K+12: A Giant Leap or a Future Disappointment?
An Opinion Solicitation Discussion Group on the Proposition of a Two-Year Extension of Basic Education
November 23, 2010 4:00PM UP ETC Tambayan
Facilitator: Erwin Osorio
Objectives:
1. To familiarize self about the contents of the K+12 Program
2. To analyze the advantages and disadvantages of this program
3. To gather insights regarding the proposition
Definition of Terms:
A. K+12
● means Kindergarten and the 12 years of elementary and secondary education
B. Basic Education
● refers to the primary, secondary and tertiary stages of education (Batas Pambansa Blg. 232)
Reasons behind the K+12 Program:
A. Urgency for the Philippines
● Alignment of Basic Education to International Practice
B. Test Results
● 69.21% passing rate in SY 2009-2010 during the NAT
● 23rd out of 25 countries in TIMSS
C. Congested Curriculum
● Designed for 12 years, but delivered for 10 years
D. Unemployment Rate
● 70.9% is composed of High School Graduates
E. Disadvantage for OFW’s
● Recognition of foreign countries
F. Studies Regarding the Basic Education Curriculum
● Recommends to extend the basic education
Goals of the K+12 Program:
A. Functional Basic Education
● Internationally Recognized Curriculum
B. Produce Competent, Productive and Responsible Citizens
● Change Public Perception of Basic Education
Model of the K+12 Program:
A. K-6-4-2 Model
● Involves Kindergarten, six years of elementary education, four years of junior high school, and two years of senior high school
● It shall be provided by government for free through public schools
● Phased Implementation
● Senior High School curriculum shall offer electives
Action Steps:
A. Creation of a Task Force
● Chaired by the DepEd
● It shall refine and detail the K+12 Model
B. Stakeholder Consultation
● Regional Consultations leading to a National Summit on Enhanced Basic Education
C. Financial Study
● Financial Implications of the K+12 Program
D. Curriculum Review and Enhancement
● Development, validation, and nationwide implementation of the Enhanced Basic Education Curriculum for Grade I and HS I by SY 2011-2012
E. Teacher Training
● The training teachers using the Enhanced Basic Education Curriculum
F. Legislation
● Shall be worked upon by DepEd
G. K+12 Information, Education, and Communication
● Stakeholders shall be consulted
● Massive Public Information Scheme
Arguments (PROS)
A. Decongested Academic Workload
● Gives students more time for mastering competencies and skills
B. Skills Relevant to the Job Market
● To meet the fast-changing demands of society
C. Preparation for Higher Education
● Mastery of core subjects
D. Higher Wage for Graduates
● Correlation between educational attainment and wage structure
E. International Recognition
● Graduates would be recognized abroad
F. Economic Growth in the Long-Run
● Based on studies abroad that shows a 2% increase in GDP through improvements in the quality of education
Arguments (CONS)
A. Worse Job Scarcity
● High School graduates will be competing with college graduates for jobs
B. Lower College Enrolees
● High school graduates will find it hard to quit jobs
C. Competitiveness not guaranteed
● Not necessarily makes one’s position attractive to foreign employers
D. Negative Multiplier Effect
● More drop-outs, more poor Filipino families, more ugly scenario
E. Cost Conditions
● Would add up to the already meager budget of education
F. College Problems
● Colleges and universities would have to make do without freshmen for two years
Guide Questions:
1. In your own way, how would you describe the K+12 Program?
2. Are you in favor of implementing this program in the Philippines? Why?
References:
1. Websites:
● http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/bataspam/bp1982/bp_232_1982.htm
● http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/top-stories/28167-enhanced-k12-unveiled
● http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=620727&publicationSubCategoryId=44
2. Documents:
● Discussion Paper on the Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program by the Department of Education
