CHAPTER 2
Historical Foundation of Education
"When a school introduces and trains each
child of society into membership within such a
little community, saturating him with the spirit
of service, and providing him with the
instruments of effective self-direction, we shall
have the deepest and best guaranty of a larger
society which is worthy, lovely, and
harmonious."
- John Dewey
Education or school is an institution created
by society.
Education is a function of society and as such
arises from the nature and character of society
itself. Society seeks to preserve itself whi to a
that in, nainains its functi, sabity and
convenience.
As John Dewey claimed, it is the school that
"introduces and trains each child of society
into membership within such a little
community, saturating him with the spirit of
service, and providing him with the
instruments of effective self-direction..." When
schools succeed to do this, in the words of
Dewey "we shall have the deepest and best
guaranty of a larger society which is worthy,
harmonious, and lovely.
This is called the socialization process.
Socialization is the
"process of learning the roles, statuses and
values necessary for participation in social
institutions. ..." (Brinkerhoff, D., 1989)
Socialization is a lifelong process. It occurs
primarily during early childhood but as we
progress from infancy to old age we shed old
roles and adopt new ones. Role learning that
prepares us for future roles is termed
anticipatory socialization. (Brinkerhoff, D.,
1989) Because of anticipatory socialization
most of us are more or less prepared for our
future roles like spouse, parent, professional
teacher.
The family is the most important agent of
socialization.
Psychology tells us that the self-concept
formed during childhood has lasting
consequences. Besides, "the parents' religion,
social class and ethnicity influence the child's
social roles and self -concept which in turn
influence the expectations that others have for
the child, and they determine the groups with
which the child will interact outside the family".
(Brinkerhoff, D., 1989)
The Teacher and the Community, School
Culture and Organizational Leadership
20
The school is also an important agent of
socialization. It is institution charged by
society to impart specific knowledge and skills
necessary for functioning in a society. They
are also charged with the task of transmitting
society's cultural values. The next part of this
Chapter is devoted to how schools (formal or
informal) did their task as agents of
socialization in different periods of history.
Education in Primitive Society
Brinkerhoof (1989) explains further:
In primitive societies, preliterate persons faced
the problem of survival in an environment that
pitted them against natural forces and wild
animals. To survive, human beings needed
food, shelter, warmth and clothing. To
transform a hostile environment into one that
is life-sustaining, humankind developed life
skills that eventually became cultural patterns.
These life skills included 1) tool or instrument
making, 2) adherence to the moral behavior
code of group life and 3) language.
Early humankind found security in group life
based on kinship and tribal patterns. Life in
the human group was educational as children
observed and learned from the elders and as
they were deliberately taught by their parents
and elders. For these cultural patterns to
continue, the adults had to teach these skills
and values to their children. This is
socialization, a function of education in society.
Socialization is the process by which
individuals internalize the norms and values of
society and so social and cultural continuity
are attained. This is also informal education in
action.
As abstract thinkers, human beings could
create, use and manipulate symbols. They
could communicate with one another through
gestures, sounds and words. These symbols
were expressed in signs, pictographs, letters.
The creation and introduction of oral and
written language made a great leap on literacy
which in turn had tremendous educational
consequences which citizens of a civilized
society like netizens of the 215 century now
enjoy.
The school is also an important agent of
socialization. It is institution charged by
society to impart specific knowledge and skills
necessary for functioning in a society. They
are also charged with the task of transmitting
society's cultural values. The next part of this
Chapter is devoted to how schools (formal or
informal) did their task as agents of
socialization in different periods of history.
Education in Primitive Society
Brinkerhoof (1989) explains further:
In primitive societies, preliterate persons faced
the problem of survival in an environment that
pitted them against natural forces and wild
animals. To survive, human beings needed
food, shelter, warmth and clothing. To
transform a hostile environment into one that
is life-sustaining, humankind developed life
skills that eventually became cultural patterns.
These life skills included 1) tool or instrument
making, 2) adherence to the moral behavior
code of group life and 3) language.
Early humankind found security in group life
based on kinship and tribal patterns. Life in
the human group was educational as children
observed and learned from the elders and as
they were deliberately taught by their parents
and elders. For these cultural patterns to
continue, the adults had to teach these skills
and values to their children. This is
socialization, a function of education in society.
Socialization is the process by which
individuals internalize the norms and values of
society and so social and cultural continuity
are attained. This is also informal education in
action.
As abstract thinkers, human beings could
create, use and manipulate symbols. They
could communicate with one another through
gestures, sounds and words. These symbols
were expressed in signs, pictographs, letters.
The creation and introduction of oral and
written language made a great leap on literacy
which in turn had tremendous educational
consequences which citizens of a civilized
society like netizens of the 215 century now
enjoy.
