ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM EDUCATION AND SKILLS TRAINING

The author is Teacher

MA. MARIAN L. DIZON

The Department of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System–Education and Skills Training (ALS–EST) aims to produce completers who are not only able to catch up with basic academic education, but have also acquired technical competencies suitable for immediate employment.

The Alternative Learning System (ALS) is DepEd’s flagship program to provide a viable mechanism to reach Filipino youth who are unable to access or who have dropped out from formal school, as well as adults who failed to complete basic education.

ALS offers non-formal education comprising the Basic Literacy Program (BLP) and the Accreditation and Equivalency Program (A 85 E). BLP aims to develop the basic literacy skills of reading, writing and numeracy, while A 85 E provides non-formal instruction across learning competencies that constitute a pathway towards completing basic education.

ALS is one of the key priorities of DepEd. According to Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, the DepEd will intensify efforts for extensive positive outcomes on ALS, in light of those who are not reached by the formal basic education system, whether youth or adults. There will be better targeting of beneficiaries, broader coverage, prioritization of these programs by implementing units, partnerships, and modalities that fit the circumstances of target learners. A highly successful ALS program will be one of the major legacies of the Duterte administration, she said.

ALS is not only a policy directive; it is also a constitutional and statutory mandate. As part of the state commitment to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and to take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all, the constitution mandates the State to “encourage non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well as self learning, independent, and out-of-school study programs particularly those that respond to community needs”. Republic Act No. 9155 (Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001), on the other hand, clarifies that basic education shall also include alternative learning systems for out-of-school youth and adult learners.

The ALS-EST will follow the regular ALS rules/guidelines in respect to age qualification of learners as well as in respect to content, delivery and assessment.

The distinct element of ALS-EST is the programmatic integration of a skills training component within ALS. ALS-EST, in consultation with field implementers and partners, will identify the skills training options to offer, and mobilize both DepEd and external partners for their delivery.

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III/ ALS Coordinator at Masantol North District