Preparing the high schools to K12 Program of RP

As an education student, these questions really wonders me a lot up until this moment. Although the K+12 Program is already observed by the Basic Elementary Education and its provisions are slowly been adapted by the schools, teachers, parents and the community. Yet, with the implementation, there are a lot of inquiries that pop out of my mind whenever I hear the word "preparation".

How are we prepared for the K12 Program of Department of Education, Philippines? Is it too rush to implement such big change to the educational system of the country? Do the people know the long term effect of the program and the rationale why execute such policy?

K+12 program of the Department of Education is recently been implemented in the country since last two years ago with the rationale taken from K+12 Discussion Paper of Department of Education published last October 2010.

1) Enhancing the quality of basic education in the Philippines is urgent and critical.  Thus,  we  have  to  come  up  with  a  proposal  to  enhance  our  basic education program in a manner that is least disruptive to the current curriculum, most  affordable  to  government  and  families,  and  aligned  with  international practice.

2) The poor quality of basic education is reflected in the low achievement scores of Filipino students. Many students who finish basic education do not possess sufficient mastery of basic competencies. One reason is that students do not get adequate instructional time or  time  on task. The National Achievement Test (NAT) for grade 6 in SY 2009-2010 passing rate is only 69.21%. Although this is already a 24% improvement over the SY 2005-2006 passing rate, further reforms are needed to achieve substantial improvement. The NAT for high school is 46.38% in SY 2009-2010, a slight decrease from 47.40% in SY 2008-2009.

3) International tests results like 2003 TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) rank the Philippines 34th  out of 38 countries in HS II Math and 43rd out of 46 countries in HS II Science; for grade 4, the Philippines ranked 23rd  out of 25 participating countries in both Math and Science. In 2008, even with only  the science high schools participating in the Advanced Mathematics category, the Philippines was ranked lowest.

4) The congested curriculum partly explains the present state of education. The current basic education is designed to teach a 12-year curriculum, yet it is delivered in just 10 years.

5) This quality of education is reflected in the inadequate preparation of high school graduates  for  the  world  of work or entrepreneurship of higher  education.  High  school  graduates  also  do  not  possess  the  basic competencies or emotional maturity essential for the world of work. About 70.9% of  the  unemployed  are  at  least  high  school  graduates  and  80%  of  the unemployed are 15-34 years old. While the availability of economic opportunities contributes to this, it also illustrates the mismatch in the labor and education markets. The  World Bank Philippines Skills Report in 2009 reveals, based on a survey of employers, serious gaps in critical skills of graduates such as problem-solving, initiative and creativity, and, to a lesser extent, gaps in job- specific technical skills.

6) Further,   most  graduates  are too  young  to  enter  the  labor force.  This  implies  that  those who  do not pursue higher education would be unproductive  or  be  vulnerable to exploitative  labor  practices. Those who may be  interested to set up business cannot legally enter into contracts.

7) The current system also reinforces the misconception that basic education is just a preparatory step for higher education. For most parents,  basic  education  is  usually  seen  as  a  preparation  for  college education. Even this misconception falls short of expectations as most students usually have to take  remedial and high school level classes in colleges and universities.

8) The short duration of the basic education program also puts  the millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs),  especially  the  professionals,  and  those who  intend  to  study  abroad  at  a  disadvantage. Our graduates are not automatically recognized  as  professionals  abroad.  Filipinos face mutual recognition problem in other countries that   view    the    10-year    education   program    as insufficient. The Philippines is the only country in Asia and  among the three remaining countries in the  world  that   has   a  10-year  basic  education program.  The Washington Accord  prescribes 12- years basic education as an entry to recognition of engineering  professionals.  The   Bologna  Accord requires 12 years  of education  for university admission and practice of  profession  in European countries.

9) More importantly, the short basic education program affects the human development of the Filipino children. A Filipino is legally a child before he or she turns 18 years old. Psychologists and educators say that children under 18 are generally not emotionally prepared  for entrepreneurship or employment or higher education disciplines. 

10) Cognizant of this urgent and critical concern and in line with the priorities of the Aquino  Administration, the Department of Education is taking bold steps  to  enhance  the  basic  education  curriculum.     Hand  in  hand  with vigorous efforts to address the input shortages, DepEd intends to raise the quality of basic education through the enhancement of the curriculum and the expansion of the basic education cycle.

