The implementation of the K- 12 Curriculum of the Department of Education had been a great issue before it started. The department has implemented it since it was on its 3rd year now. This talk is on whether the country should put its limited resources and insufficiencies on the Enhanced K-12 Basic Education Program which will give additional two years to our present 10-year basic education. The enhanced K-12 program as many now know, will have the Kindergarten Level, 6 years of elementary education, four years of junior high school (Grades 7 to 10), and two years of senior high school (Grades 11 and 12).
According to the 2010 Department of Education Briefing Report, the last two years (Grades 11 and 12) will provide time for the student to consolidate acquired academic skills and competencies. It plans to complete the enhanced 12-year curriculum and start with incoming Grade 1 students of SY 2012-13. The rationale for the two years is to decongest and enhance basic education curricula, provide quality learning, and be at par with other countries in Asia which provide more years for basic education. Now, a lot of students and especially parents were alarmed. Some argues that this program will serve as an extra expense of our government while some says it’s a big opportunity for us to produce well experienced, competitive and international skilled graduates.
Cited here are some possible reasons why people oppose or go against K-12 Curriculum.
1.) It is unrealistic and may drive more youths to drop out of school; 2.) It is impractical for a country that has one of the lowest budgets for education; 3.) It will require extra expenses for families in our society where the majority is impoverished; 4.) It could also reinforce cheap semi-skilled labor for foreign markets; and lastly 5.) It will just add up to the burden of parents and students.
Following here are the reasons why we should say yes to K- 12 Curriculum.
1.) It will provide time for the student to consolidate acquired academic skills and competencies. 2.) It will also decongest and enhance basic education curricula, provide quality learning, and be at equality with other countries in Asia which provide more years for basic education. 3.) The additional two years in the said program is crucial to come up with a proposal in enhancing our basic education program in a manner that is least disruptive to the current curriculum, most affordable to government and families, and aligned with international practice. 4.) This quality of education is reflected in the inadequate preparation of high school graduates for the world of work or entrepreneurship or higher education. 5.) It is a good opportunity to match the academic levels of other countries.
There’s nothing bad in trying to do or implement something, but one should be prepared in facing its possible consequences. Yes, we all know that the Philippines is now a developing country, but let us not still remove to our minds the realization that we still have scarcity and insufficiencies on various aspects or fields in our country. We are still facing problems regarding Health, Poverty, Famine, Crimes, and PoliticalControversies and so on. I must say that our government officials should furnish first those problems and set priorities on the necessities of every Filipino people before accepting another thing that can cause another major problem to us. The Education sector should find best solutions on the earlier problems such as lack of classroom, teachers, facilities, learning and instructional materials, and salary increase on teachers and so on. We are aiming for Globalization but still, we must bear in our minds that our foundations should be strong enough to be Globally- prepared and competitive.
Reference:http://ourhappyschool.com/debate/k-12-basic-education-program-philippines-beneficial-or-additional-burden
By: SPED Teacher | Rodolfo N. Ariola, Jr. | Alasasin Elementary School | Mariveles, Bataan
