PERFORMANCE TASK — EAAP DEBATE
Two years additional for basic education should NOT be abolished.
JESSIE KYLE
PROS
1. Sufficient Instructional Time
With K-12 education, students will have sufficient instructional time for subject-related tasks,
making them more prepared in every subject area. With the old system, Filipino students
were consistently behind on achievement scores. In 2018, for instance, international test
results revealed that Filipinos were behind compared to other countries when we finished
dead last in math.
2. A More Active Role in the Learning Process
The envisioned K-12 curriculum is designed to be learner-centered, which will greatly
encourage students to be more engaged in their learning process. Because the learning is
focused on the individual preferences of each student, the process of acquiring new
information and skills that are useful for daily life and for the future will become more
beneficial and enjoyable for students.
3. More Skilled and Competent Graduates
K-12 education is seen to be more prepared to enter the real world. With the new
curriculum, senior high school students can specialize in a field that they are interested in.
As a result, upon graduation they will have the specific job-related skills they need even
without a college degree. When they graduate from high school, these young people will
be 18 and employable, adding to the nation's manpower and productivity.
4. Easy Recognition as Global Citizens and Professionals
Finally, with K-12 education, Filipino graduates will be automatically recognized as
professionals abroad because we are following the international education standard as
practiced by all nations.
CONS
The CONS (which are basically the madlang people whose pocketbooks would be
adversely impacted by the proposed additional 2 years of basic education):
Parents have to shell out more money (for transportation and food) for the education of
their children.
The government does not have the money to pay for two more years of free education,
since it does not even have the money to fully support today’s ten years. DepEd must first
solve the lack of classrooms, furniture and equipment, qualified teachers, and error-free
textbooks.
We can do in ten years what everyone else in the world takes 12 years to do. Why do we
have to follow what the rest of the world is doing? We are better than all of them. Filipinos
right now are accepted in prestigious graduate schools in the world, even with only ten
years of basic education.
As far as the curriculum is concerned, DepEd should fix the current subjects instead of
adding new ones. The problem is the content, not the length, of basic education. As an
editorial put it, we need to have better education, not more education.
A high school diploma will not get anybody anywhere, because business firms will not hire
fresh high school graduates.
Every family dreams of having a child graduate from college.
While students are stuck in Grades 11 and 12, colleges and universities will have no freshmen
for two years. This will spell financial disaster for many private Higher Education Institutions
(HEIs).
The drop-out rate will increase because of the two extra years.
LEYA
PROS
The K to 12 program promotes global competency by accelerating mutual recognition of
Filipino graduates and professionals in other countries. The new curriculum allows students
to choose between three tracks which are the Academic, Technical-Vocational-
Livelihood, and the Sports and Arts strand.
What is the purpose of K to 12 curriculum in the Philippines?
It introduces programs and projects that aim to expand and improve the delivery of basic
education in the country. It seeks to provide the Filipino learners with the necessary skills and
competence to prepare them to take on the challenges of the 21st Century.
Senior High School is two years of specialized upper secondary education; students may
choose a specialization based on aptitude, interests, and school capacity. The choice of
career track will define the content of the subjects a student will take in Grades 11 and 12.
SHS subjects fall under either the Core Curriculum or specific Tracks.
CORE CURRICULUM
There are seven Learning Areas under the Core Curriculum. These are Languages,
Literature, Communication, Mathematics, Philosophy, Natural Sciences, and Social
Sciences. Current content from some General Education subjects are embedded in the
SHS curriculum.
TRACKS
Each student in Senior High School can choose among three tracks: Academic; Technical-
Vocational-Livelihood; and Sports and Arts. The Academic track includes three strands:
Business, Accountancy, Management (BAM); Humanities, Education, Social Sciences
(HESS); and Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM).
Students undergo immersion, which may include earn-while-you-learn opportunities, to
provide them relevant exposure and actual experience in their chosen track.
TVET (TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING) NATIONAL CERTIFICATE
After finishing Grade 10, a student can obtain Certificates of Competency (COC) or a
National Certificate Level I (NC I). After finishing a Technical-Vocational-Livelihood track in
Grade 12, a student may obtain a National Certificate Level II (NC II), provided he/she
passes the competency-based assessment of the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA).
