REACTION ON K-12 EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

CARLA FAYE G. CAUGUIRAN,MAED

The K-12 Education Program of the Department of Education, said renovate the deteriorating basic and secondary curriculum by adding additional two more years to the education system, was the most drastic and controversial reform in education during the Aquino administration.

The intention of the program is great. However, the ways, and manner on how to achieve the goals and objectives are huge questions with no clear answer. Now, will it fulfill its purpose? Or it will result to bigger problems along the way.

The Department of Education claims that K-12 is the solution to the growing problems of the education system such as: growing number of out of school youth, increasing number of dropped out rate and low performance of students in some major academic subjects.

The intent sounds good. But, does it really address the problem that we have? the question I have in mind is “how” K-12 be the answer to the problems that the education sector faces? How will it solve the number of out of school youth? Lessen, if not eradicate the dropped-out rate and improve the academic performance of the students along the process of this K-12.

The department of Education should focus on the quality not the quantity. What the poor performing students directly need is suitable program for development to cater quality education. The additional number of school years in school do not guarantee a better performance for the students.

The deficiency in budget is still the biggest problem of the government. If that is the case, we should spend the resources wisely. Why not a lot bigger amount of the budget to address the problems in our Education system.

We should address the problems at hand such as, lack of sufficient classrooms, teachers, books, chairs, other instructional materials for the teachers to facilitate learning. Since DepEd is aiming for change, additional two years will mean additional classrooms, additional teachers, chairs, books, and not to mention trainings and seminars for teachers because the curriculum is new, DepEd need to equipped the teachers will relevant trainings and seminars to get where they want to go.

Again, change is good. In fact, it might be the time for it. However, a lot must be taken to account because if not, the expected outcome might be otherwise.

-oOoThe author is Teacher III at Tinajero National High School -Annex