K to 12 Curriculum Guide MATHEMATICS

Mathematics is one subject that pervades life at any age, in any circumstance. Thus, its value goes beyond the classroom and the school. Mathematics as a school subject, therefore, must be learned comprehensively and with much depth. 

The twin goals of mathematics in the basic education levels, K-10 are Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. We adopt the definition of critical thinking by Scriven and Paul (1987): Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.

Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013

DeEd Order 43 s 2103


Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act no 10533 otherwise known as the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013

1. For the information and guidance of all concerned, enclosed is a copy of the Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic Act no 10533, entitled An Act Enhancing the Philippines Basic Education System by Strengthening its Curriculum and Increasing the Number of Years for Basic Education, Approaching Funds Therefor and for other purposes.

2. Pursuant to Section 41 of this IRR, this Order shall take effect 15 days after its publicatio in the offcial gazette or in 2 newspapers of general circulation. As such, the IRR will take effect on Sept 24, 2013 since it was publised on Sept 9, 2013 in newspaper, the Manila Times and Business Mirror.

3. All orders, Memoranda and other related issuances inconsistent witht he contents of this DepED Order are deemed amended accordingly upon its effetivity.

4. Immediate dissemination of and strict compliance with this order is directed.


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DepEd prepares instructors for K in order to 12

In preparation for the adoption of the new programs under the K to 12 program, the Section of Training is doing the Test associated with English Skills for Teachers (TEPT) as well as Process Abilities Test (PST) throughout Science and also Math to everyone Grades 1 and 2 public school lecturers nationwide.

The tests, according to Education Secretary Br. Armin A new. Luistro FSC, are section of DepEd’s assessment for the capability of community school teachers to show the new program under the K to 12 program. The Level 1 and fresh high school program will debut when lessons open in June 2012. “We want each of our teachers entirely equipped when we introduce the new curriculum this specific school year,” he explained.

Luistro pointed out that caused by the TEPT as well as PST will serve because basis for the type of training as well as intervention the actual department will certainly introduce come early july to fully prepare the educators for the new course load.

The checks started in February 5 for NCR teachers. Upon Feb 12, instructors from CaLaBaRZon and MIMAROPA will take your tests; January 19 in Ilocos Region as well as Cagayan Valley; Feb 26 for Parts 5 and 9; Drive 11 for Location 12; March Eighteen for Regions 6 and also CARAGA; March 30 for Northern Mindanao as well as Davao Region; April 1 for Regions 7 and 8; April 15 for Key Luzon and Car and April Twenty two for ARMM.

DepEd has jumpstarted the K in order to 12 program this past year when it introduced the common kindergarten put in all community schools. Nited kingdom to 12, since envisioned through DepEd, aims to produce high school graduate students who have the particular competency to be able to land a job also to be better geared up for college education and also global opportunities.

DepEd RBEC - Does it Change Anything?

Year 2004 when this BEC curriculum  later RBEC was presented to teachers. We were instructed to implement RBEC with Makabayan subjects and other tool subjects. We were provided with lesson guides and other materials for the implementation.

When Roco left DepED and other officials take the seat, the DepEd improves the curriculum. We were instructed to follow teaching methods suited for the curriculum. Then in my years of teaching career, I find that the curriculum do not have big difference from the old one. The good thing now is that either I follow or not the RBEC curriculum, I have seen my students in the top of their present career.

What is the effect of RBEC in my teaching performance is I do not know. I do not if I could correlate it with the achievement of my students for I see no research and evaluation done in the part of DepED after this curriculum was implemented 5 years ago.

So what do you think is the effect of RBEC in your student's performance?

The following are archive from - http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/54a/220.html

RBECis the product of 16 years' study and seven years of intensive consultations,Roco said many years ago. 

The government has not revised the curriculum for public elementary
schools in 13 years. Meanwhile, the curriculum for public high schools has not been changed for almost two decades, in sharp contrast to the general practice worldwide, which calls for a revision every 10 years.


That is why the RBEC, which is responsive to the ever-changing world, is badly needed, senior education department officials argued.


To actualize a gracious life in our changing world, Filipino learners need an education system that empowers them for a lifelong learning, or (the system) that enables them to be (more) competent in learning how to learn even when they are left to themselves, said Dr. Fe Hidalgo, education undersecretary for programs.