NC I and NC II improves employability of graduates in fields like Agriculture, Electronics, and
Trade.
MODELING BEST PRACTICES FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
In SY 2012-2013, there are 33 public high schools, public technical-vocational high schools,
and higher education institutions (HEIs) that have implemented Grade 11. This is a Research
and Design (R&D) program to simulate different aspects of Senior High School in
preparation for full nationwide implementation in SY 2016-2017. Modeling programs offered
by these schools are based on students’ interests, community needs, and their respective
capacities.
NURTURING THE HOLISTICALLY DEVELOPED FILIPINO (COLLEGE AND LIVELIHOOD READINESS,
21ST CENTURY SKILLS)
After going through Kindergarten, the enhanced Elementary and Junior High curriculum,
and a specialized Senior High program, every K to 12 graduate will be ready to go into
different paths – may it be further education, employment, or entrepreneurship.
Every graduate will be equipped with:
1. Information, media and technology skills,
2. Learning and innovation skills,
3. Effective communication skills, and
4. Life and career skills.
On the positive perspective, K to 12 will provide holistic education for all students. This
means that students will improve communication and social skills, increase positive peer
interaction and many educational outcomes. Moreover, students will gain more
knowledge and experience that will be essential in the future.
The Senior High School was created to prepare students for three things, namely, College,
Entrepreneurship, and Jobs.
1. SHS graduates are better equipped for work
For those who opted to study under the Technical-Vocational Track, they will be ready to
apply for TESDA Certificates.
Private companies are willing to accept graduates for immersion, (work and study
experience), training, and hiring.
One of the reasons why senior year is the most exciting year is because of the senior trip! I
am not sure if other high schools around the world do this, but schools in my area usually
organize exciting trips for seniors of that year. Although the places may not be ideal, the
fact that you are able to go away for a weekend with all of your high school friends and
enjoy time off, makes it one of the best high school experiences.
children deserve to receive the best education our country can provide for them and our
economy depends on an educated and skilled workforce to be successful in the global
market.
CONS
From the very beginning, we have criticized the proposed K-12. It is bound to fail if it
continues to ignore the more pressing problems like lack of school buildings, insufficient
number of teachers, low salaries of teachers, lack of learning materials and books, and
corruption.
The K–12 Reform seeks to establish an inclusive and high-performing education system by
lengthening the compulsory basic education cycle to 13 years, covering kindergarten until
Grade 12, as well as decongesting and enhancing the basic education curriculum to
enable learners to master basic competencies
Senior High School aims to prepare students before entering college, equipping them with
the global skills, competencies, and knowledge needed to achieve successful career paths
in the future.
What are the disadvantage of K to 12 curriculum?
The disadvantages of the K-12 program are the lack of classrooms and the bloating of the
curriculum – you simply stretched the 10 years of the current curriculum to 12 years of
curriculum – there is no improvement in content – and lack of teachers. The drop-out rate
will increase because of the two extra years
Another reason to support K-12 education is because the graduates of this program is seen
to be more prepared to enter the real world. High school graduates of the 10-year
curriculum were not yet employable since they were not well–equipped enough for the
workplace
The impact of the K to 12 Program in the Philippine Society is a must because the first and
foremost objective is to improve the quality of education in order for the students to finish
basic education productively. Improve the learners' abilities and revolutionized the
Philippines in terms of educational attainment.
The K-12 program is effective in different perceptions of respondents. Based on the findings
of this study, the researchers concluded that the respondents have different perceptions
about the implementation of the program.
JONAH
• The government implemented the K to 12 programs to enhance the educational system
of the country in order to accelerate the mutual recognition of Filipino graduates and
professionals across the world. Learners were able to master the skills and develop core
competencies which are the essential things to meet the demand of the global market.
• The passage of the Enhanced Basic Education Act, or Republic Act 10533 aims to ensure
the continuity of the reform beyond this generation, and into the next. The K to 12 system
was signed into law with the passage of the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013
(Republic Act 10533).
• In Abueva, A. (2019), implementing the K-12 Program in the Philippine Curriculum of Basic
Education was the key to the growth of our country. Although the government has faced
many problems as it implements the program over several years, it has been a necessary
improvement as it has been critical to the success of our nation to increase the quality of
our education
• Stated that adding two years to the present 10-year basic education cycle is an
absolutely essential reform to put the country's public education system.
