EDITORIAL: Is Pangasinan ready for K to 12

The K to 12 Basic Education Program means Kindergarten to Grade 12 as the new basic education program which was started this school year 2011-2012 with the introduction of free kindergarten.

According to DepEd, under the K to 12 Basic Education Program, “Grade 7″ is not an additional elementary grade level but is the first year of junior high school.

Under K to 12, there will be 6 years in grade school (grades 1 to 6), 4 years in junior HS (grades 7 to 10) and 2 years of senior HS (grades 11 and 12).

Tuloy pa rin ang elementary na grade 1 to grade 6 ang nagbago lang ay may junior high school (grade 7 hanggang grade 10 na at ang senior high school (grade 11 hanggang grade 12 na).

Is Pangasinan ready in terms of new classrooms with tables and chairs, new teachers and new books?

The DepEd says that senior high school (grade 11 to grade 12) is geared towards in-depth specialization for students depending on the occupation/career track they wish to pursue.

The senior high school curriculum will allow specializations in Science and Technology, Music and Arts, Agriculture and Fisheries, Sports, Business and Entrepreneurship.

Are these specializations needed by the Pangasinan economy?

The idea of having senior high school is to inspire a shift in attitude that completion of high school education is more than just preparation for college but can be sufficient for a gainful employment or career.

Is a diploma in senior high school sufficient for gainful employment in Pangasinan?

The K to 12 basic education program is said to give students more time to master competencies and skills as well as time for other learning opportunities beyond the classroom, thus allowing for a more holistic development.

As the province prepares to host the Palarong Pambansa in 2012, is it also preparing for the proper implementation of the K to 12 basic education program?