Revisiting K to12

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, in a recent interview over ANC’s “Headstart,” lambasted the K to12 program and labelled it as “anti-poor.” The senator meant well when he said that there is nothing in this new education scheme that will alleviate the plight of the poor people. Rather, he said, what K to12 brings to the poor is pure burden, instead of easing it.

With the start of classes in basic education well into its second week, Department of Education officials in the Division of Negros Oriental reiterated the degree of preparedness of the teachers, most especially those teaching kindergarten. According to OIC Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dexter Aguilar, division supervisors underwent a rigorous month-long training in Cebu, cascading this to the classroom teachers as well.

With the implementation of kindergarten for all pupils today, before entering Grade 1, the Division of Negros Oriental is currently on a transition phase, but will go full swing by next school year. At present, 38 plantilla items specifically for kindergarten teachers, are available with applicants having to comply with stringent requirements of the DepEd.

On the other hand, contrary to the “anti-poor” sentiment of Senator Trillanes, there are certain sectors who think otherwise. Instead of a high school or middle school student who may feel deficient in terms of skills, and thus, may certainly be unable to find a job, the K to 12 product will be competitive to their counterparts. Skills otherwise learned by some during college or even later, are already taught early enough for them to be able to find job, even before completing a college degree.

Whatever the outcome of the implementation of K to12, the DepEd Division of Negros Oriental is confident that, with the support of all schools under its jurisdiction, including private schools, we can give K to12 a chance and assess its first graduates in terms of their skills and marketability.*