• Isagani Cruz (June 2015) said, "the whole point of the entire k to 12 reform to the answer
the needs of about 30 million young people those below 24 years of age who have not
finished fourth year high school of the out of school youth of employable age, more than 6
million are unemployed, primarily because they do not have the skills that employers want.
• On the positive perspective, k-12 will provide holistic education for all students, This means
that students will improve communication and social skills, increase positive peer
interaction and many educational outcomes. moreover, students will gain more
knowledge and experience that will be essential in the future.
• Dr. Patricia Fioriello (2016) stated that while every k to 12 education system strives to be
the very best, a few really go to the distance. these programs have so much to offer
children and parents have the peace of mind knowing that their children are a definite cut
above the rest academically
• Self-development It dominates conventional education system, as it focuses on the
thinking abilities, high mental functioning through academic activities, and making self-
explanatory conclusions of various concepts. The assignments given to students develop
an intellectual and learning habit and become a means of revising topic taught in class.
Longer educational cycle of k to 12 gives ample time to master basic academic skills and
participate in co-curricular and community activities.
• Enhances education quality Teachers give individual attention to every student and
make them understand all subjects. Like a conventional education system, a every student
bring their books material, get notes, and submit assignments, but in addition, K-12 classes
encourages students to take part in the lecture by questioning and sharing their vision on
discussed topics. Students join different forums and educational clubs as per interests and
improve their skills by observing everyone’s view point.
• Top infrastructure To provide students an opportunity to utilize the system in best possible
way, schools employ foremost infrastructure. It motivates students to use their full potential
in understanding and learning complex subjects.
• Door to professional courses This innovative education system is superior in its merits. K-12
system helps students work individually and find solutions on their own. They become self-
determining, confident, and indulgent. Students start to discover their capabilities and
become confident in choosing their career paths. An extra 2 years makes them matured
enough to realize their capabilities. At times, students want to work along with studying in
college. It enables the graduates to join the work force after the high school.
• Pre-college education The senior high school years provide prior technical or related
knowledge to the students. With the k-12 system, students don’t rush to get an admission in
an institution, but find the complete college information. K-12 program provides them with
time to think of specific working field and choose colleges/institutions. It gives them prior
knowledge of specific fields including arts, science, and commerce among others. This
way, students don’t feel new to the education provided in national colleges.
• K to 12 Programs in the Philippines Will Produce Employable Senior Graduates Aside from
a clearer track, K to 12 also provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to be
readily employable if they wish to work after senior high school. Together with academic
and technical courses offered in senior high school, students will also be given the choice
of taking entrepreneurship courses so that they’ll be trained with the skills and
competencies they’ll need to establish businesses after graduation.
DANIELA
Problem: Lack of Fund
The solution to poverty in the K-12 education can be found in the protection and
accountability of the No Child Left behind Act that was established in the year 2001. This
act acclaims that all children have the same right to undergo education as any other child.
The K to 12 system was signed into law with the passage of the Enhanced Basic Education
Act of 2013 (Republic Act 10533). It clearly states that the K to 12 reform is an effort not
exclusive to the Department of Education (DepEd), but cuts across the whole landscape
of Philippine education and labor, making a unique impact on each sector, while at the
same time requiring all these agencies to work together to ensure a smooth transition into
the new system.
Argument: Students have sufficient instructional time for subject-related tasks
As stated in Cruz, I., (2010), in one of his columns in a local newspaper, he pointed out the
following reasons why we should support the K to 12 basic education system in the
Philippine basic education curriculum, which enables students to have sufficient training
time to carry out subject-related tasks that have made them more ready in different
subjects, the students of this program are well qualified to enter the workforce, and the
Filipino graduates are immediately accepted as professionals abroad, adopting the
universal standard of education followed by all nations.
Argument: Preparedness for tertiary learning
With adaptation of K-12 scheme, students are expected to graduate at age a bit older
than past graduates’. This is an advantage, according to DepEd, as graduates will be
considered young adults. Hence, they will be more equipped to deal with much higher
level of learning as they enter college education.