The RBEC has been drawn from various studies, particularly that of the Committee on Information Technology, Science and Mathematics, Education and Technologies. This committee is under the Presidential Commission on Education Reforms.

Called the laboratory of life, Makabayan will be the practice environment for the tool subjects. It is designed to help the students develop better interpersonal skills, empathy will cultures, vocational efficiency and problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Now after years of implementation. Do you see any changes in quality and quantity of education in our children? You judge teachers.

Education Offered in School is Really Quality Education

The government has made a good start in building a lot of schools not only in the cities but also in the mountain barangays to cater to the needs of our children as far as education is concerned. But assuring its quality is another thing. How can we be sure that the education offered in these schools is really “quality education?” For us, the school administrators and faculty, the standard of education is a must and we have to strive hard in order to achieve pan out academically.

    To know its in-depth study and analysis of what is really Quality in Education, it is a benchmark gauged in performing the internal and external factors of the school, at the same time,   aimed at those interested in the theory, practice and policies relating to the control, management and improvement of quality in education. The administrator especially wishes to encourage performance of each Filipino Teacher : reported research results, especially where these evaluate the impact of quality assurance systems, procedures and methodologies; theoretical analyses of quality and quality initiatives in education; comparative evaluation, local and international aspects of practice and policy with a view in identifying transportable methods, systems and good practice.

Having centers for excellence is one way of addressing this concern. These centers of excellence experiment and try out relevant and innovative pre-service teacher education / training programs; organize and coordinate collaborative research on identified areas for systematic investigation in teacher education as the basis for improving teacher education/training programs; serve as teacher resource center for curricular/instructional materials development; serve as the center mode for networking specific data; provide professional assistance that have expressed the need for such assistance; encourage mutual support in the region for upgrading their programs; and facilitate and help expedite accreditation.

With these following functions performed, quality education can be guaranteed!
Republic Act 7784 Section 3 gives emphasis to the importance of quality education and states that the centers of excellence should be

• highly educated, professionally qualified and experienced faculty dedicated to the philosophy, mission, vision and goals of the institution and education; 
•  well-settled students; 
•  adequate library, research and study facilities; 
•  competent administrative and support staff; 
•  well-planned and relevant instructional programs;
•  adequate student development programs; 
•  adequate student services; 
•  relevant extension service and outreach programs; 
•  percentage of graduates who become teachers; and 
•  such other criteria as may be established and functionally put up by the Teacher Education Council.

Having the credit as a center of excellence, it is a must that such institution deserves such name. Centers of Excellence have this responsibility of improving and enhancing the quality of education that we have now. Therefore, it must qualify the criteria mentioned above.  The government must make sure that the centers of excellence are religiously doing their responsibilities and assigned centers must qualify to the standard as stipulated by the law. The Filipino teachers must utilize the programs and the services offered by the centers. We must take advantage of the chance of improving ourselves not mainly for us but for our Filipino students.


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Scholastic Article is provided by our friends in Philippines call center industry that specialized in Inbound call center services. You can expect more educational articles in the coming days. For discussion about curriculum issue and other educational concern, please e-mail your opinion to arnoldsantos2008@gmail.com

Why Business Process Outsourcing should be included in DepED's Curriculum

The Philippine outsourcing sector has been steadily picking up momentum over the past years. As of time, it seems to have reached a tipping point where the Filipinos are engaged in this business as part of day-to-day sustenance. It caters to the needs of people in terms of telecommunication and other sort of information to come by. Philippines will be known as the service capital of the world not only because of our language proficiency but because of our innate talents that make us world class.


Despite the economic problems that the Philippines are facing, it is unavoidable still that it encounters another problem. The nation itself faces the impact of notions and problems. It is the problem or notion that it can handle only call center and low-risk services work. Indeed, inbound customer services account for about two-thirds of the US$6.8 million in professional services the Philippines exported last year. Although the government has expressed confidence and interest in expanding beyond voice-related services, the method or strategy could be more focused than it is at present. They are seeking more prospects, building up the infrastructure and spreading the industry throughout the country, but most people think they could position the IT industry better when selling the proposition. Now a day, outsourcing companies are hiring medical graduates, online teachers, Engineers and Architecture as Steal Detailer of US building plans, IT professionals, accountants, online lawyers, marketing professionals, fine arts graduates, online technicians, copy writers and even secretarial graduates are now working in Outbound call center as agent who prepared document reports, appointment setting, travel and meeting scheduling and customer search generation.

