K+12 means: 1 year kindergarten (5 yrs old), 6 years elementary (6 to 11 years old), 4 years junior high (12 to 15 years old) and 2 years senior high (16 to 17 years old). Full 12 years of basic education will be requirement for college entry by SY 2018-2019.
Why K+12?
The Philippines is the only in Asia and among the 3 in the world with 10-year basic education cycle. Education outcomes (participation, completion, achievement) require urgent action and ARMM is the lowest performers among the 16 regions. Lacking 2 years implies inadequate instructional time or time on task – 12-year congested in 10-year.
A recent SEAMEO-Innotech study found out the following: Congested elementary education curriculum, especially in Math, Languages and Sciences, compared with ASEAN neighbors; High school graduates (15-16) too year to enter workforce legally (18), and inadequately prepared for college (need for remedial classes).
Our 10-year cycle do not conform with the Washing Accord and Bologna Process. Washington Accord prescribes 12-year of basic educ prior to recognition engineering courses. Bologna Process requires 12-year basic education prior to university admission and professional practice.
How?
We are going to have phased implementation, meaning gradual, one year level at a time.
Kindergarten is offered starting SY 2011-12 for all 5 years old children or those who will be 5 years old by August. The new curriculum will be offered this school year to Grade 1 and Grade 7 (1st year high school).