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DepEd Order No. 24, s. 2020

Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads

The PPSSH describes what DepEd expects school heads to know, do, and value at each stage of their career. The National Assessment for School Heads (NASH) draws its questions from these standards. This guide covers all of it, from the framework to every indicator.

What the PPSSH is

The PPSSH is DepEd’s public statement of what makes a quality school head. It sets out what you should know, be able to do, and value as you grow in the role.

DepEd adopted the standards through DepEd Order No. 24, s. 2020. They apply to every school head in the Department. DepEd encourages private school heads and principals to use them too.

Republic Act No. 9155 defines a school head as a person “responsible for administrative and instructional supervision of a school or cluster of schools.” The PPSSH describes how you carry out that responsibility well.

The standards give school heads and stakeholders a common language for high-impact leadership. Use them to reflect on your practice, discuss leadership with colleagues, and plan your professional development.

How the standards are organized

Domain
A broad sphere of school leadership practice. There are five.Domain 1: Leading Strategically
Strand
A specific dimension of practice within a domain. There are 34.Strand 1.6: Learner voice
Indicator
A concrete, observable, and measurable behavior for one strand at one career stage.Indicator 1.6.1: Career Stage 1 of strand 1.6

Indicator codes read domain, strand, then career stage. Indicator 1.6.1 is the first-stage practice for strand 1.6, and 1.6.4 is the fourth.

Why DepEd adopted the PPSSH

The PPSSH replaced the 2010 National Competency-Based Standards for School Heads (NCBSSH). DepEd needed standards that fit K to 12 and compare well internationally.

  • School heads shape the conditions for learning. They create the environment where teachers teach well and learners achieve.
  • Teachers need effective leaders. Teacher quality drives learner achievement. The OECD (2018) adds that it “cannot exceed the quality of the policies that shape their work environment in school.”
  • The demands on schools changed. K to 12, the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST), ASEAN integration, globalization, and 21st-century learners all raised expectations of school leaders.

What the PPSSH aims to do

  1. Set clear expectations of school heads along well-defined career stages, from beginning to exemplary practice.
  2. Engage school heads in a continuing effort to reach high levels of proficiency.
  3. Support professional learning, help identify development needs, and make performance assessment uniform.

What DepEd commits to

  1. Support school heads in their mandates and roles, including improving teacher quality and, eventually, learner achievement.
  2. Promote continuing professional development and advancement based on career-long learning.
  3. Help school heads reflect on and assess their own practice as they pursue professional development.

What the PPSSH anchors

  • Recruitment, selection, and placement
  • Performance appraisal
  • Rewards and recognition
  • Talent management
  • Professional development programs

The Order rescinds DepEd Order No. 32, s. 2010. It aligns with the PPST (DepEd Order No. 42, s. 2017), the transformation of the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (DepEd Order No. 11, s. 2019), and the Philippine Professional Standards for Supervisors.

How the framework fits together

The framework joins two goals: school effectiveness and people effectiveness. Five domains of instructional and administrative practice connect them, with learners at the center.

School effectivenessMaximizing organizational performance and health

Learners

People effectivenessTaking care of the people in schools

  1. Domain 1Leading StrategicallySet the direction of the school
  2. Domain 2Managing School Operations and ResourcesManage the systems and processes in the school
  3. Domain 3Focusing on Teaching and LearningPromote quality teaching and learning
  4. Domain 4Developing Self and OthersNurture themselves and others
  5. Domain 5Building ConnectionsEngage stakeholders
Based on Figure 1, The PPSSH Framework, in DepEd Order No. 24, s. 2020. Each domain shows what quality school heads do in it.

Eight guiding principles

These principles underpin every domain. When a situation is unclear, they show what the standards value most.

  1. Learner-centered

    The learner is the heart of educational supervision. School heads foster safe, caring, and supportive learning communities and promote rigorous curricula, instruction, and assessment.

  2. Builds a network of stakeholders

    School heads strengthen the supports around the school: teacher and staff capacity, the professional community, family and community engagement, and sound operations.

  3. Grounded in the school’s problems

    School heads reflect on the needs and concerns of learners, teachers, parents, the community, and other stakeholders so they can address them.

  4. Focused on instruction, culture, and job-embedded growth

    School heads develop people and improve practice by meeting teachers’ professional and personal needs and improving the learning environment.

  5. Rooted in values that drive school success

    School heads promote the stated values and concepts at the school level to build strong commitment among stakeholders.

