others, issues on favoritism. To avoid this matter, imposing the criteria is strictly applied. Rewards and recognition must be proven in actions before it is given. It is based on excellent performance and invaluable contribution in the field of education to intensify learners’ academic achievement across learning areas in curriculum and instructions
In connection with this, SDO Paranaque cascaded the program to school heads. On March 17, 2022, Program RAISE was created (Radiate Academic Performance Through Innovation, Strategies, and Excellence) under the SAFE CI Program in CEDLES spearheaded by school principal DR. Susan J. Corro in collaboration with the master teachers (MT), coordinators and grade chairmen. The overall chairperson of this Program RAISE is Cristy Montano, co- chair Ms. Judy Espera, and Marissa Cayabyab as secretary. The focal persons of Key stage 1,2,3 are Jessa Lea Yasay, Marigen Rodriguez, and Primitiva Trono respectively. The Program was officially launched on March 18, 2022.
Susan M. Heathfield, a Human Resources Expert said that “Recognition is not a scarce resource. You can’t use it up or run out of it.” It doesn’t cost a thing. It is saying thank you for a job well done. So, this program by the DepEd Secretary is highly commendable. The impact of rewards and recognition on employees can be quite profound. It can motivate them to soar to greater heights in performing in the workplace.
–PRIMITIVA B. TRONO