DepEd starts search for outstanding ALS workers

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Education announces that the search is on for the 2010 Most Outstanding Implementer Award for Alternative Learning System (ALS), a program that provides alternative mode of education to learners outside the formal school system.

The search for the Most Outstanding ALS Implementers aims to support the professional growth and development of the ALS supervisor, coordinator and mobile teacher nationwide.

The search was first launched in 2003 and has since awarded 35 ALS workers.

“Giving recognition to our partners in making education universal and inclusive is a big boost to our hardworking and dedicated ALS workers,” said Education Secretary Mona D. Valisno.

The ALS award for the outstanding implementers will have three categories: ALS Education Supervisor I, District ALS Coordinator and ALS Mobile Teacher.

Nominees must be in the service at the time of nomination, must have been rated at least very satisfactory or its equivalent for the last two consecutive performance rating periods prior to the nomination, and have not been found guilty of any administrative or criminal offense.

Nominees will be evaluated based on the signed testimonies about their accomplishments, certification by Schools Division Superintendent, other stakeholders, and certificate of participation.

Prizes will be P50,000 for the first place in each category (ALS ES I, DALSC, and ALS MT); P40,000, for the second place; P30,000, for the third place; P20,000, for the fourth place; P10,000, for the fifth place, and P5,000 each for 12 semifinalists.

Deadline of submission for the division level selection for regional nominations will be on the first week of April and deadline for submission of regional nominations to the BALS will be on April 19, 2010.

Criteria for evaluation for ES I will be: Planning of the ALS Action Program, five percent; Advocacy and Social Mobilization (networking and linkages), 10 percent; Capacity Building (technical assistance; adoption of modern advocacy, social mobilization, or adult learning strategies, service as resource person for literacy jobs; conceptualization of literacy program for indigenous people, prisoners, fishermen, women’s group, or solo parent), 30 percent; Monitoring and Evaluation, 25 percent; Research and Development, 10 percent; Professional Growth, 10 percent; and Impact on Learners and Community, 10 percent.

For DALSC and ALS MTs, criteria for evaluation will be: Occupational Competence (activities responsive to the problems of the community, funds outsourcing from local government or non government organization, conceptualization of literacy program, development of community-based learning materials, service as resource person, and establishment of functional database), 70 percent; Professional Advancement (doctoral, masters, or undergraduate education), trainings (international, national, regional level), and awards received, 20 percent; and Personal Qualities (initiative, friendliness, compassion, wholesome relations with peers and inter-agency partners, and honesty and personal integrity), 10 percent. — Johanna T. Natavio/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)