I have about 10 graduating students who are taking their 3rd year back subject to me. Most of them cannot attend my first period class in the afternoon because of their tight schedules in the morning for their regular class in 4th year. During the first grading period, I gave them considerations by letting them attend my class only thrice a day in a week provided they're going to study and do the assignments given to them. Most of them complied and therefore passed the first grading period.However, our dept. head did not approved of this and required me to let the students attend everyday.I consulted the guidance office and accordingly they also consulted our principal,, and they were in favor of the policy I set before the students. But then, because I am in direct contact inside the faculty with our dept. head,to avoid conflict and insubordination,, I informed the students to attend everyday. Thus, it resulted from laxity and non- appearance by these students. When 2nd grading period came,, all of them received a failing grade from me. Since they are graduating students, their parents and respective advisers came to me to asked for another chance coz it also lead to a decisive action from our principal to dropped automatically those who are not attending their back subjects anymore.
My confusion is that if I'm not going to accept these students in my class despite the pleading of parents and advisers, am I not transgressing the right of the students/parents in connection with the EFA? I sincerely wanted to help these students so they can graduate considering that this is a public school, but I am torn between the policies set by my two superiors and of my own will referring to my first agreement with the students. Please help me out regarding the legalities of this. Thank you very much.

Hi yolly,

Welcome to EduPhil.org.

I can't remember the exact DepEd Order/Memo, but I seem to recall that there is an existing 20% rule, i.e. a student is considered dropped from a subject if he is absent for more than 20% of the required number of days. Since you will allow the student to just attend 3 out of 5 meetings, then you are requiring them to attend far less than the minimum required by the Department of Education. I can understand why your department head does not like your system.

That said, apparently you have the go-signal for your principal. I applaud your willingness to help the students. It's just a pain in the foot that sometimes we have co-workers who does not share our vision. But since you have clearance from your principal, it might be better to have him issue a memo or whatever written instructions you have, allowing you to conduct the classes as you want it. If you have this written authority, I don't see any reason why your department head would be stopping you.