A New Era of Learning: The Matatag Curriculum and its Impact on Fourth Grade Students’ Academic Performance

The implementation of the MATATAG curriculum in the Philippines aims to address the challenges faced by the K-12 education system, focusing on humanized learning, reducing content overload, and emphasizing essential skills. This study investigates the impact of the MATATAG curriculum on teachers’ perceptions and classroom practices, specifically evaluating its effect on academic performance. A paired t-test was used to analyze data collected from teachers before and after the implementation of the curriculum, examining key factors such as flexibility in implementation, educational gaps, teacher training, student engagement, and the role of parental involvement. Findings reveal that while the MATATAG curriculum has positively impacted history and geography education by enhancing awareness of contemporary issues, there are still significant challenges, such as the need for continued teacher support, professional development, and collaboration between educators and parents. Despite these obstacles, the curriculum’s focus on literacy skills and global competitiveness has shown promise in improving students’ academic outcomes. The study highlights the importance of continuous feedback, professional growth, and collaboration to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the MATATAG curriculum. Recommendations include further investment in teacher training, improvement of resource allocation, strengthening the involvement of parents and communities, and addressing logistical and infrastructural gaps. Continuous evaluation and refinement of the curriculum based on feedback from all stakeholders will help enhance its effectiveness. Long-term support mechanisms should be established to sustain improvements in student engagement and academic performance.