  6. Treats supervision as central

    Supervision sets the school’s direction toward goals and objectives that benefit learners.

  7. Accountable and transparent

    A school head’s decisions and actions are open to public scrutiny. School heads report, explain, and answer for their actions, decisions, and policies (RA 9155, Chapter 1, Section 5).

  8. Inclusive

    The standards recognize the needs of individuals and groups and accommodate religious, cultural, linguistic, gender, and other differences.

Four career stages

Every strand describes practice at four career stages. Each stage builds on the last: knowledge, then independent practice, then shared governance, then mastery that lifts others.

  1. Career Stage 1Aspiring school heads who hold the prerequisite qualifications.

    • Career Stage 1 School Heads (aspiring school heads) have acquired the prerequisite qualifications for the school head position.
    • They demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of the authority, responsibility, and accountability expected of school heads as described in the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads.
    • They have also acquired the minimum qualifications to perform their functions as instructional leaders and administrative managers.
    • They are equipped with exceptional teaching and/or leadership skills described by Career Stage 3 and/or Career Stage 4 in the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers or other relevant equivalent qualifications and experiences.
  2. Career Stage 2School heads who work independently across all five domains.

    • Career Stage 2 School Heads apply the required knowledge and understanding of the authority, responsibility, and accountability expected of them as described in the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads.
    • They are professionally independent in performing their functions as instructional leaders and administrative managers.
    • They maintain school effectiveness and people effectiveness by leading strategically, managing school operations and resources, focusing on teaching and learning, developing themselves and others, and building connections.
    • They reflect on their practices for improvement and seek to involve all school personnel in professional learning and career advancement.
  3. Career Stage 3School heads who share governance with the school community.

    • Career Stage 3 School Heads consistently display an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the authority, responsibility, and accountability expected of them as described in the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads.
    • They exhibit advanced skills in performing their functions as instructional leaders and administrative managers.
    • They establish shared governance with the wider school community in the efficient and effective implementation of school policies, programs, and other initiatives towards the attainment of institutional goals.
    • They continuously reflect on and take steps to address their developmental needs and those of other school personnel and learners.
  4. Career Stage 4School heads who model mastery and lead beyond their school.

    • Career Stage 4 School Heads consistently exhibit mastery in their application of the authority, responsibility, and accountability expected of them as described in the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads.
    • They model the highest standards of practice in performing their functions as instructional leaders and administrative managers.
    • They empower the wider school community in the implementation of school policies, programs, projects, and activities towards school community transformation.
    • They commit to inspire all school personnel and fellow school leaders to continuously pursue excellence and create lifelong impact in the school and community.

Preparing for the NASH? Career Stage 1 describes aspiring school heads who hold the prerequisite qualifications for the position.

Indicators by domain

Each strand lists one indicator per career stage. Read across a strand to see how the same practice deepens, or show one stage to study it on its own.

Domain 1

Leading Strategically

You set the school’s direction, goals, and objectives, and make sure every stakeholder understands and embraces them. You draw on laws, policies, research, feedback, and context, and you know where the school stands and where it needs to go. The aim is maximum organizational performance.

7 strands · 28 indicators shown

  1. 1.1Vision, mission and core values

    1. Career Stage 1 · 1.1.1

      Demonstrate knowledge of the DepEd vision, mission and core values to foster shared understanding and alignment of school policies, programs, projects and activities.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 1.1.2

      Communicate the DepEd vision, mission and core values to the wider school community to ensure shared understanding and alignment of school policies, programs, projects and activities.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 1.1.3

      Collaborate with school personnel in communicating the DepEd vision, mission and core values to the wider school community to strengthen shared understanding and alignment of school policies, programs, projects and activities.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 1.1.4

      Serve as a role model in the school and the wider school community in embodying the DepEd vision, mission and core values to sustain shared understanding and alignment of school policies, programs, projects and activities.

  2. 1.2School planning and implementation

    1. Career Stage 1 · 1.2.1

      Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the phases of development and implementation of school plans aligned with institutional goals and policies.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 1.2.2

      Develop and implement with the planning team school plans aligned with institutional goals and policies.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 1.2.3

      Engage the school community in the development and implementation of school plans aligned with institutional goals and policies.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 1.2.4

      Share with fellow school heads best practice in the development and implementation of school plans aligned with institutional goals and policies.

