The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday told senators that it is taking steps to improve the implementation of the K-12 program.
In an inquiry opened by the Senate committee on education, arts and culture, the team led by Education Assistant Secretary Alma Ruby Torio said that the DepEd is acknowledging issues and challenges raised by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS).
She said these include "procurement constraints"; a "mismatch" of teachers and subjects being taught; "low levels of SHS [Senior High School] awareness" among stakeholders; and "unstandardized" implementation guidelines.
A "too ambitious" score of program and the absence of a focal senior high school person in school were also cited as issues.
Nevertheless, Torio said officials are determined to "strengthen" their relationship with stakeholders; closely coordinate with TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) and CHED (Commission on Higher Education); and standardize guidelines, procurement, and the hiring of teachers.
They are also pushing for the conduct of impact evaluation for the senior high school program, as well as the consolidation of anecdotes in a qualitative study of the SHS program.
Torio also discussed during the inquiry "early signs of success" in implementing the K-12, particularly its senior high school program.
These include a "significant increase" in dropouts going back to school and joining the senior high school program.
She also presented data showing that many senior high school students have been employed, while 64 percent will pursued higher education. — BM, GMA News