IT support services companies in the Philippines, for example, could search for a niche serving mid-market corporations in the global market. That's not to say the Filipino BPO market has been stagnant. We expect more jobs to come, more employments to come, not just today but beyond the times of occupations, work sustenance and existence. Just a few years ago, the BPO industry employed just 4,000 people. Today, 100 times as many people work in the industry, making the Philippines the second largest low-cost BPO destination in the world. The objective of industry leaders is to see 1 million Filipinos working in IT and business process outsourcing by 2010 so the Philippines can have expected 10 percent of the total global services market.

The people in academe specially the Department of Education and Commission of Education should spearheaded the development of professionals that will lead to the dream of every Outsourcing companies in the Philippines. That is world's number 1 business service provider through offshore outsourcing.

The Filipinos pray to God always that outsourcing business never ceases. It must not stop today and must continue beyond the times of prolific sustenance.
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Philippines Chambers of Commerce and Industry wants 2 more years in primary education

Two or a month ago, I write some reason why we should add more year level in our elementary and high school. Some teacher agree and some do not. I noticed that those disagree are teachers who are handling a selected student like those in science high school or science elementary.

One of the main reason i provide in my previous posting is about teacher and curriculum factor. The DepEd curriculum is integrated on too big for 1 school yar because they want to complete the subject matter in just a short period of time. This situation resulted to less mastery on topics on the part of the student. The second reasons is the teachers workload. Too many subjects to teach, extra non specialization workload, daily class record, daily log or lesson plan, class register and periodic grading. This situation resulted to unprepared teacher in classroom activity. So do not blame teachers for low quality education. They will not pass the board exam if they are not good. Do not blame the books for they are well explain. However, for sure, teacher will not be able to complete the content of the book which for me a must.

Now i read an article from business group (PCCI) that will support this idea. The business community is complaining about the mismatch of education to the need of industry (specially the growth of inbound call center which required knowledge and skills in international business) which the constitution required the government to provide relevant and functional education (I learn my integral and differential calculus but after more than 10 years of working I did not find any application at all).

The Philippine Chambers of Commerce and Industry or PCCI through its research group, Universal Access to Competitiveness and Trade know as UACT have proposed to the government for the additional academic years. The group think that it is the solution for the job-skills mismatch in the country. PCCI is proposing two more years of primary education and dedicate the latter senior years of High School to technical and practical training (skills development). They said this is the concussion they agreed based on the discussion between academe and business group.

The business group believes that with more years in primary education until 3rd year of HS, student will be able to obtain necessary theoretical knowledge on Values, Math, Science and English. The the remaining 2 years in high school, the students will focus in skills development like speaking language for call center industry, writing skills for outsourced content writing jobs which is scattered online. The later year of the student will be spent on handling industrial machine, actual business procedures like making PO's, quaotation, correspondence, selling products and more. In this situation, i will be able to teach graphics and web designing which is very in demand now a days. This skills do not need diploma and degree. Its creativity and necessary tools are the requisite and we can produce a self earning student who are about to enter college.

The business group said there are a lot of job vacancy because of the absense of required skills to get hired by these companies. I do very much agree with this. I know some people are working online with 3 or 4 more different foreign employers. The business group also want participation in the development of the curriculum by allowing the leader industry to become part of curriculum developer for TESDA, DepED and CHED. This is the problem of the 3 government agency, they are seldom or not at all ask the private industry about the curriculum The truth is, the DepEd itself do not listen to the private sectors because these curriculum writers have PhD and they think they are the best in this task. I said maybe they are the best on theory but not and never in practice. Specially when it involve skills needed in the running machine, repairing and setting networks, assembling machine belt and more.

The DepEd Secretary response to the call from business group positively except that the smallest estimate of budget for this program is not less than P30 billion. Well i said looking for funds is no longer job of the people in the academe. How about you? Any suggestion?

To attain quality education, reduce the topics or subject matter per school year and more exercises which should be relevant to actual situation in the present industry.

