Education sector split on 12-year basic ed

SCHOOLS VS TEACHERS

MANILA, Philippines—The education community is divided on the proposal to extend the 10-year basic education cycle by two years.

Private schools are in favor of expanding the system to 12 years but with curriculum retention, while teachers’ groups would like the government to focus first on what is lacking in the current system.

The Federation of Associations of Private Schools and Administrators (FAPSA) expressed support for the Aquino administration’s plan to place the Philippine education system on a par with international standards but said there is no need to revise the curriculum.

“The Revised Basic Education Curriculum is still in its infancy. It was thoroughly studied under seven [education] secretaries and some of the best minds,” said FAPSA president Eleazardo Kasilag.

The basic education curriculum was last revamped in 2002, a revision that was implemented after a 16-year study.

Kasilag said private schools may implement the new basic education cycle after a year of implementation in the public schools as adjustments—new facilities, additional teachers and teaching materials—would have to be put in place.

“We know in our hearts that private schools have beyond what is seen. We are rich in spirit, but ragged in goods for some FAPSA schools. Private schools have more will than wallet,” he said.

The Teacher’s Dignity Coalition (TDC) meanwhile called on education officials to give priority to perennial problems plaguing the education system, like the lack of classrooms, inadequate supply of books and errors in their content, and the shortage of teachers, among others.

“Aspiring to reach global standards is OK with us. [But] we can do that only when we’ve already solved the problems of the lack of classrooms, teachers, etc. If the government can promise that they can do both (solve current problems then expand the education cycle), then we will support that,” said TDC spokesperson Emmalyn Policarpio.

The Department of Education is putting together a proposal for the 12-year basic education cycle—called K+12 (Kindergarten plus 12 years)—which they hope to put into motion by October.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the plan includes integrating practical skills in the curriculum to develop high school graduates who will be able to land employment even without a college diploma.

He noted that students leave school at different levels of education as their families are no longer able to support their education. –Tarra Quismundo, Philippine Daily Inquirer