Key Periods in Educational History
Below are key periods in educational history from 7000 B.C. to
AD 1600. Study the table thoroughly. The notes should make you see that education and school are a function of society and
schools reflect the nature and character of society itself. What society considers important is what education focuses on to preserve
society.
Table 1. Points of Emphasis on Education in History
Key Periods in Educational History, Influences
1000 BC to A.D. 1600
Historical Educational Curriculum Agents on Western Education
Group or Goals Practical skills of Parents, tribal elders, Emphasis on the role of informal
Period To teach group survival skills; to hunting, fishing, food and priests education in
Primitive cultivate group cohesiveness gathering stories, transmission of skills and values
societies myths, songs, poems,
7000 dances
B.C.-
5000 B.C.
Greek To cultivate civic responsibility and Athenian: reading, Athens: private Athens: The concept of the well-
1600 B.C. identity with city-state; writing, arithmetic, teachers and schools; rounded, liberally educated person
• Athenian: to develop well-rounded drama, music, physical Sophists; Sparta: The concept of the military
300 B.C. person educa-tion, literature, philosophers state
Spartan: to develop soldiers and poetry Sparta: military
military leaders Spartan: drill, military teachers, drill
songs and tactics sergeants
Roman To develop sense of civic Reading, writing, Private schools and Emphasis on ability to use
750 B.C. - responsibility for republic and then arithmetic, Laws of teachers; schools of education for practical
A.D. 450 empire; Twelve Tables, law, rhetoric administrative skills; relating
to develop philosophy education to civic responsibility
administrative and military skills
22 Curriculum Agents Influences on Western Education
Period Arabic: Historical Reading, writing, Mosques; court Arabic numerals and computation;
A.D. 700-A.D. 1350 Educational mathematics, religious schools re-entry of classical materials on
Goals literature; scientific Parish, chantry, and science and medicine.
Group of studies Establishing the structure,
To cultivate religious
commitment to Islamic
beliefs; to develop
expertise in mathematics,
medicine, and science
Medieval To develop religious Reading, writing, cathedral schools; content, and organization of the
A.D. 500-A.D.1400 commitment, knowledge, arithmetic, liberal arts; universities; appren- university as a major institution of
and ritual; to re- philosophy, theology; ticeship; knighthood higher educa-tion; the
establish social order; to crafts; military tactics institutionalization and
prepare persons for and chivalry preservation of knowledge
appropriate roles
Renaissance To cultivate a humanist Latin, Greek, classical Classical humanist An emphasis on literary
A.D. 1350-A.D. 1500 who was expert in the literature, poetry, art educators and schools knowledge, excellence, and style
classics- such as lycee, as expressed in classical literature;
-Greek gymnasium, Latin a two-track system of schools
and Latin; to grammar school
prepare courtiers for
service to dynastic leaders
Reformation To cultivate a sense of Reading, writing, Vernacular elementary •A commitment to universal
A.D. 1500- commitment to a particular arithmetic, cate-chism, schools for the education to provide literacy to the
A.D. 1600 religious denomination; to religious concepts and masses; classical masses; the origins of school
cultivate general literacy ritual; Latin and Greek; schools for the upper systems with supervision to ensure
theology classes doctrinal conformity
In primitive societies survival against natural
forces was the need and so what were taught
were survival skills and values to cultivate
group cohesiveness.
For the Athenian in ancient Greece, what
mattered most in education was the rounded
development of every individual while for the
Spartan it was the development of soldiers
and military leaders.
For the early Romans, schools needed to
develop a sense of civic responsibility and to
develop administrative and military skills as
citizens of the Roman Empire.
For the ancient Arabic world where Islam rose
the most important concern of
education was to cultivate religious
commitment to Islamic beliefs.
During the Medieval period, schools were
concerned with the development of religious
commitment, knowledge and ritual to establish
order.
Renaissance period was a fervent period of
European cultural, artistic, political and
economic "rebirth" following the Middle Ages.
Education was focused on the rediscovery of
classical philosophy, literature and art.
The Reformation period had as for its
educational goals the cultivation of a
sense of commitment to a particular religious
denomination and general literacy.
The History of the Philippine Educational
System
Let us also see how the nature and character
of Philippine society are reflected in the
education process in different periods of
Philippine history.
As you study the summary of the Philippine
educational system, just remember this
sociological concept, which is the focus of this
Chapter - that education is a function of
society and as such what are taught in
schools arise from the nature and character of
society itself. What society considers
important is what schools teach.
Education during the Pre-colonial period
informal and unstructured, decentralized.
