High School and Basic Education Essay

According to the K to 12 DepEd Primer (2011), â€Å"K-12 means â€Å"Kindergarten and the 12 years of elementary and secondary education. † Kindergarten points to the 5-year old child who undertakes the standardized curriculum for preschoolers. Elementary education refers to 6 years of primary school (Grades 1-6) while secondary education means four years of junior high school (Grades 7-10 or HS Year 1-4). In addition to this, two years are now allotted for senior high school (Grades 11-12 or HS Year 5-6). Prof. Lorina Calingasan of the College of Education in UP Diliman explains that â€Å"K-12 means extending basic education by two years, so instead of having a high school graduate at 16 (years old), we will have high school graduate at 18. † The DepEd discussion paper (2010) on the enhanced K-12 basic education program explains that this new setup â€Å"seeks to provide a quality 12-year basic education program that each Filipino is entitled to†. Furthermore, the purpose is not simply to add 2 more years of education â€Å"but more importantly to enhance the basic education curriculum†. What is the rationale for this program? There is an urgent need to enhance the quality of basic education in our country as seen in the education outcomes of Filipino students and the comparative disadvantage of the Philippines with regard to other countries. The following data would support this explanation: At present, the Philippines is the only country in Asia and among the three remaining countries in the world that uses a 10-year basic education cycle. According to a presentation made by the South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO-INNOTECH) on Additional Years in Philippine Basic Education (2010), the comparative data on duration of Basic and Pre-University Education in Asia shows that the Philippines allots 10 years not just for the basic education cycle but also for the pre-university education while all the other countries have either 11 or 12 years in their basic education cycle. Achievement scores highlight our students’ poor performance in national examinations. The National Achievement Test (NAT) results for grade 6 in SY 2009-2010 showed only a 69. 21% passing rate while the NAT results for high school is at a low 46. 38%. Moreover, international tests results in 2003 Trends in International Mathematics and Science study (TIMSS) show that the Philippines ranked 34th out of 38 countries in HS Math and 43rd out of 46 countries in HS II Science. Moreover, the Philippines ranked the lowest in 2008 even with only the science high schools joining the Advanced Mathematics category. Some reasons why not disagree with K- 12 education plan in the Philippines First if K- 12 will be implemented, students will be able to get sufficient instructional time to do subject- related tasks which makes them more prepared and well- trained on that subject area. On the other hand, if we remain on the old system, Filipino students would continually get low achievement scores. For instance, international test results revealed that we often come at the tail end in the exams compared to other countries. Second reason why we should support K- 12 is that the graduates of this program will be more prepared to enter the labor force. As we all noticed, high school graduates of the current curriculum are not yet employable for the reason that they are not yet competent and well – equipped with the skills needed in the workplaces. In addition, most high school graduates are not yet reaching the legal age of 18. With the new curriculum, senior high school students can choose a field that they are good at and that they are interested in. As a result, they will be equipped with the skills needed for a specific job even without a college degree. At the age of 18, the age when they graduate from high school, they will be employable and competitive already. Thus, adding up to the nation’s manpower. Finally, with K- 12, Filipino graduates will be automatically recognized as professionals abroad because we are following the international education standard as practiced by all nations. There will be no need to study again and spend more money in order to qualify to their standards. With this, Filipino professionals who aspire to work abroad will not find a hard time in getting jobs in line with their chosen field and will be able to help their families more in the Philippines as well as the country’s economy with their remittances, property buying, and creation of businesses. Filipinos are known to be competitive in the international community. While this may be true, our current education system hinders us in becoming more competitive among other countries. The K- 12 education plan offers a great solution to that problem. However, it is undeniable that there seems to be problems arising as we implement the program such as lack of government budget, classrooms and school supplies as well as the teachers. But, if we focus on the long- term effect of K- 12, we can conclude that it is very beneficial to us Filipinos. Therefore, we must have the strong will in supporting K- 12 Educational Plan for the betterment of our education system and economy. Remember, if we want change in our society, we must start it with our education system. Definition of Terms Curriculum refers to the lateral integration of school-based subjects to meet the qualifications demanded by industry. South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) is a chartered international organization that aims to promote cooperation among Southeast Asian nations through education, science and culture. It operates through specialized regional centers, three of which are hosted by the Philippine government and include the Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (INNOTECH). National Achievement Test (NAT) is an annual examination given to both Grade ninth and tenth students in the Philippines. The students’ knowledge and mastery over the subjects Mathematics, Science, Filipino, and Araling Panlipunan is measured using a multiple choice type test. The examination is administered by the Department of Education’s National Educational Testing and Research Center (NETRC). Trends in International Mathematics and Science study (TIMSS) provides reliable and timely data on the mathematics and science achievement of U. S. 4th- and 8th-grade students compared to that of students in other countries. Methodology Living this modern world we gather this information by conducting research through internet. We read all the articles that describe k – 12 basic educations. By the help of this modern technology we determine how and why k – 12 basic education help Filipinos to be employed and reduces poverty in our country. Summary of Findings World of K -12 K – 12 Basic Education Program is adding 2 years from K – 10 Basic. Education Program of our country. K – 12 are divided from kindergarten, elementary education (grade 1 – 6), secondary education or junior high school (grade 7 – 10 or HS year 1 – 4 ), and additional 2 years which refers to senior high school (grade 11 – 12 or HS year 5 – 6 ). After 12 years of basic education graduates of this curriculum are prepared to belong to the labor force of the Philippines. Also K – 12 graduates are recognized as professionals abroad because we are now following to the international education standard are practice by all nation. Reference Velasco P. T. (2012). A Primer on the New K-12 Philippine Education Curriculum.