Reduce the teachers load specially the paper works. The government should produce (congress) approved lesson plan and text books. Do not allow teachers to handle subject not their specialization unless they have special training. Increase our salary for God Sake.


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A need for SciTech Curriculum in every town of the country

A total of 57 Special Science Elementary Schools were given financial assistance by the Department of Education to support science curriculum and programs. The strengthened SSES Project has been allocated P26.5M as financial assistance to the project's existing 57 pilot schools and their respective region and division offices.

The 57 schools piloted in 16 regions will be allocated some P418,421 each. The regions will be allotted P82,812 for the upgrading of SSES classes, the provision of the technical assistance, and the final screening of new students to be conducted by the Regional Assessment Team.
Education Secretary noted that only 44 percent of high school graduates pursue science and engineering-related courses.

Meanwhile, the amount granted for each school will be used for the training and professional upgrading of teachers and school heads; purchase of instructional materials; pupil development activities such as conduct of investigatory project development, leadership, training, educational visits and student participation in Science related activities.

Lapus affirmed, "A strong science and technology- based education is the foundation of a progressive society and we have to set our eyes towards that goal,"

The program started in the pilot schools at Grades 1 and 2 having enriched curriculum. In 2008, SSES Project has finalized SSES Curriculum up to Grade 3-6 already. "Teachers and school administrators were actively oriented on SSES implementation," she added. SSES offer longer hours in Science while still maintaining the same subjects like ordinary elementary schools.

Maybe the Secretary still do not recognize the need to have science elementary and high school in every town in the Philippines. Some division have been running science elementary and high school curriculum since 1996 (or earlier) with less support from National Government.

Apart from Science and Mathematics training, the DepEd should not forget to strengthen the values formation program for this intelligent pupils/student are vulnerable to arrogance owing to their academic achievements. In my years of service as IT Teacher in Science High School, I have observed bright student's growth from first to fourth year. Success and Achievements make some of them non-deserving leaders. DepEd should give time weaving a curriculum that stress scientific knowledge and God fearing character in order to avoid corrupt leaders in the future.


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New Pre-School Curriculum

Our DepEd Secretary submitted to the President the content of the new pre-school curriculum. The new curriculum will be implemented 3 years or less from now.

The curriculum defines what a five-year-old should know and able to do on such areas as values development, physical health and motor development, social and emotional development, cognitive development, creative arts, reading and writing readiness, and language, literacy and communication.

The public welcome the new curriculum since the various private pre-school around the country will have a standard curriculum based on DepEd's criteria.

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The "School of Peace" is an add-on curriculum

A brainchild of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr., "School of Peace" is an add-on curriculum endorsed by the Department of Education (DepEd) for elementary pupils in conflict-areas in southern Philippines, teaching them the importance of peace in class.

Abdul, a grade five pupil at Liangan East Elementary School, is one of the thousands who have benefited from the new curriculum.

For one, the cross and the crescent symbolize two diverse religion and culture, but for young Abdul, a Muslim, they mean "oneness" and the capacity to co-exist harmoniously.

Abdul shares with other students his artwork about peace.

He says peace is about respect for each other, whether one embraces the Christian or Muslim faith.

Abdul believes in unity in diversity to attain a genuine and lasting peace in the country, especially in Mindanao.

In fact, his drawing shows a chain linking a cross (a symbol of Christianity) and a crescent (Islam's symbol) connecting the globe as one people.

Princess, a Christian girl from a nearby school, echoed Abdul's meaning of peace.

A grade six student at the Bacolod Central Elementary School, Princess has emphasized the importance of "seeing more our similarities rather than our differences."

These are words of wisdom uttered by some kids during the focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted here recently.

This activity is aimed at assessing the outcome of peace education trainings given to school principals and teachers who in turn impart the same to their students.

In an area not far from the center of the recent armed hostilities, these schoolchildren are taught the value of justice, tolerance and respect for people's diverse beliefs to live and achieve a lasting peace in this troubled region.

It shows that education is the key to transform the mindsets and attitudes of the populace amidst raging conflicts. The values and skills of peace-building are stressed.

Godilla V. Lao, principal of Bacolod Central Elementary School, shared among her teachers the Peace Education Teaching Exemplars (PETE) by integrating peace in the lesson plans in different subjects in elementary and high school.

