DepEd Order No. 8 Series of 2015: K to 12 Program Overview

Study Notes

DepEd Order No. 8 Series of 2015: An Overview of the K to 12 Program

In the Philippines, DepEd Order No. 8 series of 2015 introduced significant changes to the country's education system by introducing the K to 12 Program. This program aims to increase the quality of basic education and prepare students for higher education and work. Here is a brief overview of the key aspects of this order and its impact on Philippine education.

Background

The Department of Education (DepEd) initiated the K-to-12 Basic Education Curriculum Reform Program to enhance basic education by following international standards and practices by incorporating six years of primary schooling from kindergarten to Grade 6, followed by four years of junior high school from Grades 7 to 10, and two years of senior high school covering Grades 11 and 12.

Key Components

Grade Levels: The program includes three grade levels - Kindergarten, Grades 1 to 6 for elementary education, and Grades 7 to 10 for Junior High School (JHS). Senior High School (SHS) consists of Grades 11 and 12.
Subject Areas: In SHS, there are 11 academic tracks, each consisting of eight subject areas. These subject clusters cover various fields such as agriculture and fisheries, arts and design, business management and accountancy, engineering technology, home economics, information technology, maritime studies, sports development and wellness, tourism and hospitality, and general academic strand.
Course Offerings: SHS offers both technical-vocational-livelihood (TVL) courses and academic tracks with existing technology and livelihood courses expanded to serve more students.
Admission Policies: Admission into SHS is based on the results of the National Career Assessment Examination, which will be held annually in February, June, October, and December.
Graduation Requirements: A student may graduate if she/he meets all graduation requirements in the course taken, as specified in Item V, Paragraph B9, Rule II, Department Order No. 67, s. 2011, as amended by DO No. 20, s. 2014. For TVL courses, a minimum passing score of 75% shall suffice; while for Academic Track students, they must pass all subjects with an average weighted grade of 85%.

Implementation

The implementation of the K to 12 program has been gradual due to concerns over the availability of facilities and classrooms. As such, the full implementation of the program was phased in starting with Grade 1 of the 2011-2012 school year, and the entire Grade 8 batch in the 2016-2017 school year.

Impact and Outcomes

The K to 12 program has been met with mixed reactions since its introduction, with some arguing it increases inequality in accessing learning opportunities, particularly among public school students who do not have private tutors, especially those living in rural areas. However, others argue that it provides better preparation for college and job hunting. Overall, new curriculum frameworks, competency indicators, and assessment tools were established under the program, changing the contents of the syllabus per level, increasing the number of subjects, and providing students with more choices in their tracks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, DepEd Order No. 8 Series of 2015 represents a significant shift in Philippine education, aiming to improve the quality of basic education and prepare students for further study or entry into skilled professions upon completion. While its implementation has faced challenges, it has also brought positive outcomes for many students. As the program continues to evolve, it remains crucial for educators, parents, and policymakers to monitor its progress and ensure it serves the needs of Filipino learners effectively.