11) The Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program seeks to provide for a quality 12- year basic education program that each Filipino is entitled to.  This is consistent with Article XIV, Section 2(1) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which states that “The State shall establish, maintain,  and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society.”

12) K+12 means Kindergarten and the 12 years of elementary and secondary education.            Kindergarten  refers  to  the  5-year  old  cohort  that  takes  a standardized  kinder   curriculum.    Elementary   education   refers   to   primary schooling that involves six or  seven years of education; meanwhile secondary education refers to high school.  Under the K+12, the intention is not just to add two years of schooling but more importantly to enhance  the basic education curriculum.

(Source: Discussion paper on the enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program, October 05 2010, Department of Education, Philippines)

The objectives of the program is commendable such that it visions the graduates that the country could produce. They would be competitive to the global work force and at the same time more skilled in the country. The students are taught with utmost standards of curriculum and several adjustments to the curriculum is designed for the formal schools ONLY. 

How about those students enrolled to Alternative Learning System (ALS) and those who "education delivery" services by the NGOs? Are they included in the provisions? 

With regards to the affective aspect of the learner, do the government upon implementing the policy consider the emotive effect that would be created once this program will be established? 

Yes, the government considers the educational welfare of the people. But, the question is, how are they prepared as an individual? Did they consider chunking to the sectors that would be affected with the abrupt educational change? 

I am able to say this things because I am organizing a program in Cagayan de Oro where the Supreme Student Government (SSG) presidents from public and private high schools are gathered and together we try to discuss the existing problems in their schools. While discussing matters with them, even with or without the K+12, the same problem will exist. Why, because there are still concerns in their schools which are not yet addressed prior to the implementation of the said educational program of Department of Education (DepEd). One of their problems is the variation of the way the Development Learning Program (DLP) are being implemented by the teachers. One school does this way, the other school does not follow the same way (an interview from a SSG President, 2012). DLP is standardized by DepEd yet there are varied ways of executing its purpose. If this simple, basic initiative of the department is flawed, not yet resolved. How about the totality of the real learning situations of the students that are existing in the city? 

With my observations, too, in the learning environment, it is not suitable for the K+12 program which requires higher standards of learning. How could the students learn with the higher standards if they cannot study properly because the classrooms are not in appropriate number to accommodate hundreds and thousands of students in one high school? 

These are my questions that needs to be answered. This is the same reason why I organize CDO LEAD which stands for Cagayan De Oro high school student Leadership training and Educational Awareness Drive to aid the Supreme Student Government (SSG) of both private and public high schools in Cagayan de Oro for effective and assured preparation of K+12 Basic Education Program of DepEd in Cagayan de Oro City through providing support-system to student body upon implementing initiatives that will prepare the whole studentry to the goals of K+12 Program.      

Advocating educational change of the nation. For the glory of God. Padayon.

Sweet, Heavy Pain

Warm,
Thick,
Filthy.

Pain,
Sweet,
Heavy.

Bed,
Wide,
Classy.

You,
Me,
Together.

Dis-popularity

He stands,
Nobody cares.

He talks,
Nobody listens.

He talks,
Nobody listens.

He sits,
Nobody claps.

Fall, Fell, Fallen (Original Composition)

Fall off,
Lengthy staircase
Heel stumbled
Foot cramped.

Fell off,
Arms caught
Body leaned
Legs trembled.

Fallen off,
Heart beat
Mouth stuttered
Love dawned.

Crossing the Borders (Original Composition)

I. Living.
Was. In the past.
There. Where you and I together.
When. In the cold rainy night.
You. The man I adore.
Kiss. With our bodies in one.
Her. Satisfied with each other's ache.

I have known the world, yet I haven’t known (Original Composition)

I have known the world, yet I haven’t known

(Original Composition)

By Mecyll T. Jamila

I have known the world for nineteen years,

Yet I haven’t known my mother who’s in tears.

I have known when would I frown and angry,

Yet I haven’t known when do my mother frowns.

I have known the world through long hour studies,

Yet I haven’t studied my mother even a single glimpse.