After attending the Peace Education training conducted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), DepEd and Unicef in 2006, she echoed of what she learned to school principals and co- teachers in her district.

One of them was Josephine Viscaya, principal of Liangan East Elementary School.

To reinforce the integration of the value of peace, Ms. Lao transformed her classes into 'school of peace.' It goes beyond academics in molding children the essence of having peace in their community.

This new paradigm involves all stakeholders in the community working together, conveying the message the importance of peace.

The schoolchildren are being made aware that what they learned in class must be consistently applied outside the school campus.

In Liangan East and Bacolod Central, Ms. Lao established a peace park and a peace garden in school.

When Viscaya was transferred to Liangan East last June, she established a peace hub to provide an environment that allows children to nourish what they were taught about peace.

For this creative endeavor, Liangan East has become a model 'school of peace', sharing its experiences to visiting principals and teachers from other schools.

Using PETE and other resource materials, teachers were able to integrate peace values, principles and skills to different subjects. The program also inspired teachers to make their own lesson plans that incorporate peace-related concepts.

A mathematics teacher creatively used the raging true-to-life conflict into problem solving questions in math. After doing their arithmetic, kids pondered on the conflict and gave their suggestions on how to resolve them.

On the other hand, a music teacher promoted unity in diversity through action songs she taught her students. She infused into the songs the idea that no matter what ethnic groups we come from, we are all Filipinos.

For instance, the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) program the teachers use in dramatization allows students to conceptualize on the essence of unity and other acts of kindness.

ALIVE caters to Muslim kids but welcomes other pupils from other faiths – teaching Islamic language and universal values.

Peace Education Champion

DepEd X Regional Director Estrella-Abid Babano, a peace advocate, has been instrumental in continuously capacitating her teachers and school administrators on the value of peace.

She has been spearheading other peace education activities and designated peace education coordinator per division to ensure the mainstreaming of peace education in the schools' curricula and school events.

Waging Peace

The values and skills on peace-building being taught to the youngsters allow them to contribute in the creation of a culture of peace, and prepare them for a better future.

In fact these school children are optimistic about their future. Their drawings reflect hope of a family filled with love and a community where people of diverse cultures and faiths embrace each other's differences.

When asked why peace should be taught in class, Renalyn, a grade six student, expressed her full support to this peace-building program.

"Kailangang matuto at masanay kaming gumawa nang mabuti para sa aming paglaki dala namin ang mabuting ugali (We have to learn how to do good things so that when we grow up we bring with us our good values)," she said.

Indeed, the future holds a promise of peace not only in Mindanao but the entire Philippines. (PNA)
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DepEd ICT Curriculum and Blogging Trends

Juned Sunido posted in his blog about the growth of blogs within two years.He is basically amazed on blog’s trends. He is definitely correct in his observation about the dramatic growth of blogs in the Philippines and in the world in general. Yes it is now global trends.

I myself being teacher, ICT trainor, web and some graphics designer and online marketer noticed this important change on blogging trends. The competition is now up and even my former student is now my competitor online. As a designer, I am against blogs because the template are the same. For me, the problem with blog was the feeling of originality on design, layout, colors and structures. That is the my reason why I did not start blogging and sharing to my students earlier. Instead I continue with my static sites and i required my high school graduate to produce group web sites. That is 4 years ago. When I got busy with my regular work plus the personal sites that I maintain, I started to use blogs for me to keep my love information posted online. I regrets for not blogging right away. I should have higher or better popularity and higher web traffics now. I should be able to teach my students and teachers as well on this technology so that the mentors are now member of blogosphere.

Since blogs speed up my internet needs which is putting my work online, coupled with online marketing and Adsense encouragement, my blog increase from 2 to 10 now. I became blog addicted and started to write something even I am not a professional writer (hope you accept my grammar and the way I present ideas).

Having a chance working in online advertising company, i have learned that English and Americans occupy big percent of blog in the market. They also have the traffics and the advertisement as well. Luckily, Filipino bloggers (see Manila Bloggers Society, Cebu Bloggers Society and Davao Bloggers Society) started to unite, share links, promote blogs by team and helps other community in promotion. The Indians are very good in web development. They have targeted the international market specially US and UK. Did you notice the "Marry me banner ads". The Indians have cornered the market of dating site. They have bitten us in web development’s freelance war or BPO wars if i may call. India also have Online Advertising Companies while in Philippines, we only have auction.ph which is unacceptable for me because it is affiliate program. The ideal for Philippines is also Local PPC and CPM like the Google Adwords.

