Education is a continuous quest towards progress and global growth.

It
fuels life towards pursuing greater length of success. It enthuse one to delve
and ask questions to finally see self in new perspective, challenge self to surpass
expectation and to make self a catalyst of change. Thus, education is the key
in gaining equity, self-worth and even transcendence.

The onset of the K-12 curriculum has brought about mixed feelings of
doubt and uncertainty, denial and rejection and difference in opinions among
the Filipino people. The additional years in the program was viewed as an
additional burden to parents and students as well.

Yet, the shift in the curriculum is simply an answer to the call of a higher
goal, globalization. Globalization is now the trend which influences and rules
the global society.

The Philippines is the last country in Asia and one of only three countries
in the world with a 10-year pre-university program. This system has placed
Filipino graduates at a disadvantage since they ought to rival with those
graduates of 12 year-university programs even if licenses were factored in.

Thus, the onset of K-12 curriculum. K-12 aims to enhance learners basic
skills, produce competent citizens and prepare graduates for lifelong learning
and employment. Basically, K-12 stands for Kindergarten, 6 years elementary
education, 4 years junior high school and 2 years senior high school.
Why K-12? What makes it better than the previous curriculum?

First, K-12 represents a decongested 12-year program that gives students

sufficient time to master skills and absorb basic competencies. This gave way
for excellent mastery of skills and developing it to lifelong life skills.
Second, the new students will graduate at the age of 18 and will be
ready for employment, entrepreneurship, middle level skills development and
higher education upon graduation. Since skills are among the subsets being
focused on in the curriculum, in the eventuality when students were not able
to proceed to college, they can apply for job using their skills, thus they can still
live a good life.

Third, the K-12 program accelerates mutual recognition of Filipino

graduates and professionals in other countries. This is among the most relevant
issues of our overseas workers, since even though they were licensed
professionals, they are still considered below those with a 12-year program.

Fourth, Kindergarten is mandatory for five-year-old children, a pre-

requisite for admission to Grade 1. Kindergarten is considered the most basic
of education. Foundation plays a significant role in the academic
development of the students to become better individuals and achieve higher
aims in life.
 Finally, the new curriculum gives students the chance to choose among
three tracks (i.e. Academic; Technical-Vocational-Livelihood; and Sports and
Arts) and undergo immersion, which provides relevant exposure and actual
experience in their chosen track. The tracks provide focus for students to
capitalize and maximize the development of their skills.

Regardless, the K-12 shed tremendous realizations among the people in

the academe to equate our educational system with that of the world to open
up the economic stage to a newer platform of vigilant and fast adapting
graduates. Likewise, it assures equal opportunities for our graduates to
compete with graduates of other countries as to skills and intellect.

Nevertheless, though K-12 presents an additional two years in the

educational program, perceived as a burden to most parents and students, a
new struggle to teachers and test for preparedness to the heads of the
academe, it is still a fresh and positive perspective towards rising to global
standards.

Reticence may seem as a justifiable response towards changes, yet it is

apparent that changes are expected to keep abreast with the vast
technological advancements in the world. K-12 is a change, a much needed
change as we embrace globalization as a way of life.

K-12 commensurates to globalization; globalization equates to progress.

Thus, K-12 allows us to have better choices towards having a good life and a
meaningful existence.

Despite the adversities, shortcomings and weaknesses in the crafting,

implementing and supporting of the program, resilient as we are, we find ways
to make and sustain the program for better results.

K-12 is a revolution of the educational system. A strong, commendable

and well thought move in the part of the government inspired by the need to
take hold of the progress for a better Philippines.
Education indeed makes for a progressive and better world.