I have known the world with my best of friends,

Yet I haven’t considered my mother as my best friend.

I have known the world with my boyfriend’s love and care,

Yet I haven’t known how my mother loves and cares for me.

I have known the world on my own,

Yet I haven’t accepted that I am already alone.

I have known that she understands what my sacrifices are,

Yet I haven’t known her worries and cries because of me.

I have known that she allows me to go to places where I should be,

Yet I haven’t known her side if she allows or not.

I have known that she is there ready to support me,

Yet I haven’t known her sacrifices just to give what I needed.

I have known that I succeeded,

Yet I haven’t known what my successes mean to her.

I have known that she is smiling with what I have achieved now,

Yet I haven’t known how proud was she and wowed.

I have known that I am living with a strange place,

Yet I haven’t able to make myself available to talk to her about my everyday.

I have known that she was left behind my homeland,

Yet I haven’t known that I would miss her that grand.

I have known that she is waiting for me to come back,

Yet I do not know when would that be.

I have known that she is out there ready to smile at me whenever I call her,

Yet I haven’t known things to say to her.

I have known when would I cry ,

Yet I haven’t known that my successful life made her in tears. 

For my mother, I want to make her happy

Just as how happy I was with her.

Thank you, mama!

Graduation: A commence to a new life

Graduation day seems to be a very special day for all of us students because it symbolizes the hardships that we have done for years of studying. Perhaps, it comprises the sacrifices and struggles we have done to reach that remarkable goal in our lives. This day also will be so special to honor our parents too for their utmost support to us for our future undertakings. Yet, this is just the beginning of the new life awaiting. We do not know what it is and this makes life so exciting for me. 

I am still a third year student. I have still one year to go through before entering the pedestal of graduation and feel its rhythmic beats of excitement. I may not be during that ceremony but I could still feel the outpouring wonders it brings from the graduates themselves. I have a lot of friends graduating this year and most of them share the same expressions, "Thank you", whenever they are congratulated. Upon saying those simple phrases, their non-verbal gestures are enough to identify what they feel inside. This is really wonderful maybe. 


But what I really wonder about is how they are well-prepared about the new life they have after this day? Right after the ceremony, I wonder what they could feel and what really dominates - the  farewell to being students and being with friends [where they could bursts into tears?] or the worries of not having a job after? Well, I do not know.  


But definitely, graduation is a commencement to the dawn of the new life after years of academic study. What goes after, depends upon the creative decisions of the graduates of what they want in life. No assurance of permanence of work is expected outside the scripted world of academe since the society is structured to man's individuals desires. But for now, I won't say something that could negate the day for the graduates. For now, I'll let them enjoy because being into college for years is definitely not easy. 


Nay, I may not be able to say the entirety of the abstraction but all I could say is, "Congratulations, graduates of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Batch 2012! God bless to all of you!" 

The Exposition: Significant Gear Shift

Encarta defines volunteer as an unpaid worker. How come a person serves with all his strengths and efforts just to be paid for nothing? Who would be stupid enough to serve with sweat and tears just to prove nothing? In a very capitalist and corporate world surrounds, these thoughts are dominant. Yet, there are still a few who endeavored to be one and proudly says, "I am a volunteer." 


I started my life in Xavier University as a mere student who aimed for higher marks in the academe. But with the obligation to serve to the different offices in the university as an academic scholar, I have to serve them though against my will. I assisted at the Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana - Social Involvement Office (KKP-SIO) for half an hour, then to Guidance and Counseling Office for more than ten hours from the second semester to summer, then proceeded to School of Education by the next semesters until I reached to the top, having the position elected by the many. But this is campus politics, no honorarium given to student leaders for years of service. From the very beginning of my crusade of leadership, this is the very first thing I wondered, which I think is the most basic yet the most crucial thing to consider for today's political system. What is really volunteerism? What is really being a volunteer? 


For a person like me who is only after of serving fully expecting something in return, probably, being into such business is not a good idea. I asked myself, "why should I run if cannot get something from it?" Right? But there are things that are hidden, naturally comes out after such great discovery if one is in the middle of such situation, if one is a leader himself. I can justify that. 


