CEBU, Philippines - Department of Education 7 Director Recaredo Borgonia is optimistic that the first phase of the Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Curriculum will be implemented this year without a hitch.
This as majority of the 200 participants who attended the orientation and consultation at the Ecotech Center in Barangay Lahug yesterday reportedly supports the program. The activity was participated in by students, parents, teachers, heads of schools, education supervisors, and representatives from the public and business sectors.
The program will begin this year, school year 2011-2012, for which children are mandated to attend kindergarten. Next year, school year 2012-2013, the new curriculum adopting the 12-year basic education will be implemented. One year will be added each to elementary and high school curriculums. The first batch of students under the new curriculum will be graduating on 2018.
Borgonia said students who will be experience the K+12 program will be more equipped and prepared for college and subsequently in looking for jobs, unlike those who choose to work right after high school, but cannot legally enter into contracts.
Yesterday’s orientation aimed to enable participants to gain a deeper understanding of the Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program, identify potential issues and concerns in their respective levels, and recognized their significant contributions in the implementation of the program in their respective localities.
In a video message, DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro said there is a need for every child to undergo kindergarten because it will serve as their adjustment period before entering grade one. He said students who did go through kindergarten are often left behind.
Taking various proposals and studies into consideration, DepEd is proposing the so-called K-6-4-2 model, which involves kindergarten, six years of elementary education, four years of junior high school (grades 7 to 10), and two years of senior high school (grades 11 to 12). The two years of senior high school intend to provide time for students to secure acquired academic skills and competencies.
DepEd contended that Kindergarten and 12 years of quality basic education is a right of every Filipino. It will be provided by the government and will be free. Those who go through the 12-year cycle will get an elementary diploma, a junior high school diploma, and a senior high school diploma. – (FREEMAN)