Back to blogging trends now. The free editable blog templates give the designer and developer the feeling of originality in design. Why? it is because they allowed us to modify designs and layouts. Moreover, the wordpress and blogger can be hosted in private server. You can change the URL and the taggings or codes of your comment and posting. You can even do business and receive money like regular dynamic sites. The blog's plug in are also nice. Many site analytics, SEO widgets, social communities, bookmarking, etc. are now complementing the blog trends.

So blogging invited not only the writers, web designer and developer but also professionals like teachers, nurses, doctors, lawyers and even farmers. In 2002, I ask my students about the application of internet and then of course the answer is everyone. So therefore, I presumed that blog will become human's way of life. In the future, once blogging become part of school curriculum, every graduates has blog as high school requirements. In TLE we call this as portfolio evaluation. In education, we may call this "online human portfolio" which could run from elementary to college and perhaps until his career retirement. So people even already dead will be remember through his blog.

Yes dear reader of any profession, I have two mission now. First is to unite teachers in one organization know as Teachers Bloggers Society. Secondly and hoping that the blogging will become part of both public and private curriculum as part of ICT Integration. Language subjects have their portfolios, TLE and sciences required students portfolio. Araling Panlipunan, one of the subject with less ICT integration has their own portfolio as well. So one way to publish these students portfolio ONLINE is using blogs. It is easy, understandable and dynamic. Students can carry their blogs URL’s (since most are free) even they finished studies.

I do not know how to bring this to officials, but I just hope they read and think about it.

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The Philippines call center company is providing us with maintenance help in this blog site.

New High School Curriculum of DepEd

(25 October) -- High school students in public schools will soon follow a new secondary education curriculum.

Department of Education regional supervisor Lorenzo Mendoza announced in yesterday's (Oct. 24) Kapihan sa PIA media forum, the possibility of implementing a new curriculum by 2010.

However, the implementation may still be delayed if the materials for the new curriculum are not yet out of the printing press.

Amendments in the Revised Basic Education Curriculum (RBEC) would include the assessment or learning outcome to take place before or in between the presentation of the lesson.

"Unlike in RBEC, the proposed new curriculum will require teachers to insert the assessment stage before, in between, and after the lesson," he said.

This way, the teacher would really have a clear picture of the student's learning level or absorptive capacity. Teachers would then not leave a particular lesson if the student did not fully comprehend or achieve the learning objectives.

Assessment strategies may be in the form of quizzes, role playing, dramatization, games, or comprehensive examination.

Lorenzo bared that the regional office is yet to receive the details of the proposed curriculum.

"It has already been practiced in some schools for pilot testing. As soon as we receive the guidelines, some teachers would then undergo trainings for the new curriculum," he said.

Dr. Alicia Sayson, Vice President of Academic Affairs in the University of Immaculate Conception said that RBEC has failed because not all teachers were properly trained to carry out the curriculum.

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DepEd ICT Curriculum is far Behind the Trend

The DepEd ICT Curriculum is very late. The latest ICT curriculum was made last 2004 and the basis of this curriculum is still Microsoft Operating System, Microsoft Office, Basic hardware and software with actual or hand on experience, basic web development with little discussion on graphics and basic programming which until 2009 the computer teacher was unable to implement due to lack of programming training and trainors. Some details on the background of ICT Curriculum given by DepED.

• The actual computer education of the public high school student will begin in 3rd year level (some concern school started in the elementary and first year yet no clear program until now).
• The content will be Operating system, software and hardware concepts, keyboarding, Ms word and Excel. Never mention the PowerPoint and Ms Publisher. However since ICT teacher of Deped are intelligent, flexible and aggressive, they teach those missing topics even it is no longer in the curriculum.