First, when I first took the stair of presidency in the student council, I always have with me the questions and the beliefs of having something in return. I know, it will not be in the form of cash or any form of recognition. But there is something I desired but not yet a concrete picture of that kind of desire. After months of serving, the very first thing popped out was the people. HONING THE TALENTS OF EVERYONE. I remembered AJ. He was ONLY an appointed person for Associate Justice of the student council. His only main task is to confirm violations occurred inside and file a case against that concerned person to Supreme Constitutional Court. That's all. But, with an instance, his work was changed. Though he is still the Associate Justice, he is working on the videos for the reason that Happy was very pre-occupied with something therefore, she cannot work on the project I gave her. She immediately recommended AJ. I tried to approach him. At first he was reluctant because he may not reach my expectations. But I just told him, "I believe in you, just do everything you can. It will be okay." I really didn't expect that those words from my mouth would inspire him to do magis in his works. Right after the first video he created, he started to work on the different videos per activity of the student council. From the words given, it was translated into inspiration. He even bought a laptop for the work the student council had given him. The XU Admin even wanted to link with him through an office. From that moment, he finally found the thing he really wanted in life, his passion, his dedication, his forte. The real one. Now, he transferred to University of San Carlos to study more about Fine Arts Major in Advertising Arts which is more of the video making. That's it. HONED. 

Second, during the middle term, the student council started to have the TUDLO Program which is more of the outreach activities. There, a small idea of having the sense of volunteerism to community through giving tutorial sessions to street kids and other unfortunate kids in Macasandig, it boomed to something more significant, the activism of the Education students who are practically apathetic, to teach and to share their earned knowledge to those pupils who are not able to go to school. The sessions ran for Saturdays. From the moment that the project started, everyone were excited and motivated to be there during the sessions. They are always looking forward to the outreach activities done by the student council. This makes a idea significant. A greater picture of the reality of teaching was present and at the same time the dedication to teach the children to learn about the lessons were there. I really was surprised even when those persons who are known to be so academically focused and competent [and are members of the dean's list], are there to support the advocacy. Indeed, it was very miraculous for me because these persons are not really into extra-curricular involvements, but they are still able to join and to try what other opportunities that could suite their field of interest. During the sessions, the student volunteers find out the real image of teaching. It is really a difficult task. Teachers have to be super patient enough to cope with the learning level of the students she handles. The theories discussed inside the classroom were given chances to be seen with the two naked eyes and felt with the senses. That's it. DISCOVERED. 

Third, weeks before the terminal phase of my term, I mean weeks before the transitory periods of the student council, there a lot of persons who really are still looking for the passion that would really suite their field. The picture may still be vague but it is good enough because they are about to see it. Why, because they volunteered. A lot of my constituents saw something that were not expected to be thought of just like Almar, our Finance officer, desires to be in the Supreme Constitutional Court as the Associate Justice of the student council. I cannot even imagine that the task of financing and monitoring the cash flows of the student council would soon be the Associate Justice, who naturally works on the laws, bills and constitutions. Who expected it? No one of us. Our second year representative, Reyna, wanting to be the organization president. No one of us expected to be this and that. This is brought to the passion and dedication of volunteerism set by the persons who are really engaging their selves to this kind of movement. That's it. UNANTICIPATED. 


These are things I gathered from years of volunteering myself to Xavier University. I HONED, I DISCOVERED and I UNANTICIPATED things out of selfless love. I lead not knowing that there would be persons who would be inspired from the simple words coming out from my mouth and lead them to the things they really wanted in life. 


You lead, you inspired. I am not paid to this. This is because "I am a volunteer".

Pondering experiences: A reflective note for one year in Teachers' Guild

One year passed. One year teardrops dried. One year experiences kept. One year laughter treasured. One year stumbles overcame. What was it like during the moment I experienced them way back the time I submitted myself to this kind of extreme commitment? I will try to uncover and unwind things to reflect, to contemplate things over before I officially end my term as President of Teachers' Guild. 

This image makes me feel the fresh dew of the campus elections last February 2011. This marks a remarkable mark in myself as a student running for a big position for the very first time in my life. Although I already experienced running for office way back in high school but the feeling during the time you are running for a bigger position feels indifferent from the previous. I was not even confident that I could win. In the entire duration of elections, I always doubted my own potentials that I could do this and even to be proud of this. This is the saddest part, it is not even my own assertion that I ran for office. It's just somebody urged me to do so. But I took this as an imposed challenge to make for my own sake. TO THRIVE. 


