Understanding the Framework of the K–12 Basic Education Program

What entails a proper education system? Does it indicate world-class schools providing quality education or qualified teachers? Although these two are central to the academic system, the structure of facilitating education is a primary aspect.

For instance, the K–12 education program is one of the most recognized systems that forms the basis of academics in many countries.

What is the K–12 Education Program?

The K–12 education program includes kindergarten and twelve years of basic education, wherein students receive six years of primary education. Lastly, after that, come four years of junior high and two years of senior high, respectively.

So the breakdown of the K-12 structure is as follows:

• Elementary School (Grades K–5)
• Middle School or Junior High School (Grades 6–8)
• High School (Grades 9–12)

In some countries, schools separate these groups, while in others, the school groups the elementary and middle schools together. In some cases, schools facilitate all school levels on the same campus. Let us have a look at some of the salient features of the K–12 education program.

1. Early Childhood Education

Ninety percent of children’s brains develop by the age of 5, and it also impacts their ability to learn and perceive. Thanks to the efforts of DepEd (the Department of Education), Filipino children have access to early childhood education.

In fact, children start their schooling at the age of 5 through Universal Kindergarten, helping them to get a slow and steady start to formal education. Besides, research clearly indicates that children who complete standards-based kindergarten respond better to primary education.

Hence, it is noteworthy to point out that early childhood education establishes the foundation for lifelong learning and a child’s overall development. Also, children learn to gain basic knowledge of numerals, alphabets, shapes, and colors at this stage.

Games, songs, and instruction in the mother tongue play a key role in simplifying the learning process and making it a fun experience.

2. Relevant Curriculum

How should teachers prepare lesson plans? How to ensure students learn about the latest developments in science, technology, etc. Teaching and learning content follows an updated curriculum that has been developed by faculty with expert and academic guidance.

Furthermore, each level of this basic education program has its own curriculum, according to which teachers implement a class. For example, for junior classes, it includes poems, songs, and illustrations based on local culture, history, and reality.

Consequently, it makes the learning materials relevant and simple for students to grasp easily. As the students progress through higher education levels, they gain in-depth knowledge, skills, moral values, and attitudes.

Also, they get a basic introduction to varied subjects at junior school levels, preparing them to acquire full understanding at higher levels. Furthermore, they participate in important discussions related to disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation.

3. Mother-Tongue-Based Multilingual Education

Teaching and learning in the mother tongue is a useful technique, encouraging students to engage and learn faster. Therefore, the Philippines Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) was a unique initiative.

According to the policy, students learn basic numeracy and literacy skills in their mother tongue from kindergarten to grade 3. However, from Grade 4, English and Filipino become the dominant languages of instruction and study.

Besides, they are the primary language of instruction in middle school and junior high school.

4. Strategic Senior High School Education

Senior high school education entails two years of higher secondary education, wherein students choose their specializations. Also, they can make their choice according to their aptitude, interests, and scholastic capacity.

Moreover, the subjects that they choose in Grades 11 and 12 are according to the career that they want to pursue in the future. Therefore, the core curriculum or specific tasks, activities, and associated programs align with the student’s career choice.

5. Core Curriculum

All schools ensure to follow and implement pedagogies and teaching plans that highlight the seven areas, which are as follows:

• Languages
• Literature
• Communication
• Mathematics
• Philosophy
• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences
• General education subjects

6. Tracks/Subject Streams

Students in senior high school will have the liberty to choose from three tracks: academic, technical-vocational-livelihood; and sports and arts.

The academic track includes three strands, which are as follows:

• Business, Accountancy, and Management (BAM)
• Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences (HESS)
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

7. TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training)

After the completion of Grade 10, students will have the option to pursue TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training). It enables students to enroll in various courses, providing them with the necessary training in specialized areas such as:

• Electronics
• Automotive technology
• Agriculture
• Food Processing
• Construction
• Business and management courses
• Hotel-Restaurant-Culinary and Food Management Courses
• Electronics and Electrical Courses
• Software Development and Computer-Related Courses
• Dental technology courses

Furthermore, after completing a technical-vocational-livelihood track in Grade 12, students can obtain a National Certificate Level II (NC II). However, they need to pass the TESDA-regulated competency assessments.

8. Holistic Development

Kindergarten, enhanced elementary, junior high, and specialized senior high programs prepare all K–12 graduates to pursue different paths. They can either proceed with further education, entrepreneurship, or employment.

More importantly, throughout their academic lives, students will go through an education system that ensures holistic development. Therefore, by the time they graduate, they will possess the following core skills:

• Information, media, and technology skills
• Learning and innovation skills
• Effective communication skills, and
• Life and career skills

Difference Between the Old Education System and the New K–12 Basic Program

Old Education System	K-12 Basic Program
An outdated ten-year basic education curriculum prevents students from mastering basic competencies.	An updated K–12 program that allows students to learn the required skills and knowledge. Also, it provides students with adequate time to master specific skills and competencies.
Graduates of the older curriculum were younger than 18 years old; hence, they were legally not eligible to get a job or start a business.	By the time students graduate at the age of 18, they are ready to pursue different career options. For instance, they can get a job as per their skills, start a business, or join one. Also, they can pursue higher education.
A ten-year curriculum might seem insufficient in many foreign countries. Consequently, it leads to overseas professional workers (OFW) not receiving recognition as professionals in other countries.	The K–12 program is a recognized academic structure worldwide. Hence, graduates of such programs provide Filipinos with mutual respect and recognition.
Kindergarten was an option and not mandatory for admission to Grade 1.	Kindergarten is mandatory for five-year-old children and mandatory for enrollment in Grade 1.
A broad curriculum and inadequate practical applications are key aspects of the old education system.	The new education system allows students to choose from three tracks: academic, technical-vocational livelihood, and sports and art. Furthermore, the classroom sessions include practical activities, providing students with experiential learning.

Advantages of the K–12 Education Program

Establishes a strong foundation

The K–12 academic system strengthens students’s foundations in crucial subjects and skills, including science, math, language, and social sciences. Furthermore, it helps to master basic skills like reading and writing.

Also, learn to practice necessary skills and become adept at implementing them in real-life scenarios. Hence, it improves their comprehension and analytical abilities, which helps them progress through the different grade levels.

Equitable Access to High-Quality Education

The new academic system enables students from varying socio-economic backgrounds to access high-quality education. Furthermore, the core curriculum includes relevant content and learning activities on par with global education trends.

Besides, when schools use tools like a school management system, it helps to streamline various academic activities. For instance, it accelerates the administrative system, such as recording and maintaining student attendance.

As a result, teachers can keep track of the academic activities of individual students and succeed in identifying at-risk students. So, they can implement mitigative strategies to retain such learners and achieve institutional efficiency.

It makes students job-ready

The improved basic education program focuses on skills, knowledge, and competency. Hence, curriculum development and pedagogy focus on updated courses, learning materials, and activities.

Therefore, K–12 graduates possess skills and capabilities that focus on creativity, higher thinking, innovation,etc. Also, they learn collaborative and social skills and have the motivation to learn new concepts and skills as per the requirements.

Hence, they become sufficiently competent to face the world and function effectively in a competitive job market.