Information on the K-12 curriculum

The K-12 curriculum was made because of our country, Philippines was ranked 99th out of
138 nations in primary education. We are ranked 69th in the Education system, 122th in science and
math and 76th in Internet Access.

So what is the K-12 curriculum?

It is said to strengthen the student’s foundation in crucial subjects and skills, alike math, science, etc. K-
12 education also helps student master basic skills like reading and writing, which is said to be crucial in
attaining jobs and in the higher education.

Not all can afford this education

Although the 2-year expansion seems sufficient, but does it really help the youth to choose their wanted
jobs? For engineering, architecture, or astronomy students and more, yes. But it is not necessary to force
students into schooling SHS with its “better” education. According to recent studies, it is estimated that a
senior high school in a public school will need to shell out P100,000 to cover expenses for the 2-year
expansion. While in a private school will double that amount, P200,000.

Even DepEd argues that K-12 is the reason it is pushing for the SHS “voucher system”
in which students who will be pushed out of public schools can opt for a tuition subsidy, ranging from
P8,750 to P22,000. The voucher system is a government subsidy offered to junior high school or JHS
completers to allow them to pursue senior high school or SHS (Grades 11 and 12). One voucher is good
to cover the costs of one entire school year. However, the voucher (even at its highest range) is not
enough to cover the matriculation of most private schools at present, where tuition ranges from P35,000
– P70,000 a year.

With that, the K-12 curriculum really took a big toll on funds in education.

As you may already know, the residents in Philippines are not that rich compared to other countries
which is why K-12 is not that ideal. Instead of spending funds for the 2-year expansion, the Government
should have used the funds on teachers, alike their salary, a more efficient and better way on teaching,
and more. Not only that, the quantities of facilities on many private or public schools in the Philippines
are very tight, and is the reason why we were ranked that low because students couldn’t focus.
There is a faster and more efficient way
As I mentioned from earlier, the K-12 curriculum is said to help with attaining jobs; it increases the
knowledge on subjects, alike math and science. However, this is applied to all students, which they have
to go through unnecessary teachings and spendings in the 2-year expansion for their wanted course in
college.

Furthermore, school should be a place where it helps us to achieve whatever we want, in the K-12
education, it’s not a problem. It helps you choose strands on whether what course you want to be a part
in college. But this way is slower, why not just go to college immediately after G10 which is the K-10 way.
Yes, it can stress out students more but this will also help with their adaptability on new sudden
changes in knowledge. If the student is truly dedicated, they will pursue their dreams, it’s undeniable. It
is very clear that the K-10 education is cheaper which means it won’t drain the students on pursuing
their wanted course.
Other Countries…
If Philippines was ranked low, then how about the top 10’s?

Sweden is said to have the best education system with a rating of 90.75%. What made Sweden to
achieve this is to let the students do what they want to achieve. In their system, after primary school,
they let the students decide on whether to continue school or drop out to look for other jobs. Yes, they
can apply basic jobs in ages of 15 or more as long as they have the agreements of their parent’s consent.
Unlike the Philippines, you have to achieve a title for proof on getting accepted on jobs. Back to Sweden,
if the students choose to continue secondary school, its funds are free either on tuitions, school
uniforms, activities and more. This can really help the poor students who dream big and are interested
on knowledge, whilst students that aren’t can be free.

It is true that students in the Philippines drop out because of the funds despite their wanted dreams.
Although we can’t copy Sweden since it’s one of the richest countries in the world. However, we can
apply the same way to their system, instead of funds being free, it should be lowered by 60% instead of
lengthening the K-10 program.