  3. 1.3Policy implementation and review

    1. Career Stage 1 · 1.3.1

      Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of policy implementation and review to ensure that school operations are consistent with national and local laws, regulations and issuances.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 1.3.2

      Undertake policy implementation and review in the school to ensure that operations are consistent with national and local laws, regulations and issuances.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 1.3.3

      Engage stakeholders in improving the implementation of reviewed policies to ensure consistency of school operations with national and local laws, regulations and issuances.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 1.3.4

      Recommend to higher authorities the enhancement of policies relevant to school operations based on implementation and review.

  4. 1.4Research and innovation

    1. Career Stage 1 · 1.4.1

      Identify relevant research findings from reliable sources in facilitating data-driven and evidence-based innovations to improve school performance.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 1.4.2

      Utilize relevant research findings from reliable sources in facilitating data-driven and evidence-based innovations to improve school performance.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 1.4.3

      Collaborate with school personnel in the conduct of research and utilization of findings in facilitating data-driven and evidence-based innovations to improve school performance.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 1.4.4

      Promote a culture of research to facilitate data-driven and evidence-based innovations to improve school performance and foster continuous improvement.

  5. 1.5Program design and implementation

    1. Career Stage 1 · 1.5.1

      Display understanding of the implementation of programs in the school that support the development of learners.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 1.5.2

      Implement programs in the school that support the development of learners.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 1.5.3

      Design and implement needs-based programs in the school that support the development of learners.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 1.5.4

      Lead and empower school personnel in designing and implementing needs-based programs in the school that support the development of learners.

  6. 1.6Learner voice

    1. Career Stage 1 · 1.6.1

      Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of utilizing learner voice to inform policy development and decision-making towards school improvement.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 1.6.2

      Utilize learner voice, such as feelings, views and/or opinions to inform policy development and decision-making towards school improvement.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 1.6.3

      Design and apply effective strategies in utilizing learner voice, such as feelings, views and/or opinions to inform policy development and decision-making towards school improvement.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 1.6.4

      Systematize processes in utilizing learner voice, such as feelings, views and/or opinions to inform policy development and decision-making towards school improvement.

  7. 1.7Monitoring and evaluation processes and tools

    1. Career Stage 1 · 1.7.1

      Display knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation processes and tools to promote learner achievement.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 1.7.2

      Utilize available monitoring and evaluation processes and tools to promote learner achievement.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 1.7.3

      Design supplemental monitoring and evaluation tools following standard processes to promote learner achievement.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 1.7.4

      Lead in the institutionalization of effective monitoring and evaluation processes and tools to promote learner achievement.

Domain 2

Managing School Operations and Resources

You apply the laws, policies, and issuances that govern human, financial, and material resources. You build a culture of transparency and accountability so basic education services never stop. The aim is efficient, effective, and fair operations that keep the organization healthy.

6 strands · 24 indicators shown

  1. 2.1Records management

    1. Career Stage 1 · 2.1.1

      Demonstrate skills in managing school data and information using technology, including ICT.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 2.1.2

      Manage school data and information using technology, including ICT, to ensure efficient and effective school operations.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 2.1.3

      Capacitate school personnel in managing school data and information using technology, including ICT, to ensure efficient and effective school operations.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 2.1.4

      Exhibit best practice in managing school data and information using technology, including ICT, to ensure efficient and effective school operations.

  2. 2.2Financial management

    1. Career Stage 1 · 2.2.1

      Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of policies, guidelines and issuances in managing finances such as allocation, procurement, disbursement and liquidation aligned with the school plan.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 2.2.2

      Manage finances adhering to policies, guidelines and issuances in allocation, procurement, disbursement and liquidation aligned with the school plan.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 2.2.3

      Exhibit efficient and effective practices in the management of finances consistently adhering to policies, guidelines and issuances in allocation, procurement, disbursement and liquidation aligned with the school plan.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 2.2.4

      Create and implement a checking mechanism to sustain efficient and effective management of finances while adhering consistently to policies, guidelines and issuances in allocation, procurement, disbursement and liquidation aligned with the school plan.

  3. 2.3School facilities and equipment

    1. Career Stage 1 · 2.3.1

      Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of policies, guidelines and issuances on acquisition, recording, utilization, repair and maintenance, storage, and disposal in managing school facilities and equipment.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 2.3.2

      Manage school facilities and equipment in adherence to policies, guidelines and issuances on acquisition, recording, utilization, repair and maintenance, storage and disposal.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 2.3.3

      Establish shared accountability in managing school facilities and equipment in adherence to policies, guidelines and issuances on acquisition, recording, utilization, repair and maintenance, storage and disposal.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 2.3.4

      Systematize processes in managing school facilities and equipment in adherence to policies, guidelines and issuances on acquisition, recording, utilization, repair and maintenance, storage and disposal.

