It sounds cliché, but still change is the only constant in this world. In line with education, change has been part of different leadership whether in public or private institutions. Education is political in nature. When the administration changes, a new venture in education will be implemented. Do we really need changes? Absolutely, yes, but I am not sure if we are doing the appropriate changes, hence over period of time we remain the same or even worst particularly in our standing in international glamour of literacy.
Everything that is implemented in schools and programs is of course laid from the national office. The schools and programs are the catch basin of these changes, not by choice but by authority. For instance, changing the supervisory structure in Alternative Learning System (ALS) is a big matter. Currently, we have the Division Focal Person and two Education Program Specialists assigned to handle two districts each. In the each learning center one or two teachers are assigned depending on the number of students , and there is also assigned District ALS coordinator who is also a teacher inside a formal school.
I believe changing the supervisory structure in ALS will have great effect depending on the implementation. But what changes are we talking here? I want to suggest the following: One Division Focal Person, four head teachers, four master teachers. The Focal Person will oversee, supervise and will be the approving authority. The HT and MT will be assigned to each district and handle teachers in terms of instructions and management. They will work closely to observe classes and check reports. Additional teachers are also urgently needed. We have to limit the number of students to 60 students per learning center with two teachers preferably major in different subjects. This kind of changes will definitely bring positive long-term effect to ALS Program. Let us remember that students in ALS are the “last, least and lost”, so they deserve only the best.
By: Corskie M. San Jose | Teacher III | ALS