Fathers taught their sons how to look for food
and other means of livelihood. Mothers taught
their girls to do the household chores, This
education basically prepared their children to
become good husband and wives. Children
were provided more vocational training but
lesser academics. Teachers were tribal tutors
(Babaylan or Katalonan).
Education During the Spanish Era
Education was formal and organized. It was
authoritarian in nature. Tribal tutors of the pre-
Spanish period were replaced by Spanish
missionaries. Pupils attended formal schooling
in the parochial school.
Instruction was Religion-oriented.
Christian
doctrines, sacred songs and music and
prayers were taught because they were
required for confession and communion.
There was a separate school for boys and girls.
Wealthy Filipinos or the ilustrados were
accommodated in the schools.
The Educational Decree of 1863
• This law gave Filipinos a complete system of
education from elementary to the collegiate
level. The law provided for the establishment
of the elementary schools in all municipalities
in the country. Although religion was the core
of the curriculum, the curriculum included
subjects reading, writing, arithmetic, history
Christian doctrine, Spanish language, vocal
music, agriculture for the boys and
needlework for the girls. Attendance in school
was compulsory between the ages of seven
and twelve.
Education during the American Regime 1898-
1946
The Americans promoted democratic ideals
and the democratic way of life. The schools
maintained by the Spaniards for more than
three centuries were closed but were
reopened on August 29, 1898 by the Secretary
of the Interior. A system of free and
compulsory elementary education was
established by the Malolos Constitution
(Political Constitution of 1899). In May 1898,
the first American school was established in
Corregidor, and shortly after the capture of
Manila in 1899, seven schools were opened in
the city.
Training was done through the schools both
public and secular manned by Chaplains and
Military Officers of the US Army.
Thomasites arrived in the Philippines on
August 23, 1901. - The University of the
Philippines was founded in 1908. UP was the
first state school of university status.
The Department of Public Instruction set up a
three level school system. The first level
considered a four-year primary and three-year
intermediate or seven-year elementary
curriculum. The second level was a four-year
junior college and later a four year program.
The Commonwealth Period (1935-1942)
  Free education in public schools
was provided all over the country, in
accordance with the 1935 Constitution.
  Vocational education and some
household activities like sewing,
cooking, and farming were also given
importance.
  Education also emphasized
nationalism so the students were taught
about the life of the Filipino heroes.
  Vocational education and some
household activities were also given
importance. Good manners and
discipline were also taught to the
students.
  The institute of private education
was established in order to observe
private schools.
  Formal adult education was also
given.
Executive Order No. 134 (of 1936) was signed
by Pres. Manuel L.
Quezon designating Tagalog as our National
Language.
  Executive Order No. 217 otherwise
known as the Quezon
Code of Ethics was taught in schools.
  Executive Order No. 263 in (1940)
required the teaching of the Filipino,
national language in the senior year of
all high schools and in all years in the
normal schools.
The Education Act of 1940 (C.A. 586) was
approved by the Philippine Assembly on
August 7, 1940, which provided for the
following:
  Reduction of the 7 year elementary
course to 6 years
  Fixing the school entrance age at 7
  National support for elementary
education
  Compulsory attendance of primary
children enrolled in Grade i
  Adoption of double-single sessions
in the primary grade with one teacher
one class assignment of intermediate
teachers.
The Japanese Occupation
Aims of education during Japanese
occupation:
  Make the people understand the
position of the Philippines as a member
of the East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere
  Eradication of the idea of reliance
upon Western States particularly the US
and Great Britain
  Fostering a new Filipino culture
based on the consciousness of the
people as Orientals
  Elevating the moral of the people
giving up over-emphasis on materialism
  Diffusion of elementary education
and promotion of vocation education
  Striving for the diffusion of the
Japanese language in the Philippines
and the termination of the use of
English in schools
  Developing in people the love of
labor
Post-colonial Philippines
  Education aimed at the full of
realization of the democratic ideals and
way of life.
  The Civil Service Eligibility of
teachers was made permanent
pursuant to R.A. 1079 in June 15, 1954.
  A daily flag ceremony was made
compulsory in all schools including the
singing of the National Anthem
pursuant to
R.A. 1265 approved on June 11, 1955.
  Curricular offerings in all schools,
the life, the works and writings of Jose
Rizal especially the Noli Me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo shall be included
in all levels.
  Elementary education was
nationalized and matriculation fees
were abolished.
  Magna Carta for Teachers was
passed into law by virtue of
R.A. 4670
The fundamental
aims of education in the 1973 Constitution
are: - foster love of country - teach the duties
of citizenship - develop moral character, self-
discipline and scientific, technological and
vocational efficiency Other Developments
  integration of values in all learning
areas
   emphasis on mastery learning
  YDT and CAT introduced as new
courses Media of Instruction-Bilingual
Education Policy: Mandates the use of
English and Filipino separately as media
of instruction in schools.
