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Public consultations set for DepED’s K+12

Wednesday, 09 March 2011 00:00

As the Department of Education (DepEd) gears up for the start of the K+12 Program in kindergarten level next School year, it will also hold a public consultation to get the pulse of the people regarding the program on March 11, this city.

DepEd regional director Susana Estigoy said the consultation is done all over the country considering the importance of people's opinion as the department is in the process of building the backbone and policies necessary to strengthen the program. The enhanced K+12 basic Education program means Kindergarten and 12 years of elementary and secondary Education. Its aim is to standardize kindergarten curriculum and enhance basic Education curriculum.

Estigoy stressed that parents need not worry about the additional two years in basic Education as it is free in public Schools. Those two additional years will be spent for training the students become globally competitive. "We are the only country in Asia that has a 10-year basic Education program. The rest, even the less progressive countries have a 12 year basic Education." she said. DepEd clarified that the Philippines is following a 12-year curriculum delivered in just ten years. This, according to her, affects the learning growth of students especially when they get to compete globally.

"Our graduates are often discriminated abroad because of our lack in competencies." she said.
While the program may appear too ambitious, DepEd admits that the administration is planning for a gradual implementation of K+12.
A standardized kindergarten curriculum will be first implemented for School year 2011-2012. The pioneer batch under this program is expected to graduate by 2018. DepEd bares preparations for a carefully sequenced implementation plan to ensure smooth transition with the least disruption. pia