Let's give K to 12 a chance

The Philippine educational system has gotten a facelift and the fruits of such rejuvenation will be felt in the years to come. Indeed, the passage of Republic Act No. 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013) has ushered in a new era of education for Filipino pupils and students alike who will journey learning through a new path designed, among other things, to be relevant to different types of learners and produce globally competitive individuals. But is the K to 12 program really all rainbows and butterflies?

Basic Difference

Let us take a look first the fundamentals that set K to 12 apart from the old educational system. From the name itself, Kto12 starts with kindergarten and continues with 12 years of basic education.

Putting premium on mandatory kindergarten is in line with research studies showing children who underwent kindergarten have better completion rates and are better prepared for primary education. Moreover, it is at ages zero to six years when the brain growth will be at its most critical period. In the new setup, kindergarten children will learn the alphabet, colors, and numbers through games and songs and in their mother tongue.

In grades one to three, students will continue to learn through their mother tongue for a more effective learning. Both English and Filipino will be gradually introduced as languages of instruction starting grade four. Another key element in the new curriculum is called "spiral progression" wherein students are taught from the simplest concepts to more complicated concepts. This also means that all subjects starting from the basics will be connected and integrated from grades seven to ten – hopefully to ensure mastery of knowledge and skills after each level.

The glaring new element of K to 12 is that there will be additional two years of senior high school. The 12 years of basic education is actually sliced down into six years of primary education; four years of junior high school (JHS); and two years of senior high School (SHS). In other words, after completing junior high school (grades seven to ten), there will be another two years of specialized upper secondary education wherein students may choose an area of specialization based on their aptitude, interests, and school capacity.

The areas of specialization (also known as career tracks) include Academics; Technical-Vocational-Livelihood; and Sports and Arts. The students are given opportunity to gain relevant exposure and actual experience in their chosen field of specialization. Furthermore, there will be earn-while-you-learn and TESDA-level certification opportunities under the SHS levels.

Overall, each K to 12 graduate is equipped to go into different paths such as further education, employment or entrepreneurship. The K to 12 graduates will be nurtured as holistically developed Filipinos who are ready to take on the challenges of the 21st century and propel the country to new heights of development.

Rough Spots

As with all new government programs, it cannot be denied that Kto12 will have its share of rough spots and possible roadblocks. Some sectors have pointed out, among others, the classroom gap and the displacement of current college personnel. The general doubt by some sectors: is the government really ready to implement Kto12 now?

The government answers these legitimate concerns with continued efforts and collaborations to wipe out the gaps and make way for a smooth transition and implementation of Kto12 program. For instance, the 1:1 ratio for student-to-textbook has already been achieved. DepEd is presently in partnership with other government agencies, local government units and private groups to: properly undertake the phased implementation and transition management; build the needed infrastructure; mitigate the expected low enrollment turnout for colleges in the initial phase of K to 12 implementation; and enter into agreements with business organizations and industries (both local and foreign) to ensure that K to 12 graduates will be considered for employment.

Conclusion

The 12-year program is deemed as the adequate period for basic education and the standard for recognition of students and professionals abroad. In fact, the Philippines was the last country in Asia and one of only three countries worldwide with a 10-year pre-university cycle. The Kto12 program will better prepare the skills and competencies of students to pursue higher education, get employed, or become entrepreneurs after senior high school.

It is expected that we will have doubts and concerns regarding the effectiveness of the program. But we have to trust that our policy-makers have thought it long and hard that K to 12 is our way forward at this point. Despite of unavoidable birth pains and hiccups, let us pursue K to 12. It is our duty as citizens to spread awareness about this program and help in its proper implementation. Let us give K to 12 a chance to produce better-prepared youths for our dear nation.

Source material: www.gov.ph/k-12/

This article was written by Shenny May A. Tiro, Marigondon National High School in Barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City.