  4. 2.4Management of staff

    1. Career Stage 1 · 2.4.1

      Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of laws, policies, guidelines and issuances on managing school staff.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 2.4.2

      Manage staffing such as teaching load distribution and grade level and subject area assignment in adherence to laws, policies, guidelines and issuances based on the needs of the school.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 2.4.3

      Engage school personnel in maintaining effective management of staff in adherence to laws, policies, guidelines and issuances based on the needs of the school.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 2.4.4

      Empower school personnel in sustaining effective management of staff in adherence to laws, policies, guidelines and issuances based on the needs of the school.

  5. 2.5School safety for disaster preparedness, mitigation and resiliency

    1. Career Stage 1 · 2.5.1

      Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of laws, policies, guidelines and issuances on managing school safety for disaster preparedness, mitigation and resiliency in ensuring continuous delivery of instruction.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 2.5.2

      Manage school safety for disaster preparedness, mitigation and resiliency to ensure continuous delivery of instruction.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 2.5.3

      Work with the wider school community in managing school safety for disaster preparedness, mitigation and resiliency to maintain continuous delivery of instruction.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 2.5.4

      Institutionalize the effective management of school safety for disaster preparedness, mitigation and resiliency to sustain continuous delivery of instruction.

  6. 2.6Emerging opportunities and challenges

    1. Career Stage 1 · 2.6.1

      Identify emerging opportunities and challenges in addressing the needs of learners, school personnel and other stakeholders.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 2.6.2

      Manage emerging opportunities and challenges to encourage equality and equity in addressing the needs of learners, school personnel and other stakeholders.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 2.6.3

      Capacitate school personnel in managing emerging opportunities and challenges to promote equality and equity in addressing the needs of learners, school personnel and other stakeholders.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 2.6.4

      Empower school personnel in managing emerging opportunities and challenges to ensure equality and equity in addressing the needs of learners, school personnel and other stakeholders.

Domain 3

Focusing on Teaching and Learning

You give teachers technical assistance on curriculum, practice, and performance. You keep the school learner-centered, so every learner has access to inclusive, excellent, relevant, and liberating education. The aim is instructional leadership that raises teacher competence and learner outcomes.

8 strands · 32 indicators shown

  1. 3.1School-based review, contextualization and implementation of learning standards

    1. Career Stage 1 · 3.1.1

      Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of school-based review, contextualization and implementation of learning standards.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 3.1.2

      Assist teachers in the review, contextualization and implementation of learning standards to make the curriculum relevant for learners.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 3.1.3

      Work with teams in the conduct of review, contextualization and implementation of learning standards to assist teachers in making the curriculum relevant for learners.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 3.1.4

      Share exemplary practice in the review, contextualization and implementation of learning standards to effectively assist teachers in making the curriculum relevant for learners.

  2. 3.2Teaching standards and pedagogies

    1. Career Stage 1 · 3.2.1

      Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of teaching standards and pedagogies within and across learning areas to provide technical assistance to teachers to improve their teaching practice.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 3.2.2

      Provide technical assistance to teachers on teaching standards and pedagogies within and across learning areas to improve their teaching practice.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 3.2.3

      Engage school personnel such as master teachers, head teachers and department heads in providing technical assistance to teachers on teaching standards and pedagogies within and across learning areas to improve their teaching practice.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 3.2.4

      Exhibit best practice in providing technical assistance to teachers for them to develop exemplary practices consistent with teaching standards and pedagogies within and across learning areas.

  3. 3.3Teacher performance feedback

    1. Career Stage 1 · 3.3.1

      Demonstrate understanding of the use of feedback obtained from learners, parents and other stakeholders to help teachers improve their performance.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 3.3.2

      Use validated feedback obtained from learners, parents and other stakeholders to help teachers improve their performance.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 3.3.3

      Collaborate with school personnel in effectively using validated feedback obtained from learners, parents and other stakeholders to help teachers improve their performance.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 3.3.4

      Exhibit exemplary skills in effectively using validated feedback obtained from learners, parents and other stakeholders to help teachers improve their performance.

