2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 20
Available Online: 31 August 2026
Author/s:
Balsomo, Ronald June
DepEd – La Union Schools Division, Philippines (ronaldjune.balsomo@deped.gov.ph)
Abstract:
This mixed-methods study evaluated the implementation and operational dynamics of the Open High School Program (OHSP) at Doña Francisca Lacsamana de Ortega Memorial National High School in Bangar, La Union, during School Year 2025–2026. An explanatory sequential design combined survey data from all 48 enrolled OHSP learners and 15 implementer-teachers with qualitative responses from teacher-implementers. Both groups rated the program as implemented overall (learners: M = 3.37; teachers: M = 3.32). Social-needs support received comparatively strong ratings, while teachers rated program goals and objectives most positively (M = 3.59). The reported group comparison showed no statistically significant difference in overall implementation ratings (F = 0.22, p > .05). Exploratory associations between selected respondent characteristics and implementation ratings were also non-significant. Qualitative analysis, however, identified persistent implementation constraints: role ambiguity and workload strain among teachers, difficulties in module distribution and learner tracking, limited connectivity and device access, reduced interaction, and weaknesses in timely formative feedback. The study contributes a school-level, multi-stakeholder evaluation of an established Philippine alternative secondary education program by showing that generally favorable implementation ratings can coexist with substantial operational barriers. Educationally, the findings indicate that sustained OHSP quality depends not only on policy compliance but also on protected teacher time, stronger learner-support and feedback systems, offline-capable learning resources, and school–community mechanisms for follow-up.
Keywords: Open High School Program, alternative delivery mode, educational inclusion, mixed-methods evaluation, secondary education
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26400
Cite this article:
Balsomo, R. J. (2026). Implementation and operational dynamics of the Open High School Program in Bangar, La Union: A mixed-methods evaluation. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(20), 135-142. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26400