In an attempt to improve education in the Philippines, the new Senior High School Curriculum has changed things again. Students and parents alike are often confused and uncertain regarding this drastic change. As a student currently in school using the current curriculum and not the new one, I am aware of the anxieties and concerns of those students who have been impacted by these changes in the past and who will be impacted in the future. In theory, these changes were made to make education stronger; however, many Filipino citizens wonder whether the country is ready for another large change in its educational system. Upon watching many schools throughout the nation, it appears that the new curriculum will create even more confusion for students rather than improvements.
I do not support the immediate implementation of the new SHS curriculum. The new curriculum intends to increase skill building, as well as provide additional options to students; however, many of the schools, teachers and students are unprepared for this large change.
According to the Department of Education, the new SHS curriculum will include more time focusing on important life skills including reading, writing, mathematics, science and technology. There will still be the two major SHS track systems available to students: the Academic Track and the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) Track. The Academic Track prepares learners for attending college; whereas, the TVL Track gives students hands-on training so they can enter the workforce immediately or obtain TESDA certification. Both of these tracks are intended to assist students in determining which path is best for them, based on their personal interests and career objectives.
Additionally, the new curriculum is promoting greater flexibility for students and providing students with more opportunities to learn through real-world applications. This includes more project-based learning, work experience and practical assignments to prepare students for possible future careers. If all parties involved were adequately prepared for these changes, these concepts would certainly benefit many learners.
Even though the new high school (SHS) curriculum has a good purpose, what happens at many of our public schools is just the opposite. As a result, many of these educators have not had sufficient training to implement the new curriculum in their classrooms. In addition, some of our schools are missing basic tools such as computers, equipment, and classroom space. Some schools do not even have working Internet. Furthermore, both parents and students are confused about what is happening, since they were not clearly informed about the changes. From where I stand today as one of the last remaining classes in the old curriculum, I can personally attest to the fact that there is an extreme amount of stress on the students and staff when change occurs too quickly.
Many people believe that the updated curriculum is needed, since Filipinos need to improve in reading, math, and science. Many think that this update to the curriculum is the way to solve the problem of learning gaps in our students. While I understand this concern, the underlying issue is not with the curriculum itself; it is with the lack of funding. The updated curriculum is not going to solve the problems of overcrowding in classrooms, teachers who are under prepared, or a lack of school supplies and equipment. Therefore, rather than rushing new changes to the curriculum, the government should focus on strengthening our education system by first improving the physical plant of the schools, providing adequate educational materials, and training the teachers before implementing a new curriculum.
To conclude, although the new SHS curriculum has good intentions, I strongly disagree that it should be implemented at this time. Since I am still one of the last groups of students using the old curriculum, from my observations, the system is not ready for this type of large-scale change. Students and educators alike deserve clear, consistent and supported learning environments, not rapid changes which cause frustration and confusion.
To improve the situation, the government should begin to upgrade school facilities, provide adequate teacher training, and clearly communicate changes to both parents and students. In addition, the government should establish a process of regular evaluations to determine what areas of the education system need improvement. When we create a system that is supportive of all aspects of teaching and learning, then we will have success in education.