  Education Act of 1982 - created
the Ministry of Education, Culture and
Sports.
  NCEE - National College Entrance
Examination introduced
  Executive Order No.117 - President
Corazon C. Aquino renamed Ministry of
Education, Culture and Sports (DECS)
in 1987
Creation of the Board for Professional
Teachers composed of 5 under PRC
  Replacement of PBET Professional
Board Examination for Teachers) by
LET (Licensure Examination for
Teachers
  Transfer of authority of
administering the LET from CSC and
DECS to the Board of Professional
Teachers under PRC
  Trifocalization of Education System
  The trifocal education system
refocused DECS' mandate to basic
education which covers elementary,
secondary and nonformal education,
including culture and sports. TESDA
now administers the post-secondary,
middle-level manpower training and
development R.A. 7796 - Technical
Education and Skills Development Act
of 1994
  CHED is responsible for higher
education. R.A. 7722 - Higher
Education Act of 1994
  In August 2001, Republic Act 9155,
otherwise called the Governance of
Basic Education Act, was passed
transforming the name Department of
Education, Culture and Sports (DECS)
to the Department of Education (DepEd)
and redefining the role of field offices
(regional offices, division offices, district
offices and schools). RA 9155 provide
the overall framework for (i) school head
empowerment by strengthening their
leadership roles and (ii) school-based
management within the context of
transparency and local accountability.
The goal of basic education is to
provide the school age population and
young adults with skills, knowledge,
and values to become caring, self-
reliant, productive and patriotic citizens.
 - Governance of Basic Education Act
(R.A. 9155); was passed renaming the
DECS to DepEd and redefining the role
of field ortices which include the
regional offices, division offices, district
 offices and schools
 Values Education is offered as a
separate subject in NSEC and
integrated
 in all subject areas in, both curricula
 Implementation of New Secondary
Education Curriculum (NSEC)
 - RA. 10157, Jan 20,
 2012 - Kindergarten Act,
 an act
 institutionalizing the kindergarten
education into the basic education
system
 - K to 12 Program (RA 10533), May 15,
2013 - The K to 12
 Program covers Kindergarten and 12
years of basic education (six years of
primary education, four years of Junior
High School, and two years of Senior
High School [SHS)) to provide sufficient
time for mastery of concepts and skills,
develop lifelong learners, and prepare
graduates for tertiary education,
middle-level skills development,
employment, and entrepreneurship.
 The Varied Goals of Education in
Different Historical Periods of Philippine
history
 What was considered important in each
historical period of the country was also
the focus or direction of the education
of the Filipino.
 • During the pre-colonial period,
students were given vocational training
but lesser academics for them to be
good fathers and mothers. During the
Spanish period, schools focused on
religious formation to help them live the
Christian faith. The American regime
educated the Filipinos to become good
citizens of a democratic country while
the Japanese regime taught them love
of labor. The post-colonial period
 educational system was devoted to the
following goals: 1) foster love of country;
2) teach the duties of citizenship;
 3) develop moral character self-
discipline; and 4) scientific,
technological and vocational efficiency.
The present DepEd vision and mission
statement and core values and the
fourth mission of the Commission on
Higher Education add light to the
present goals of Philippine education.
They are given below:
Administrators and staff, as stewards of the
institution, ensure an enabling and supportive
environment for effective learning to happen.
Family, community, and other stakeholders
are actively engaged and share responsibility
for developing life-long learners.
Our Core Values
Maka-Diyos
Maka-tao
Makakalikasan
Makabansa
The Importance of

To produce thoughtful graduates imbued with

1) values reflective of a humanist orientation
(e.g. fundamental respect for others as human
beings with intrinsic rights, cultural rootedness,
avocation to serve;)
1.   analytical and
problem solving skills;
2.   the ability to think things through
the ethical and social implication of a
given source of action; and 4) the
competency to learn continuously
throughout life - that will enable them to
live meaningfully in a complex, rapidly
changing and globalized world while
engaging (in) their community and the
nation's development issues and
concern. - Commission on Higher
Education
The Department of Education has the
following vision, mission and core values:
29
The DepEd Vision
We dream of Filipinos who passionately love
their country and whose values and
competencies enable them to realize their full
potential and contribute meaningfully to
building the nation...
The DepEd Mission
To protect and promote the right of every
Filipino to quality, equitable, culture-based,
and complete basic education where:
Students learn in a child-friendly, gender-
sensitive, safe, and motivating environment.
Teachers facilitate learning and constantly
nurture every learner.