Argument: Readiness to join the workforce or K-12 fosters gainful employment and
entrepreneurship
Unlike the old system, K-12 does not compel each student to take college after completing
Senior High School (SHS). In fact, this scheme empowers students to make a choice on their
own. They may not pursue college education especially if they have chosen a track other
than academic track. The good thing is SHS graduates will be equipped with skills (through
electives) that will make them good at certain field(s).
Unlike the previous education system where parents need to wait until their children
graduate from college or are 18 years old to work, the additional two years in the K-12
program will prepare students for both employment and entrepreneurship. Graduates of
the new system can instantly get a job after getting certificates and passing TESDA’s
competency-based assessment. They may likewise choose to set up their own business or
continue further education in college. All these options will help make every child
competent, skilled, and highly employable.
K TO 12 PROVIDES OPTIONS
Getting a K to 12 education can open new doors and increase the chance of finding a
stable job. Students can get the opportunity to build a network, acquire more skills, and find
the career that they really love. K to 12 can get students the access to all these great
opportunities and have a fulfillment during this learning experience. Obtaining a K to 12
diploma will make students more likely to be hired because employers usually assume that
someone who completed the K to 12 curriculum has the basic skills necessary for the job,
have adequate communication skills, can get along with the rest of the team and follow
objectives like they are supposed to.
As Luistro (2010) stated in the Dollage, D (2011) report, he pointed out that the Philippine
education system was seeking the achievement of excellent undergraduates at the
elementary and secondary levels. The Departmentof Education pronounces an additional
two years in the basic education of children, which all Filipinos believe will benefit from it.
Nevertheless, the experiences of the people involved in this transition are unique,
particularly the family, the teachers, and the students.
Problem: Preparedness of Teachers
A positive impression was identified by the study by Lacorte, E. (2011) that teachers are
likely to have been adequately prepared for the implementation of the K to 12 programs
in terms of teaching skills, teaching strategies and teaching materials and there was a
considerable variation in the readiness of private and public schools, as well as the
readiness of their respective teachers, and this, was mostly attributable to the different
settings and conditions in the two groups of schools.
Crisol, L., et. al., (2014) affirmed that the teachers had approved the implementation of the
program. They believed that the program effectively provided students with the fields and
careers they had chosen. Although they were willing to take part in the program, they still
do not find themselves equipped to teach students because they
believe they need more training.
GERALD
The Department of Education (DepEd) claims to produce job-ready SHS graduates under
the K-12 program and make students responsible and flexible as younger. The new
curriculum prepares them to become skilled and job-market ready, which most firms are
looking for. Basically, the K-12 program in the Philippines is aimed to shape the youth for
employment, skills development, and higher education after graduating from SHS.
Since the country’s shift from the old high school curriculum to the new K-12 program,
confusion coming from both parents and high school students emerged. Here is the
breakdown of the differences between the old curriculum and the new K-12 program is the
best program that way that the DEPED see their students will benefit allot
According to the Department of Education (DepEd), the K–12 curriculum strives to develop
students' maturity and flexibility while also producing SHS graduates who are prepared for
the workforce. The new curriculum equips them with the skills and readiness for the job
market that the majority of businesses are seeking. In essence, the K–12 curriculum in the
Philippines aims to prepare students for higher education, employment, and skill
development once they graduate from SHS.
Concern among parents and high school students has grown since the country switched
from the previous high school curriculum to the new K-12 model. Here is a comparison of
the old curriculum and the new K–12 curriculum. The DEPED believes that this program is
the best one because it will greatly benefit students.
So here are the differences between the old curriculum and the new k-12 curriculum
Old High School Curriculum:
- basic education curriculum lasting 10 years
- Most grads are under 18, thus they aren't yet legally able to establish a business or find
employment.
- Kindergarten is not required in order to be admitted to Grade 1.
extensive curriculum with few real-world applications.
K–12 Curriculum Update:
- 12-year program that provides enough time for students to develop their talents
- The majority of graduates are older than 18 and are already eligible for employment.
For children who are five years old, kindergarten is a requirement for entry into Grade 1.
enables students to select from three paths (Academic; Technical-Vocational-Livelihood;
Sports; and Arts and Design)
- Students must participate in immersion programs that expose them to the experiences
and abilities needed for their chosen field.
