Young generations of today want to explore  everything and want to be competitive around the world in every filed and aspect, but how they can if the way of acquiring the knowledge they have to acquire is not suited and does not go with the trend of learning system of education worldwide.

        K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum is a new system or program of Education which aims to attain quality education both in public and private schools.

        What is K to 12? K means kindergarten that use mother tongue as medium of instruction and 12 years basic education from elementary to secondary level. It also means additional 2 years for basic education to widen the knowledge of the learners.The old 10 year basic education curriculum is said to be congested but the knowledge that the learners must acquire is not enough and considered incomplete in other countries because they are using 12 year education system. Those who are considered professionals in our country are not considered professionals when they go to other countries so they tend to study again to complete their degree.

        The goals of K to 12 Program are:

• To provide enough time for “mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship
  •  Every learner must learn all the needed skills and competencies.
  •  Develop tracks based on student’s interests and competencies.
  •  Enhancement  in learning academic skills and competencies ; practical works
• Give specialization in science in technology, music and arts, agriculture and fisheries, sports, business and entrepreneurship depending on their chosen field of interest.

When students reached Senior High School (grades 11 and 12), the program will allow students to choose a specialization from the three tracks: Academic; Technical-Vocational-Livelihood; and Sports and Arts. The student’s choice of career track will define the content of the subjects he/she will take in Grades 11 and 12.The student can obtain Certificates of Competency or a National Certificate Level I  after grade 10 and a National Certificate Level II  after finishing a Technical-Vocational-Livelihood track in Grade 12, provided he/she passes the competency-based assessment of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The certificates improve graduates capability in fields like Agriculture, Electronics, and Trade which provides students an option for entrepreneurship, employment, or further education.

                With full implementation of the K to 12 Program by next year, it is expected to increase the competitiveness of student graduates in the country that will lead to better future of every young Filipinos.

By: Rowena B. Tranate | Teacher III | WAKAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | PILAR, BATAAN