SCHOOLS IN THE NEW REALITY: ASSESSING THE NOW, LEADING BEYOND

Abstract

The global COVID-19 outbreak impacted negatively on school administration at all levels. To
effectively and efficiently meet current demands, school leaders and other key stakeholders must
collect data as the foundation for re-designing learning continuity plans. This study employed
both quantitative and qualitative research methods to describe the status of schools during this
pandemic brought about by Covid-19. This nationwide study was participated by 24 school
administrators, 227 teachers, 3,111 students, and 1,206 parents from 16 schools in the
Philippines. The result showed that the mode of learning delivery in the country was drastically
affected by this pandemic. It shifted the traditional physical classroom to the new virtual
classroom. All stakeholders in the education sector faced the challenge of intermittent internet
access, difficulty navigating the online platform, and adjusting to the new reality factoring in
financial limits. This study presents lessons learned and avenues for moving forward and
thriving in this new reality.