LOVELLE
Why Push for K-12 Basic Education Program?
K-12 EDUCATION SYSTEM vs OLDSYSTEM
•K-12 EDUCATION SYSTEM
~The K-12 program offers a decongested 12-year program that gives students sufficient
time to master skills and absorb basic competencies.
~Students of the new system will graduate at the age of 18 and will be ready for
employment, entrepreneurship, middle level skills development, and higher education
upon graduation.
~The K-12 program accelerates mutual recognition of Filipino graduates and professionals
in other countries.
Kindergarten is mandatory for five-year-old children, a pre-requisite for admission to Grade
1.
~The new curriculum gives students the chance to choose among three tracks (i.e.
Academic; Technical-Vocational-Livelihood; and Sports and Arts) and undergo immersion,
which provides relevant exposure and actual experience in their chosen track.
•OLD SYSTEM
~Students lack mastery of basic competencies due to a congested ten-year basic
education curriculum.
~Graduates of the old curriculum are younger than 18 years old and are not legally ready
to get a job or start a business.
~Foreign countries perceive a ten-year curriculum as insufficient. They do not automatically
recognize Overseas
Filipino workers (OFWs) as professionals abroad.
~Kindergarten (a strong foundation for lifelong learning and total development) is optional
and not a pre-requisite for admission to Grade 1.
~Old education system offers a broad curriculum that does not include enough practical
applications.
JEM
PROS:
K to 12 Led to Higher Quality Education in the Philippines enhancing our minds and skills
Students Can Choose Tracks as Early as Grade 10 With K to 12(Preparedness in stepping
into tertiary learning)
being ready to join the workforce
K to 12 Programs in the Philippines Will Produce Employable Senior Graduates
CONS:
Philippine K to 12 Implementation Places Excessive Pressure on Educators
K to 12 May Just Be a Band-Aid Solution for Philippine Education
forces thousands or even millions of students to drop out of school due to additional
educational expenses.
(Many parents disagreed with this new system of education because they have to disburse
more money for the education of their children. Also the government does not have the
fund to pay for two more years of free education because they need to solve first the lack
of classrooms, furnitures and equipment and free textbooks. The drop-out rate will increase
because of the two added years. It is because of lack of money to fund their childrens to
send them to school.)
JONATHAN
The benefits of K to 12 education include basic skills such as being able to read, write, count,
communicate, and interact with others. Furthermore, getting a K to 12 education can open
new doors and increase the chance of finding a stable job. And also, students can get the
opportunity to build a network, acquire more skills, and find the career that they really love.
REYNA
To prove that K-12 system is more than just adding two more years to high school, below
are many practical benefits of schooling under a K-12 program.
It gives way for the tertiary learning preparedness.
With adaptation of K-12 scheme, students are expected to graduate at age a bit older
than past graduates’. This is an advantage, according to DepEd, as graduates will be
considered young adults. Hence, they will be more equipped to deal with much higher
level of learning as they enter college education.
It offers readiness to join the workforce.
Unlike the old system, K-12 does not compel each student to take college after completing
Senior High School (SHS). In fact, this scheme empowers students to make a choice on their
own. They may not pursue college education especially if they have chosen a track other
than academic track. The good thing is SHS graduates will be equipped with skills (through
electives) that will make them good at certain field(s).
It provides skill potential or competency in the global job market.
K-12 system aims to improve Filipino students’ mathematical, scientific, and linguistic
competence. With the new curriculum, DepEd promised to offer higher quality education
through tracks. Each track will give students enough time to master a field and enhance
their skills. In the end, K-12 graduates will become globally competitive and are set to obtain
spot in the stiff labor market.
It would increase the probability of more skilled and competent graduates / K to 12
graduates would have greater chance of readily be employed even without a college
degree. High school graduates of the 10-year curriculum are not yet 18 years of age. With
the new curriculum, senior high school students can specialize in a field that they are
interested in. As a result, upon graduation they will have the specific job-related skills they
need even without a college degree. When they graduate from high school, these young
people will be 18 and employable, adding to the nation’s manpower and productivity.