  4. 3.4Learner achievement and other performance indicators

    1. Career Stage 1 · 3.4.1

      Set achievable and challenging learning outcomes to support learner achievement and the attainment of other performance indicators.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 3.4.2

      Utilize learning outcomes in developing data-based interventions to maintain learner achievement and attain other performance indicators.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 3.4.3

      Engage the wider school community in developing data-based interventions to sustain learner achievement and attain other performance indicators.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 3.4.4

      Mentor fellow school heads in sustaining learner achievement and in attaining other performance indicators to promote accountability within and beyond school contexts.

  5. 3.5Learning assessment

    1. Career Stage 1 · 3.5.1

      Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of learning assessment tools, strategies and utilization of results consistent with curriculum requirements.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 3.5.2

      Provide technical assistance to teachers in using learning assessment tools, strategies and results consistent with curriculum requirements to ensure accountability in achieving higher learning outcomes.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 3.5.3

      Work with personnel involved in evaluating teachers’ use of learning assessment tools, strategies and results consistent with curriculum requirements to ensure accountability in achieving higher learning outcomes.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 3.5.4

      Lead initiatives on the innovative use of learning assessment tools, strategies and results consistent with curriculum requirements to ensure accountability in achieving higher learning outcomes.

  6. 3.6Learning environment

    1. Career Stage 1 · 3.6.1

      Demonstrate understanding of managing a learner-friendly, inclusive and healthy learning environment.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 3.6.2

      Manage a learner-friendly, inclusive and healthy learning environment.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 3.6.3

      Engage the wider school community in maintaining a learner-friendly, inclusive and healthy learning environment.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 3.6.4

      Empower the wider school community in promoting and sustaining a learner-friendly, inclusive and healthy learning environment.

  7. 3.7Career awareness and opportunities

    1. Career Stage 1 · 3.7.1

      Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the integration of career awareness and opportunities in the provision of learning experiences aligned with the curriculum.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 3.7.2

      Ensure integration of career awareness and opportunities in the provision of learning experiences aligned with the curriculum.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 3.7.3

      Undertake initiatives in integrating career awareness and opportunities in the provision of learning experiences aligned with the curriculum.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 3.7.4

      Institutionalize integration of career awareness and opportunities into the school curriculum and all other learning experiences.

  8. 3.8Learner discipline

    1. Career Stage 1 · 3.8.1

      Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of existing national and local policies related to learner discipline.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 3.8.2

      Implement learner discipline policies that are developed collaboratively with stakeholders including parents, school personnel and the community.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 3.8.3

      Ensure that learner discipline policies developed with stakeholders are integrated into various school processes and are applied consistently at all times, by all school personnel at all levels.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 3.8.4

      Lead concerted efforts among stakeholders to develop and implement effective learner discipline policies to support student growth and whole school improvements.

Domain 4

Developing Self and Others

You reflect on your own growth so you can lead and develop people better. You support your personnel’s professional development and welfare, and you give them chances to learn, reflect, lead, and advance. The aim is effective people and teams.

8 strands · 32 indicators shown

  1. 4.1Personal and professional development

    1. Career Stage 1 · 4.1.1

      Conduct self-assessment of personal and professional development needs using the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 4.1.2

      Set personal and professional development goals based on self-assessment aligned with the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 4.1.3

      Reflect on the attainment of personal and professional development goals and objectives based on the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 4.1.4

      Serve as a learning resource to fellow school heads in upgrading personal and professional competencies aligned with the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads.

  2. 4.2Professional reflection and learning

    1. Career Stage 1 · 4.2.1

      Demonstrate understanding of how professional reflection and learning can be used in improving practice.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 4.2.2

      Apply professional reflection and learning to improve one’s practice.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 4.2.3

      Initiate professional reflections and promote learning opportunities with other school heads to improve practice.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 4.2.4

      Model exemplary leadership practices within and beyond school contexts in critically evaluating practice and setting clearly defined targets for professional development.

  3. 4.3Professional networks

    1. Career Stage 1 · 4.3.1

      Seek opportunities to improve one’s practice as a school leader through professional networks.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 4.3.2

      Participate in professional networks to upgrade knowledge and skills and to enhance practice.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 4.3.3

      Engage actively in professional networks within and across schools to advance knowledge, skills and practice.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 4.3.4

      Lead in organizing professional networks to provide colleagues opportunities to maximize their potential and enhance their practice.

