Young Roots
Why the Need for K-12?
By Allanah Paragas
“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.”–Anthony J. D’Angelo
The Philippine education system has been changing decade after decade. And now, one of the biggest changes in the system is taking place. Though this change in the system is not really new. In fact, it was first proposed in 1925. But it was only in 2010 that the Department of Education (DepEd) laid it on the table with improvements, and then approved by President Benigno Aquino III in the same year.
The change I am referring to is the enhanced basic education program, known as the K-12 (or K+12). This stands for “Kindergarten plus 12 years of elementary and secondary education”. What does it mean when you say Kindergarten then 12 years of elementary and secondary education? DepEd explains that it “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).”
Why is there an additional two years in high school? According to DepEd, “the two years of senior high school intend to provide time for students to consolidate acquired academic skills and competencies.” When will the education program start? It already started last year but only with the Kindergarten. The incoming freshmen of school year (SY) 2012-2013 will be the first batch of high school students who will be affected by the K-12. According to Pangasinan I DepEd Superintendent Aurora T. Domingo, the province has started to adopt the program. Domingo also confirmed that Pangasinan is now ready for the first batch of high school students who will be affected by the K-12. The K-12 aims to “create a functional basic education system that will produce productive and responsible citizens equipped with essential competencies and skills for life-long learning and employment.”
As a college student, I agree with the program’s main objective, which is to enhance the basic education in our country. Aside from the fact that we are one of only two countries with a 10-year basic education system, the K-12 program can help in the improvement and development of each student in terms of cognitive and basic skills. This program can make the younger generation more competent and sharp. Furthermore, the K-12 can also bring our country to greater heights of development and improvement.
Even though I am not one of the students who will be affected by the K-12, I still believe in the program’s main goal—which to create more productive and responsible citizens. Adding two years in the basic education is a positive improvement in the Philippine education system because students will have enough time to have an “in-depth specialization” depending on what occupation or career track they wish to pursue, and it enhances the “basic education curriculum” of our country.
For the students, even though two years will be added to your basic education life: study well and enjoy what you are learning. The K-12 can be a positive step towards one’s self-development, and in the bigger scheme of things, towards the development of our country.
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
