After addressing the concern in access to education, DepEd relies on its “Sulong Edukalidad” program to uplift education quality in the Philippines.
Access to education, not a problem
PHILIPPINES – The Department of Education is proceeding into its next phase towards improving the standards of education in the Philippines. Since access to education is not an issue anymore, the department plans to set its focus now on uplifting the quality of education.
According to DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones, the enrollment rate in the country is showing big signs of improvement, and the number of school dropouts had significantly decreased, which means more students are in school.
In an interview, Briones shed light on the upcoming plans the department has in mind.
We believe that we should place our focus on quality because our Constitution is very clear that it doesn’t only talk about access but specifically on the quality that should be available.
The Secretary was clear that their focus starting 2020 will be the improvement of the quality of education through their “Sulong Edukalidad” program.
The Sulong Edukalidad program
The department will rely on its “Sulong Edukalidad” program, which focuses on four key reform areas termed as KITE.
- K to 12 Curriculum review and update
- Improvement of learning environment
- Teachers’ upskilling and reskilling
- Engagement of stakeholders for support and collaboration
The update to K to 12 is already on the works. Textbooks and the whole curriculum itself is being reviewed and will be tailored to cater to the standard of a world-class education.
Training for teachers
The National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) is also being reassessed to improve training and development for teachers to be assigned in public elementary and high schools.
According to DepEd,
NEAP will facilitate in meeting the demand for professional competence and leadership excellence in the education sector.
The agency is expected to focus on three key areas – training and development, program and development, and research and development.
Briones admitted that the recent education rankings that dragged the Philippine education in a shaming spot served as a wake-up call to review and improve the quality of education in the country.