  4. 4.4Performance management

    1. Career Stage 1 · 4.4.1

      Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the implementation of the performance management system in improving school personnel and office performance.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 4.4.2

      Implement the performance management system with a team to support the career advancement of school personnel, and to improve office performance.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 4.4.3

      Monitor and evaluate with school personnel the implementation of the performance management system to ensure career advancement for individual school personnel and to improve office performance.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 4.4.4

      Exhibit exemplary practice in the efficient and effective implementation of the performance management system to ensure career advancement for individual school personnel, and to sustain improved office performance.

  5. 4.5Professional development of school personnel

    1. Career Stage 1 · 4.5.1

      Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of professional development in enhancing strengths and in addressing performance gaps among school personnel.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 4.5.2

      Implement professional development initiatives to enhance strengths and address performance gaps among school personnel.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 4.5.3

      Monitor and evaluate the implementation of professional development initiatives in enhancing strengths and in addressing performance gaps among school personnel.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 4.5.4

      Model exemplary practice in the implementation of professional development initiatives to enhance strengths and address performance gaps among school personnel.

  6. 4.6Leadership development in individuals and teams

    1. Career Stage 1 · 4.6.1

      Identify strengths, capabilities and potentials of individuals and teams in performing leadership roles and responsibilities.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 4.6.2

      Provide opportunities to individuals and teams in performing leadership roles and responsibilities.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 4.6.3

      Capacitate individuals and teams to effectively perform leadership roles and responsibilities in fostering shared governance and accountability.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 4.6.4

      Empower individuals and teams to consistently and effectively perform leadership roles and responsibilities in achieving school goals in shared governance and accountability.

  7. 4.7General welfare of human resources

    1. Career Stage 1 · 4.7.1

      Display knowledge of laws, policies, guidelines and issuances on the rights, privileges and benefits of school personnel to promote their general welfare.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 4.7.2

      Implement laws, policies, guidelines and issuances on the rights, privileges and benefits of school personnel to ensure their general welfare.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 4.7.3

      Integrate laws, policies, guidelines and issuances on the rights, privileges and benefits of school personnel in school programs, projects and activities to ensure their general welfare.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 4.7.4

      Advocate the general welfare of school personnel by gaining support from the wider school community in strengthening the implementation of relevant local and national policies.

  8. 4.8Rewards and recognition mechanism

    1. Career Stage 1 · 4.8.1

      Reward and recognize learners, school personnel and other stakeholders for exemplary performance and/or support.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 4.8.2

      Implement a school rewards system to recognize and motivate learners, school personnel and other stakeholders for exemplary performance and/or continued support.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 4.8.3

      Work with school personnel to encourage stakeholders to support the implementation of the school rewards system in recognizing and motivating learners, school personnel and other stakeholders to sustain exemplary performance and/or continued support.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 4.8.4

      Institutionalize the implementation of the school rewards system with support from the wider school community in recognizing and motivating learners, school personnel and other stakeholders for sustained exemplary performance and/or continued support.

Domain 5

Building Connections

You engage stakeholders in improving the school community and help them understand its vision, mission, core values, and direction. You build relationships on trust, honesty, openness, respect, and a shared vision. The aim is a community that treats education as everyone’s responsibility.

5 strands · 20 indicators shown

  1. 5.1Management of diverse relationships

    1. Career Stage 1 · 5.1.1

      Demonstrate skills in dealing with authorities, colleagues, parents and other stakeholders to encourage an enabling and supportive environment for learners.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 5.1.2

      Build constructive relationships with authorities, colleagues, parents and other stakeholders to foster an enabling and supportive environment for learners.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 5.1.3

      Support school personnel in strengthening relationships with authorities, colleagues, parents and other stakeholders to maintain an enabling and supportive environment for learners.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 5.1.4

      Exhibit exemplary skills in strengthening relationships with authorities, colleagues, parents and other stakeholders to sustain an enabling and supportive environment for learners.

  2. 5.2Management of school organizations

    1. Career Stage 1 · 5.2.1

      Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of policies and guidelines on managing school organizations, such as learner organizations, faculty clubs and parent-teacher associations, in support of the attainment of institutional goals.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 5.2.2

      Manage school organizations, such as learner organizations, faculty clubs and parent-teacher associations, by applying relevant policies and guidelines to support the attainment of institutional goals.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 5.2.3

      Evaluate the accomplishment of school organizations, such as learner organizations, faculty clubs and parent-teacher associations, to determine their impact on the attainment of institutional goals.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 5.2.4

      Exhibit exemplary practice in managing school organizations, such as learner organizations, faculty clubs and parent-teacher associations, to support the attainment of institutional goals.

