“Even if the curriculum is changed but the existing problems of
shortages are not addressed, quality education will still not be
attained.” – France Castro, Alliance of Concerned Teachers
By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
Bulatlat.com
Sidebar: Still struggling to teach with so little
MANILA –To save the ailing education system in the Philippines,
President Benigno S. Aquino III and Education Sec. Armin Luistro
declared that their education reform agenda would center on the
implementation of the K + 12 program. Patterned after the education
system of other countries, the K + 12 program aims to increase the
number of years of basic education.
According to a primer produced by the Department of Education
(DepEd), the K + 12 program would require students to undergo universal
kindergarten, six years of elementary education (Grades 1-6), four years
of junior high school (Grades 7-10 or 1st year to 4th year high
school) and two years of senior high school (Grades 11-12 or 5th year to
6th year).
This was precipitated by the low scores Filipino students got in
national and international achievement tests, especially the Trends in
International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Developed by the
International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement
(IEA), the TIMSS is an international assessment of the math and science
knowledge of fourth and eighth grade students around the world. First
administered in 1995, the TIMSS is being conducted every four years.
The mandatory universal Kindergarten was implemented this school year
(2011-2012). In school year 2012-2013 the new curriculum under K to 12
program will be introduced to incoming Grade 1 and first year high
school students. The senior high school will be implemented in school
year 2016-2017.
However, progressive teachers and student groups remain skeptical
that the K + 12 program would save the ailing education system in the
country.
“What the government should prioritize are the shortages in the basic
education system like classrooms, books, chairs and teachers,” France
Castro, secretary-general of Alliance of Concerned Teachers said.....
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Source: Bulatlat.com
URL:
http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/01/06/yearender-the-ailing-education-system-and-the-k-12-that-is-doomed-to-fail/