THE END OF AN ERA: PUTTING AN END TO SHS CURRICULUM

-oOoThe author is a Teacher II at Camba National High School

In 2012, the Philippines entered an era of modernization-K to 12. As per usual, plans as big as this goes well until it doesn't. Since then a lot of other things were left to be ironed out. Comes 2016, the Department of Education opened the Senior High School Program, a byproduct of K-12, giving way to Grades 11 and 12 to the public for the sole purpose of enhanced employability at maximum, while producing lifelong students learners at minimum. For almost eight years in implementation, a lot has happened in terms of its feasibility and effectivity to learners and its constituents. On the one hand, the government released funds to support the Senior High School voucher program of the Department of Education. On the other, it was not able to avoid itself from a number of issues caused by its unexpected implementation. As a counterintuitive measure, the government did try its best to go by. This means that incoming SHS students can use the voucher if they prefer enrolling in a private school rather than in public schools like state colleges and/or local colleges. To ease the pain of students and parents during this transition period, the voucher remained the first-aid to those not in favor of this curriculum shift. Since the local colleges can no longer accommodate Senior High School students, the agency plans to discontinue its services beginning school year 2024-2025. According to some articles, this is due to lack of funds of the department that it cannot continue this program any longer. In 2025, the question of whether or not the public will expect a zero implementation of the Senior High School program nationwide remains a confusing thought.

-oOoThe author is a Teacher II at Tinajero National High School- Annex