  3. 5.3Inclusive practice

    1. Career Stage 1 · 5.3.1

      Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of inclusive practices, such as gender sensitivity, physical and mental health awareness and culture responsiveness, to foster awareness, acceptance and respect.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 5.3.2

      Exhibit inclusive practices, such as gender sensitivity, physical and mental health awareness and culture responsiveness, to foster awareness, acceptance and respect.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 5.3.3

      Engage the wider school community in promoting inclusive practices, such as gender sensitivity, physical and mental health awareness and culture responsiveness, to strengthen awareness, acceptance and respect.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 5.3.4

      Create a culture of inclusivity in the school and the community through practices, such as gender sensitivity, physical and mental health awareness, and culture responsiveness, to promote and strengthen awareness, acceptance and respect.

  4. 5.4Communication

    1. Career Stage 1 · 5.4.1

      Demonstrate competent skills in speaking and writing, as well as in utilizing communication platforms, in communicating with teachers, learners, parents and other stakeholders.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 5.4.2

      Communicate effectively in speaking and in writing to teachers, learners, parents and other stakeholders, through positive use of communication platforms, to facilitate information sharing, collaboration and support.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 5.4.3

      Mentor school personnel in communicating effectively in speaking and in writing, as well as in the positive use of communication platforms, to facilitate information sharing, collaboration and support.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 5.4.4

      Exhibit exemplary skills in communicating effectively in speaking and in writing to teachers, learners, parents and other stakeholders to facilitate information sharing, collaboration and support, and to ensure positive use of communication platforms within and beyond the school.

  5. 5.5Community engagement

    1. Career Stage 1 · 5.5.1

      Involve the community, such as parents, alumni, authorities, industries and other stakeholders, in school programs, projects and activities to gain support for learner development, as well as school and community improvement.

    2. Career Stage 2 · 5.5.2

      Initiate partnerships with the community, such as parents, alumni, authorities, industries and other stakeholders, to strengthen support for learner development, as well as school and community improvement.

    3. Career Stage 3 · 5.5.3

      Empower the community, such as parents, alumni, authorities, industries and other stakeholders, to participate in addressing concerns on learner development, as well as school and community improvement.

    4. Career Stage 4 · 5.5.4

      Lead the community, including parents, alumni, authorities, industries and other stakeholders, in creating collaborative actions in solving complex issues on learner development, as well as school and community improvement.

Who puts the PPSSH into practice

The Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development (BHROD) anchors human resource systems on the standards. The National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) anchors professional development.

Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development (BHROD)
  • Reviews selection, hiring, performance appraisal, promotion, and talent management so they rest on the PPSSH.
  • Monitors and evaluates how school heads achieve the standards through these human resource systems.
National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP)
  • Makes sure every professional development program for school heads, internal or external, rests on the standards.
  • Monitors and evaluates achievement of the standards through those programs.
BHROD and NEAP together
  • Disseminate the PPSSH through orientations and capability building at all governance levels.
  • Ensure that school heads in DepEd embody the standards.
Regional Offices, through NEAP in the Regions
  • Organize orientations and capability building for every schools division.
  • Supervise, monitor, and evaluate Schools Division Offices as they cascade the PPSSH.
  • Report these activities to the Office of the Secretary through BHROD and NEAP.
Effectivity
The Order took effect once published in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation, and registered with the Office of the National Administrative Register at the UP Law Center.
Transitory provision
Existing policies still govern DepEd’s human resource systems until DepEd issues implementing guidelines anchored on the PPSSH.

Key terms

These definitions come from the PPSSH glossary and the Order. Sources the PPSSH cites appear in parentheses.

