Chapter 2 REVIEW OF RELATED Literature

The development of K to 12 Program has been made possible by the collaborative efforts of members of the Steering Committee which is composed of DepED, CHED, TESDA, and other stakeholders. The governments K-12 program is a much-needed change for the countrys education system. Through this program, people may expect better-trained citizens who could be competitive with the knowledge and skills of people trained abroad. Before the Implementation of the K-12 program began, the Philippines is one of the very few countries remaining that provide only ten years of basic education, six years in elementary and four years secondary. This short period makes it difficult for Filipinos to be competitive with countries like Japan or Korea, that have at least 12 years of basic education under their belt. In most cases, the extra years spent in basic education should enable students to tackle subjects like mathematics and science in more details, instead of the rushed manner used in the old education system.

The K-12 system aims to be a catch-up for the Philippines, seeing that most other countries already have 12 years of pre-university education. We cannot continue to insist on our current 10-year program if some of our graduates are looking to working or taking further studies abroad. According to DepEd, A 12-year program is found to be the adequate period for learning under basic education and is a requirement for recognition of professionals abroad (i.e., Bologna and Washington Accords). Countries like Singapore have 11 years of compulsory education but depending on the track that one takes, total preuniversity education can be from 12 to 14 years. The public schools will feel the change more than most private schools which, as of now, already offer at least 12 years of basic education: 1-2 years of kindergarten, 6-7 years of elementary, and 4 years of high school. We have always ranked in the bottom when it comes to Math and Science. Even our so-called English advantage is slowly being eroded. We see an influx of Korean youth studying English in our country. China is now encouraging its citizens to learn English. And I heard from a relative returning from a trip to Cambodia that many street people he encountered could engage tourists in English as well as other languages. Our curriculum has been criticized as being fraught with rote memorization. K-12 is expected to change all that. Critical thinking is going to be key in the K to 12 program according to Secretary Luistro. The acquisition, and mastery, of lifelong skills will become the focus of teaching compared to the present congested curriculum which compresses 12 years of education into 10. For those aiming for technical-vocational courses, TESDA plans to download some of its basic technical competencies while CHED will transfer general education subjects to basic education. Students who finish the 12 years of education then are better equipped vocationally or technically to apply for employment even without pursuing higher education. Special schools such as science high schools and trade schools and high schools for the arts will have enriched curriculum but focus on their specializations will continue. Beginning with SY 2012-13, K to 12 will be introduced slowly. Initially, the new curriculum will be introduced only in Grade 1 and Grade 7 (High School Year 1). Every school year thereafter, another level would introduce the new curriculum. So by SY 2017-18, all levels would already be teaching the new curriculum.