Philippine E-Journals

AN EXPLORATION OF THE SUSTAINABILITY OF SELECTED PRIVATE SCHOOLS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

MARIA ANTONIA CRUDO-CAPILI | RONA MAYE GONZAGA-TRINIDAD | MARISSA BORINES | GRACIA DG SARAO | SHAIRA SANTIAGO

 

Abstract:

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the closure of schools; however, some remained operational. The objective of this research was to determine how private HEIs were able to sustain their operation at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a Multiple Case Study design, 17 administrators, 8 faculty members, and 4 non- teaching personnel from three schools that remained operational during the pandemic were purposively selected based on their knowledge of the operation of their schools as well as their availability at the time of the study which was June to August of 2021. The key informants were interviewed, and their responses were organized using Microsoft Excel. Using thematic analysis, the study revealed the following strategies schools employed to sustain their operation: retained and provided support to their personnel; implemented cost containment measures; instituted flexible working arrangement; adapted the mode of instructions and delivery of services according to students' need; employed flexible learning strategies; implemented virtual classes; provided spiritual and psychological support; maintained physical and digital environments; called for administrators and personnel to be responsive to the COVID-19 situation and built stronger relationship amongst the different people of the schools. The study also pointed out that perceptive administrators, faculty, and staff who were ready to embrace change are critical elements to the survival of schools. The study concludes that to survive, schools should look beyond the attainment of excellence and exercise empathy and come up with innovative strategies to attract students.