Career advancement
Movement in the proficiency levels of teachers and school leaders within and across their career stages, including promotion to higher positions.
Career awareness and opportunities
Mechanisms that encourage learners’ aspirations, develop their potential, and guide them toward possible career paths.
Culture of research
The habit of using empirical data and logical findings in everyday school decisions and actions.
Disaster mitigation
Lessening the adverse impacts of hazardous events through hazard-resistant construction and engineering, improved environmental policies, and public awareness (DO 44, s. 2018).
Disaster preparedness
The capacity to anticipate, respond to, and recover from hazard events. It includes early warning systems, contingency plans, stockpiles, coordination, evacuation protocols, and drills (DO 44, s. 2018).
Disaster resiliency
The ability of a system, community, or society to resist, absorb, adapt to, and recover from a hazard in a timely and efficient way (RA 10121).
Domain
A broad conceptual sphere of school leadership practices defined by specific strands.
Emerging opportunities and challenges
Favorable or unfavorable conditions that require a person in authority to make decisions that moderate their effects.
Inclusive practice
An environment where all learners have access to and take part in every aspect of life in school, learning centers, and other places of learning (DO 21, s. 2019).
Indicator
A concrete, observable, and measurable school head behavior or practice within a strand.
Institutional goals
The DepEd vision, mission, and core values, together with the school’s goals and objectives.
Institutional policies
DepEd policies and local and national laws, regulations, and issuances.
Organizational health
An organization’s capacity to sustain the relationship between purpose, efficient processes, and committed people for better performance.
Pedagogy
The interactions between teachers, students, the learning environment, and learning tasks (Murphy, 2008).
Performance management system
A mechanism that ensures employees achieve the objectives the organization sets, and the organization achieves its strategic plan (CSC MC No. 6, s. 2012).
Policy implementation
Following a policy’s mechanisms, procedures, and roles, and monitoring and evaluating progress to carry it out (DO 13, s. 2015).
Policy review
Evaluating a policy to find its impact on the issue it set out to address (DO 13, s. 2015).
Professional development plan
Part IV of the Individual or Office Performance Commitment and Review Form in the Results-Based Performance Management System.
Professional network
A connected community of educators, online or offline, where members share and learn according to their values and expertise.
Research
Systematic, reflective inquiry, such as action research, School Improvement Plan projects, Continuous Improvement Projects, and impact studies, that improves practice and resolves problems.
Rewards system
A mechanism that recognizes the performance and accomplishments of school personnel and others.
School facilities and equipment
All physical properties of a school: grounds, buildings, and the facilities on the grounds and inside the buildings.
School head
A person “responsible for administrative and instructional supervision of a school or cluster of schools” (RA 9155, Section 4).
School operations
All activities the school head leads in running the school.
School organizations
Clubs and associations led by learners, school personnel, parents, or other stakeholders.
School performance
The Key Performance Indicators on access, quality, and governance.
School programs, projects, and activities
Initiatives the school head designs or implements for learners, personnel, parents, and the community.
Strand
A specific dimension of school head practice under a domain.
Teaching standards
Measures of professional learning, competent practice, and effective management among teachers.
Technical assistance
Coaching, guiding, and empowering school personnel across all aspects of education management, especially access, quality, relevance, and management services.
Wider school community
The school’s internal and external stakeholders.

Using the PPSSH to prepare for the NASH

The NASH asks conceptual and situational questions aligned with the PPSSH and built on the SOLO taxonomy. Knowing the standards helps you recognize what a strong answer looks like.

  1. Know the structure by name

    Learn the five domains and their 34 strands. NASH results name your strengths and areas for improvement against the PPSSH.

  2. Read across the career stages

    Indicators for one strand move from knowing, to doing, to engaging others, to institutionalizing. That shift shows which action fits a situation best.

  3. Tie each strand to a real case

    Situational items describe a school problem. Name the strand it touches and the first thing a school head should do.

  4. Learn from practicing principals

    DepEd strongly encourages aspiring school heads to join coaching and mentoring sessions with experienced principals to see the PPSSH in practice.

Start where the standards start, with indicator 4.1.1: a self-assessment. Map each domain in the Johari Window for aspiring school heads to see where you and the feedback you get agree.

Strand names, career stage descriptions, and indicators quote DepEd Order No. 24, s. 2020 (opens in a new tab). Other text summarizes it. NASH Reviewer is an independent practice platform, not affiliated with DepEd, BHROD, or NEAP. Read the disclaimer.

Practice the standards

Turn 136 indicators into sound decisions

Knowing the standards is not the same as applying them against the clock. Practice situational items across all five domains and find the strands that need work.

What you practice with

  • Every item tagged to a PPSSH domain, strand, and indicator
  • A domain profile after every practice set
  • Feedback on every choice, with partial credit by SOLO level
  • Premium: all 34 strands with detailed explanations
Free
34 practice sets
30-day pass
₱1,000 for 30 days
Lifetime
₱3,000 once

Practice scores are study aids, not official NASH ratings.