Education Secretary Armin Luistro said that “the K to 12 program would like to ensure that
even if they don’t choose to go to college, they finish studying what is basic.” K to 12
graduates may already be employed in several industries. This is because the curriculum
enables s tudents to acquire
Certificates of Competency (COCs) and National Certifications (NCs).
Moreover, according to research of Remmen et al. 1999, it had shown that old curriculum
(K-10) students had a lack of skills competence.
Therefore, we cannot cut corners and shorten the length of high school just to get students
in the workforce earlier. We should be a nation that is on an upward trajectory in terms of
skills and standards rather than be one that takes shortcuts
JOSE
DepEd claims that K-12 will not just be advantageous to Filipino students, but also the group
as a whole nation and its citizens. Prior to the implementation of the K-12 curriculum guide,
the Philippines was one of only three countries in the world and the only one in Asia that still
had only 10 years in basic education.
The K-12 programs is said to enhance the quality of basic education in the Philippines. This
program gives the Filipino students a chance in the global competency. The K-12 programs
will also support graduates seeking for work abroad. All in all, the now decongested K-12
curriculum will give Filipino students ample time to master the basic academics.
ADVANTAGES OF THE K-12 PROGRAM:
• An improved curriculum will reduce academic workload by providing students more time
to master abilities and skills, as well as time for other learning opportunities beyond the
classroom, allowing for a more holistic development.
• Graduates will have relevant job-market competencies and skills. The K-12 proposal will
be designed to adapt to and meet society's ever-changing demands. Prepare graduates
with necessary skills.
• Graduates will be able to earn higher wages and/or better prepared to start their own
business. There is a strong correlation between educational attainment and wage structure
and studies specific to the Philippine setting show that an additional year of schooling
increases earnings by 7.5%. This should also allow greater access to higher education for
self-supporting students.
• Graduates could now be recognized abroad. Filipino graduates, e.g. engineers,
architects, doctors, could now be recognized as professionals in other countries. Those who
intend to study abroad will meet the entrance requirements of foreign schools.
A better educated society offers a solid foundation for the long term socioeconomic
advancement. The K-12 Basic Education System Improvements will contribute to the growth
of mature
both emotionally and intellectually individuals capable of pursuing productive
employment or entrepreneurship disciplines in higher education.
DISADVANTAGES:
With the additional two years of education, parents will be required to provide more money
(for tuition, transportation, allowances, etc.). Middle-class and wealthy class families would
prefer to have little to do There were no issues at all. However, the vast majority of the
Filipinos are having a hard time in providing a budget for the primary needs of their families.
This only creates a problem for those parents who can't afford high tuition fees that
seemingly increase year after year.
Filipino citizens are also concerned as to how the government will fund the educational
programs, specially for public schools.
It is true that the 12-year of basic educational system provides enough time to study and
master the basic academics but most people, specially the parents see this as a
disadvantage as it cost time and money.
CONCLUSION:
• The K-12 program provides ample time for students to master the basic education and
global competence.
•The program won't work if the Government fails to address the financing of the assets.
PERFORMANCE TASK — EAAP DEBATE
Two years additional for basic education should NOT be abolished.
1. Two years additional for basic education (K-12 Program) helps in cultivating the skills
of students in preparation for tertiary education.
2. The K-12 Program helps in aiding literacy concerns in students, opening the way for
competent individuals.
3. Offers global opportunities provided by the curriculum that gives rise to the students’
skills and potential that would make them globally competent.
4. The K-12 Program provides options for students to know themselves more,
predominantly with their career choices.
5. The two years additional for basic education shapes job-equipped and highly skilled
individuals under their specific field which upholds Readiness to join the workforce as
K-12 fosters gainful employment and entrepreneurship.
6. Offers a more individualized system that helps students to have better grasp of their
choices which helps them to avoid making wrong decisions for their future careers.
7. The two years additional for basic education aligns with the universal educational
system which is crucial for a nation to keep up with the modern educational
developments.
8. It increases more active role in the Learning Process if the students.
9. The K-12 Program provides a more specific set of subjects or curriculum in
accordance to the choice of strand of the student which is helpful in giving more
focus to a student’s specific subject area.
10. The additional two years in the basic education also highlights specific strands that
comprises subjects that are related to a student’s specific interest and choice of
career which is beneficial for further expounding one’s knowledge regarding their
career choice.
