IN JUNE last year, the Department of Education launched the so-called “K+12” program, which aims to improve the quality of basic education in the Philippines.
Whether or not K+12 will fix the country’s problems in education and employment remains to be seen, even until after the first batch of students under K+12 graduates in 2018.
The Varsitarian asked some Thomasian teachers for their take on the matter.
Will K+12 improve the Philippine educational system?
“Of course it will be effective. Functionality-wise, the students will be more equipped and will be better armed to face the reality of college.”
– Danny Balanca, UST High School language teacher
“The objective of K+12 is to [increase the amount of] eventual job opportunities, which will ignite the interest of the local and foreign investors. ”
– Dexter de la Crus, UST High School Makabayan coordinator
“We think it will help. We [haven’t had] a formal orientation [yet] but we hope it will help.”
– Hanilet Banzuelo, UST High School Math coordinator
“Yes, because we’re the only ones left among the Asian countries [who still doesn’t have this educational system.] We have to recognize the new standards of basic education.”
– Arlene Magaoay, UST High School Filipino Department coordinator
“How are you supposed to implement the reforms? You need a certain period of time. You have to introduce it first, make a preparation prior to the adoption.”
– Jana Macaraeg, UST High School economics teacher
“We haven’t even perfected the use of the Understanding by design (UBD) framework. The K+12 will just be another headache for us teachers.”
– Manuel Miranda, Mathematics professor, College of Education
“If everyone will support it enough, we will be able to see how it will work. If there is no support, I don’t think it will work.”
– Joey Espiritu, English professor, College of Education
“I don’t even think it will pull through.”
– Myra de Leon, Filipino professor, College of Education
“The government is not yet ready [yet] because there will be a need for too many teachers, etc. [However,] if it is properly implemented, I guess it will work.”
– Ruby Paez, Science professor, College of Education,
