IMPACT OF K TO 12 ON ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

ETHELYN C. PILI

The bottomline intention of the K to 12 program is to upgrade the quality of Philippine education so as to align it to international standards.

Thus, there is a need to strengthen elementary education which is the foundational stage of the learning process.

True enough, the reforms introduced by K to 12have a positive impact on the quality of our elementary education.

First, we have the universal kindergarten which gave every 5 year old child a guarantee to an early childhood education which will gradually prepare him to formal education.

Considering that the most critical stage in the learning process are from ages 0 to 6 years, a standard kindergarten program is the best preparation for the child’s primary education.

Second, is the contextualization and enhancement of the curriculum which made it relevant and easily understandable to the learners. Illustrations, examples, and activities are based on real life situations and local history and culture. In depth knowledge, attitudes, values and skills are acquired continuously and consistently across all levels and subjects.

Third, is the mother tongue based multi-lingual education. Children learn best through their mother tongue. But English and Filipino are also taught starting Grade 1and becomes the language of instruction from Grades 4 to 6.

And fourth, is the integrated and seamless learning through spiral progression. From the simplest to the most complicated concepts is how subjects are taught through grade levels providing a mastery of knowledge and skills in each level.

Given these reforms initiated, the success of the K to 12 program heavily depends on us elementary teachers in building a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

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The author is Teacher III (Grade 6 adviser) at San Nicolas Balas Elementary School, Concepcion, Tarlac