• The 4th year student will learn the basic concepts of programming like pseudocode, syntax, flowcharting, IF and then etc. Take note there is no actual coding since teacher of DepEd does not know how to code. That will be all for 4th yr 2nd grading. (1st grading is review of 3rd yr lesson). In 3rd grading, the 4th yr will do Ms Access database. Lucky if the teacher know this application yet mostly do not know. The 4th grading is spent in HTML.

Why late? Basically database programming now a days is more on MS Sql and mysql. While the curriculum is about Access and HTML, Microsoft already introduce since 2002 the FrontPage web design application. Unfortunately, FrontPage is already face out by 2004 because it do not conform with W3 standard. The FrontPage now is have a new name and Microsoft call it Web Expressions, yet the software was unable to released formally. In this trends the Adobe products together with Macromedia - Adobe package became dominant for IT related works suited for Filipinos. DepED do not have license for it so we can not teach this in the classroom unless teachers are willing to take risk on licenses.

Yes Sir, while the DepEd stick to Microsoft product, the actual industry is using Dreamweaver, Flash and Photoshop. This is what are lacking for the Filipino students while Indian professional enjoying. Now lets focus in programming, which in my view should be teach to 3rd year student. Just a simple conditional if and then scripts is very important to the student to understand the logic of various programming language.

DepEd have to chose PHP over ASP as application in the theory. PHP is free and do not need license suited for Philippine settings. I recommend that the student start studying CSS since it is the next after HTML or XHTML. All this things will required comprehensive training for ICT teacher and not only 40 hours or one week as what DepED usually offered to teachers.

The high school student are not allow to study hardware maintenance since the school is afraid that the student may damage the units. However just last year STEP final in Baguio, the curriculum expert discuss the new coming curriculum for the future high school computer technician.

The sad thing is, they want to adopt with the needs of the society yet it is still late. The curriculum writer should include not only hardware technician but also the following; software technician, network technician and basic server maintenance. Hey i do not suggest to get the job from Computer Engineer. Actually, those Engineer do not like to do this dirty works and they want it to be left to the maintenance technician. It simply means the Civil Engineer just command what to do while the laborer (technician) perform the task.

Luckily, some DepEd IT teachers was forced to study and teach latest innovation like graphics designing (should be included in DepEd curriculum) and web design and development ( once again should be included at least basic topics) since this is the trends of today Information Technology. Why the teachers are forced? It is because of the Student Technologist and Entrepreneur of the Philippines. The organization the host and manage the technology competition of the Department of Education. Every year, winning the STEP competition is getting difficult. The quality of outputs can be observed during judging. So much for the STEP, let me summarize my demand as former IT expert of DepEd.

The DepED should make IT as separate subject like math and science. Why because this technology is applicable in every part of human life. There is no more activities that this IT is not usable. It is comprehensive in details which can not be fruitful by mere integration.

The DepEd should start teaching Operating System, Concepts of Hardware and software, Ms Word and Excel to the first year. PowerPoint and Desktop Publishing (graphics design) for the second year. Web development, some scripting language and data base application both Microsoft and open software for third year. Lastly, hopefully the student is already matured to repair, troubleshoot, do some networking and configuration including internet and server maintenance for 4th year.

Yes i do not intent to get the job from college graduate. This high school is just support group, the Junior worker of the industry if they not proceed in college. That i think the essence of Edukasyong Pangkabuhayan.

Ops the teachers need training. As i observed, the DepED and private sector even Microsoft offered training which is very basic like, basic office application, basic multimedia, basic desktop publishing etc. Hey our student do not need the basic. They need quality learning, complete and usable when they enter the next facet of their lives. Hey, do not forget to include the forum, blog, online photos, e-mail, chat, voip, download and upload, conferencing and those things as latest today.

Former ICT In Charge
Minglanilla NSHS
www.mnshs.co.nr

Reengineering of Educational System

'Reengineering' of educational system in RP has begun...
Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said yesterday that he has begun "reengineering the entire education system" to make it more responsive in the delivery of quality education.
Yes re-engineering of eduacational system is very much awaited by the DepEd teacher yet after the publication of this news nothing change in the classroom of the ordinary teachers. Well at least here in our division, perhaps in other places. I am inviting teacher to give opinion and ideas to help Sec Lapus what should be the needed changes in our Educational system specially in the delivery of education objectives. Teachers voice your opinion here....

STEP, MNSHS, Entrepreneurship