Abstract
This study examined Grade 9 Horticultural Crop Production students' academic struggles. This research was descriptive. Data was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. 257 Grade 9 students from Hondagua, Lopez National Comprehensive, and Dao National High Schools in Lopez, Quezon served as the respondents of the study. The researcher used weighted mean, frequency distribution, percentage, T-test, One-way ANOVA, and Chi-square. The first and second quarters of the 2021-2022 academic year were difficult for respondents. Most responders got a numerical grade of 75%-79%. The Grade 9 Horticultural Crop Production students' challenges were learning environment, learning materials, motivation, and teaching-learning methodologies. The findings demonstrated a substantial difference between the students' demographic profile and their academic performance in Horticultural/Agricultural Crop Production and a relationship between their monthly family income and academic performance. Thus, school administrators and Horticultural Production teachers should consider students' demographics and socioeconomic level while designing programs, projects, learning materials, and activities. To make learning more relevant and improve academic success, they must be aware of the challenges that the students have faced. A parallel study on TLE specializations other than Horticultural Crop Production may address the new normal difficulties faced by students and instructors.
