As early as 1925, studies have observed the inadequacy of the basic
education curriculum.
As one of the most well studied reforms, recommendations of either
adding or restoring 7th grade or adding an extra year to basic education have
been put forward.
A.
Monroe Survey (1925):
Secondary education did not prepare for life and recommended training in
agriculture, commerce, and industry.
B.
Prosser Survey
(1930): Recommended to improve phases of vocational education such as 7th grade
shop work, provincial schools, and practical arts training in the regular high
schools, home economics, placement work, gardening, and agricultural education.
C.
UNESCO Mission Survey
(1949): Recommended the restoration of Grade 7
D.
Education Act of
1953: Under Section 3, mandates that the primary course shall be composed of
four grades (Grades I to IV) and the intermediate course of three grades (Grade
V to VII).
E.
Swanson Survey
(1960): Recommended the restoration of Grade 7.
F.
Presidential
Commission to Survey Philippine Education (PCSPE) (1970): High priority be
given to the implementation of an 11-year program; Recommended program consists
of 6 years of compulsory elementary education and 5 years of secondary.
G.
Congressional
Commission on Education (EDCOM) Report (1991): If one year is to be added in
the education program, it recommends one of two alternatives: Seven years of
elementary education or Five years of secondary education
H.
Presidential
Commission on Educational Reforms (2000): Reform proposals include the establishment
of a one-year pre-baccalaureate system that would also bring the Philippines at
par with other countries.
I.
Presidential Task
Force on Education (2008): In discussions on a 12-year pre-university program,
it is important ―to specify the content of the 11th and 12th years and
benchmark these with programs abroad.
THE K TO 12 CURRICULUM
EDUCATION VISION
Every graduate of the Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program is an
empowered individual who has learned, through a program that is rooted on sound
educational principles and geared towards excellence, the foundations for
learning throughout life, the competence to engage in work and be productive,
the ability to coexist in fruitful harmony with local and global communities,
the capability to engage in autonomous critical thinking, and the capacity to
transform others and one‘s self.
A VISION GROUNDED ON
DEVELOPMENT
The complete human development of every graduate is at the core of the
Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program.
Every graduate holds an understanding of the world around and a zest for
life-long learning, which addresses every child‘s basic learning needs,
including learning to learn, the acquisition of numeracy, literacy, and
scientific and technological knowledge as applied to daily life.
The graduate also has the courage, the drive, and the relevant skills to
engage in work and have a productive life. Every graduate will be able to
embark in the modern world prepared to meet challenges.
Every graduate will be able to think for himself/herself and make sound
decisions on the best courses of action to take in the different circumstances
of his or her life.
Every graduate is inculcated with the respect for human rights and
values, notably, MakaDiyos, Makatao, Makabansa, and Makakalikasan. This makes
every graduate empowered to effect positive changes in his/her life and that of
others.
A VISION ACHIEVED THROUGH
ENHANCED CURRICULUM
Enhanced Curriculum: Every graduate of the Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program will benefit
from a reformed and updated curriculum that is focused on enabling every child
to achieve mastery of core competencies and skills.
A Vision that has Socio Economic
Relevance: Every graduate of
the Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program is ready to take his or her place as
a productive member of society. They are equipped to take on every opportunity
in life he or she chooses to find work, to engage in higher studies, or to
start an entrepreneurial endeavor.
This vision is consistent with the definition of an educated Filipino as
conceived in the Philippine Constitution and the World Declaration on Education
for All.
GOALS
The goal of the Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program is to create a
functional basic education system that will produce productive and responsible
citizens equipped with the essential competencies and skills for both life-long
learning and employment.
a.
To give every student
an opportunity to receive quality education based on an enhanced and
decongested curriculum that is internationally recognized and comparable.
b.
To change public
perception that high school education is just a preparation for college;
rather, it should allow one to take advantage of opportunities for gainful
career or employment and/or self-employment in a rapidly changing and
increasingly globalized environment.
BENEFITS OF ENHANCED BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program will be instrumental in
achieving the nation‘s vision of a high school graduate. The benefits of the
K+12 proposal far outweigh the additional costs that will be incurred by both
government and families.
To Individuals and Families: An enhanced curriculum will decongest academic
workload, giving students more time to master competencies and skills as well
as time for other learning opportunities beyond the classroom, thus allowing
for a more holistic development.
•
Graduates will
possess competencies and skills relevant to the job market.
•
Graduates will be
prepared for higher education.
•
Graduates will be
able to earn higher wages and/or better prepared to start their own business.
•
Graduates could now
be recognized abroad.
For the Society and the Economy: The economy will experience accelerated growth in the
long run. The objective of the K+12 program is to improve quality of basic
education.
• The Philippine education
system will be at par with international standards.
• A better educated society
provides a sound foundation for long-term socio-economic development.
ENHANCED K 12 BASIC EDUCATION MODEL
After considering various proposals and studies, the model that is currently
being proposed by DepEd is the K-6-4-2 Model. This model involves Kindergarten,
six years of elementary education, four years of junior high school (Grades 7
to 10) and two years of senior high school (Grades 11 to 12).
Kindergarten and 12 years of quality basic education is a right of every Filipino therefore these should be provided by government for free in public schools.
Figure 1 K-6-4-2 Model
The SHS curriculum (which assumes already an unclogged basic education curriculum) will offer areas of specialization or electives such as science and technology, music and arts, agriculture and fisheries, sports, business and entrepreneurship, etc., and subjects for advanced placement.
In implementing the K-6-4-2 proposal, DepEd will take into account the
issues and concerns of all stakeholders, including the high school graduates
before 2016. The mechanics and other details of the transition plan will be
threshed out with HEIs in coordination with CHED, TESDA and other critical
stakeholders.