K to 12: Solution Towards 21st Century Quality Education

...

Teachers are not exempt from the scourge of the K to 12 program. There will be zero enrolment to be expected by higher institution following the full implementation of SHS, thus, many colleges and universities will start to lay-off teachers. In case Department of Education plan to where displaced college teaching staff as basic education teachers, these teachers will experience diminution of salaries whereas the entry level pay for teacher in position under DepEd is 19,940php.

There is a growing concern in the Philippines about declining education quality and the implementation of the program for Philippine competitiveness in the world economy. The emergence of global competition brings with it expanded opportunities. The Philippine government is aware of the benefits that will accrue to the country if new opportunities can be seized. It is also aware that of what will follow if the right police decision for education are identified and implemented in timely fashion.

The Philippine educational system has gotten a facelift and the fruits of such rejuvenation effect will be seen and feel in the coming year. Indeed, the passage of RA NO. 1053 otherwise K to 12 promises new path to learning designed among other thing to be relevant to the different types of learners and to produce globally competitive individuals.

With all new government programs, it cannot be denied that K to 12 will have its share of rough spots and possible roadblocks. But despite those oppositions to K to 12 program more advantages are cited that will benefit over young people.

One of the key features of K to 12 is that students can enhance and intensify their abilities in academics and technical skills which will give them better chance of employment to the future based on the statistics presented by National Statistics office LFS 2010 high school graduates do not possess the basic competencies on emotional maturity essential for work. About 70.9% of the unemployed are at least high school graduates and 80% of the unemployed are 15-34 years old. Which the unavailability of economic opportunities contributes to this, it also illustrates the mismatch in labor and education markets. Based on a survey of employees, the World Bank of Philippines Skills Report in 2009 recorded serious gaps in critical skills of graduates such as problem solving, initiative and creativity and to a lesser extent, gaps in job specific technical skills. (Danganan, 2012) The K to 12 program will better prepare the skills and competencies of students to pursue higher education, get employed, or become entrepreneurs after senior high school.

The general question posed is this; is the government ready to implement this program now? The government responds to these legitimate concerns with continued efforts and collaborations to fill the gaps and make way for a smooth transition and implementation of the K to 12 program. For instance, the 1:1 ratio for students to textbooks has been achieved. DepEd has built 66,813 classrooms from 2010 to 2013. There are 33,608 classrooms completed and others are ongoing construction in 2014. As of DepEd, they are planning to establish 5,889 Senior High School nationwide. As of April 30, 2015, DepEd has issued provisional permits to 1,866 private schools set to offer Senior High School in 2016. (Handbook for K to 12)

DepEd has filled 128,105 new teacher items. DepEd is targeting two kinds of teachers, those who will teach the core subjects and those who will teach the specialized subjects per track. DepEd will hire 37,000 teachers for Senior High School.

The areas of specialization (also known as career tracks) include academics; technical-vocational-livelihood; and sports and arts. Students are given the opportunity to gain relevant exposure and actual experience in their chosen field of specialization. Furthermore, there will be earn-while-you-learn and TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority)-level certification opportunities under the SHS levels.

The Department of Education is presently in partnership with other government agencies, local government units and private groups to properly undertake the implementation and transition management build the needed infrastructure and to enter arguments with business organizations and industries to ensure graduates will be consider for employment. (Tiro, 2015)

The K to 12 is deemed to adequate period for basic education and standards for recognition of students and professionals locally and internationally. The Philippines is the last country in Asia and one of only three countries worldwide with a 10-year pre-university cycle. (Phil. Daily Inq., 2015) Now, K to 12 program will better prepare the skills and competencies of students to continue higher education, get employed after Senior High School.

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

It is expected that there will be reservations and concerns regarding the effectiveness of the program. But we have to trust that our policy-makers have thought long and hard and concluded that it is our way forward at this point.

Let us pursue this program. It is our duty as citizens to spread awareness about it and help in its proper implementation.

Let us give K to 12 a chance to produce better-prepared youths for our nation.

Term Paper

in ICC-68

Principles of Persuasion

Submitted to:

Professor Elmer C. Maribbay

Submitted by:

Ralph Gerald C. Gallardo, Jr.