At last, I won. With only a little difference with the number of votes, I won. But the feeling of being grateful is not present during that time, highlighting the impartiality of my service I am willing to give. Everyone rejoiced. Everyone congratulated me. But I tend to deny the fact that I won. I cannot explain the feeling that I should have or shall I try to conform my personal feelings over the majority? I tried. I tried. 


I started the first ever big leadership battle with an imposed challenge within myself knowing that most of the officers are not from the political party I belong. That added the challenge. I even cried because of this. How am I supposed to lead this group? I don't even have any leadership backgrounds myself, handling student councils before. Can I do it? These are my questions the entire term. 


I met different kinds of people. I tried to open myself to the big groups of people. Being with too many people has been my struggle. I do not know how to handle big groups. I cannot stand being with so many people for many hours, days and even months. But I have to do this. I always kept myself reminded of my position and the responsibility I am liable. I ought to give my all and change the changeable. 


I tried to adjust my personality, my attitude, my own being. Trying to conform with the majority. I tried my all. I studied the system, the culture, the ideals, and the people's behaviors, and even being motherly to them. I tried to act like a mother and even a disciplinarian inside for I think it would be suitable if I have to act like these for the balance of the strong personalities inside. This is the imposed challenge. TO TRANSFORM. 

For months of struggling with this challenge, I already adapted the nature of my work. This is good. I believe that God wants me something why I should do this. But with my major mistake, everything went worse. I gave more importance to academics without realizing what effects it could bring to the trust of the people they gave me all the time. That time, I went through the different cries, woes, sobs and sermons. Different people were concerned. For months of reflecting, where did I went wrong, I realized what is the thing I missed and that called me to go back to where I left the group and tried to bond the damaged knots of the relationships we had. Tying it is not that easy. I went through the battles just like the 1 versus 100. I really felt that way. Thank God, by second semester, everything were resolved with the help of our moderator and the SOE PTA officers. The dawn of the new beginning started, trying to heal the scar from the people I made. Again, that was not easy. This is an imposed challenge. TO DISCLOSE.


In the latter, everything went well. This is a gift from heavens. The relationships were regained and at the same time, we learned a lot from our mistakes. We were able to adjust with each other's lapses. The challenge I have had in my self from the very start were already shared to the rest of the group. From there, I learned more about the whole picture of leadership. With the help of the people around me, through their utmost support, care and love, I was able to make it. Now, I am about to end my term with heads up. 

Although, Teachers' Guild was not able to get into the nominees for the Magis Awards 2012, I am still happy because we were still able to prove to the people that the difference with political parties where we belong does not hinder the kind of status the student council could have. This is the color of unified service between two different parties. Service is the top priority and not the party itself. I am still grateful that the student council was still able to stand up and remain stable all throughout. I was able to get the meaning of friendship, leadership and at the same time, prioritization. I have to balance all the things I possess because I know with God with me, I can do everything for everything is possible as long as I have the strong faith. This is an imposed challenge. TO TRUST. 

To digest everything,  I have all these imposed challenges which I have not through of from the moment I started to wake up in the dawn of big responsibility, TO THRIVE, TO TRANSFORM, TO DISCLOSE and TO TRUST. These are the four important things I will keep forever from the imposed challenges Teachers' Guild gave me from one year of staying and managing as the President. 


Now, as my term ends, I pray the next person who will sit and receive the vested powers endowed from me, may he be able to see the picture as I did. The passion he has may be extended through the different obstacles he may encounter as the next President. Kudos to Teachers' Guild outgoing officers as well as the next batch of officers. Thank you for the friendship and trust you entrusted me. YOU ALL MOLDED ME TO BECOME A BETTER PERSON THEY COULD BE WITH. 


To officially end this, I would like to say thank you to all people who contributed a lot for this year's program that Teachers' Guild established for the betterment of the students of School of Education. May we mark a legacy to all of you, guys! 

What a great success we have, indeed. 


Teachers' Guild
Jamila-Manla Administration
AY 2012-2013


Ad majorem dei gloriam.