General Shaping Paper 2023 PDF

Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT GENERAL SHAPING PAPER 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 0 | Page Telephone Nos.:...

Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT GENERAL SHAPING PAPER 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 0 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT I. RATIONALE The Enhanced Basic Education Program or K to 12 Basic Education Program is a response to local and global community needs and demands through its mission to strengthen the values of the Filipino people; develop a strong sense of nationalism; develop productive citizens who contribute to the building of a progressive, just, and humane society; ensure environmental sustainability; and cultivate global partnerships for development. The implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum is considered one of the most significant educational reforms in the country, introducing several programs and projects that all aim to expand and improve the delivery of the Philippine basic education. Its primary goal is to equip Filipino learners with the necessary skills and competence to prepare them to take on the challenges of the 21st century. It also endeavors to make the basic education system in the Philippines on a par with international standards by ensuring that it is appropriate, responsive, and relevant to the learners and to national and global realities (DepEd, 2019). As with any curricular reform, however, the K to 12 Program is not without challenges. Results of both national and international standardized assessments reveal no improvement in the academic performance of Filipino learners (Schleicher, 2018; Mullis, Martin, Foy, Kelly, & Fishbein, 2020; UNICEF & SEAMEO, 2020). Moreover, the emergence of copious compelling research on the nature of learners and the process of learning emphasizes the need for basic education institutions to keep abreast of global future trends while addressing the changing needs and learning challenges of children (Jorgenson, 2006). These, in turn, prompted a re- examination and enhancement of the K to 12 curricula in order to identify points for improvement to ultimately lift the quality of basic education. The Department of Education, with the Assessment Curriculum and Technology Research Centre (ACTRC), has undertaken the process of reviewing the intended curriculum in order to verify claims about and solve existing gaps in the document. As a result, the Shape of the MATATAG Curriculum is therefore crafted to communicate the process behind the curriculum review and revision, and more importantly, set the future direction and provide a basis for developing the shaping papers for each learning area. II. BACKGROUND In pursuing any form of change in the basic education curriculum, it is imperative to understand the current context and setting. Doing so will allow the Department to recognize the existing and expected realities and, consequently, adopt appropriate measures to realize its vision, hence making the MATATAG Curriculum responsive and attuned to the dynamic changes that come into play in the society. MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa The education agenda of the current administration is known as MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa, which sets the new direction of the agency and stakeholders in resolving basic education challenges. The MATATAG Agenda has four critical components: 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 1 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT MAke the curriculum relevant to produce competent and job-ready, active, and responsible citizens; TAke steps to accelerate delivery of basic education facilities and services; TAke good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and Give support to teachers to teach better. Specific direction of the Department also includes improving the curriculum by focusing on foundational skills and embedding peace competencies, building more resilient schools and classrooms, strengthening inclusive education programs, advocating for teachers’ additional benefits, and providing professional development programs, among others. The MATATAG agenda in improving access, equity, resiliency, and well-being can be attained through the support of the various education stakeholders. This is why education partners penned their commitments and support for the new basic education agenda. The Demands of the Future in an Ever-Changing World Living in the 21st century means constant adjustment to rapidly changing environments, which is necessary to navigate multifaceted challenges. In such a context, learners grapple with a deluge of information resulting from technological progress and digitization. This information overload necessitates the development of strong information literacy skills to discern what is crucial, credible, and useful. Additionally, although the surge in digital technology presents an array of opportunities for innovative and personalized learning experiences, these changes also impose a constant requirement for learners to update their digital skills, address issues such as online privacy and cyberbullying, and balance digital engagement with other life facets. The changing landscape also transforms the job market, creating a growing demand for 21st century skills such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and emotional and digital intelligence. As learners become more globally connected, they develop cultural awareness and global citizenship skills but also face exposure to international crises, contributing to potential anxiety. In the face of these shifts and uncertainties, the necessity for lifelong learning, resilience, and mental strength becomes more pronounced. The evolving world, therefore, presents a complex mix of opportunities and challenges for learners, underlining the crucial role of education systems in fostering supportive, adaptive learning environments. Therefore, an improved curriculum serves as an essential instrument for preparing students to face future challenges by ensuring relevance through the integration of contemporary topics and the cultivation of critical 21 st century skills like critical thinking and digital literacy, and fosters flexibility and adaptability. Moreover, it enhances inclusivity by teaching learners about global citizenship and diversity, while promoting a future-oriented mindset, thereby equipping them not just to adapt to change, but to anticipate and shape it. In sum, an improved curriculum empowers learners to keep pace with change and prepare to become the leaders of tomorrow. 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 2 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT On the Quality of Student Learning: Indicators and Results To ensure the positive impact of educational reforms, clear baseline data and parameters should guide the Department. These will serve as a reference point to indicate the attainment of educational goals. The results of both national and international large-scale assessments are worth reflecting on as part of the indicators of the current state of basic education though it should be noted that these do not represent the entire basic education system. Among the other triggers of the review and recalibration of the curriculum is the student learning assessment data. It is part and parcel of the planning, monitoring, and evaluation cycles of any educational program. The K to 12 Basic Education system is gauged through both national and international assessments, as provided for by DepEd Order No. 55, s. 2016 and amended by DepEd Order No. 27, s. 2017. These system assessments are designed to provide baselines for the implementation of the curriculum as well as to generate relevant data that will aid in the formulation of policies, programs, plans, and interventions at various level of education governance. System assessments are given at the end of each key stage. Learners at the end of Grade 3 take the Early Language, Literacy, and Numeracy Assessment (ELLNA), which measures early language literacy and numeracy. Exit assessments in the form of National Assessment Test (NAT) are given at the end of Grades 6, 10, and 12. Both the ELLNA and NAT are designed to determine if the learners meet the learning standards at the end of each key stage and to provide empirical data in the crafting and designing of policies and programs. Results of the ELLNA given in S.Y. 2016- 2017 showed many issues and concerns that the Department needs to address in English, Filipino, Mother Tongue, and Math. The results imply the need for more improvements in curriculum and delivery. In particular, strategic interventions should come into play since literacy is an accurate predictor of academic success. Furthermore, the NAT results for English and Math in the last four academic years given to Grades 6 and 9 students affirm the need to have a collective and deliberate effort to address systemic issues that affect the learners’ mastery of competencies. To determine if learners are meeting the learning standards; to help provide information to improve instructional practices; to assess and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of education service delivery using learning outcomes as indicators; and to provide empirical information as bases for curriculum, learning delivery assessment, policy reviews, and policy formulation, the first Basic Education Exit Assessment (BEEA) was conducted for SY 2018-2019. Results revealed that SHS graduates of the said school year are in the low proficient level as indicated by the MPS of three 21st century skills: Problem Solving Skills with 36.18, Information Literacy Skills with 34.23, and Critical Thinking Skills with 33.38, respectively. This calls for a strengthened framework on the integration of 21 st century skills in both curriculum and pedagogy, which is accordingly one of the enhancements in the 2022 curriculum. The results of local large-scale assessments are parallel with the World Bank’s Philippine Report on the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment or PISA, which claimed that a significant positive correlation is observed between the regional PISA reading scores and NAT English scores and weak correlations are found 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 3 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT for Math and Science. Other international large-scale assessments (ILSAs) echo the results of the PISA as Filipino participants also fared poorly in the 2019 TIMMS or Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study and the 2019 Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics or SEA-PLM. This again points to the need to revisit the existing curriculum, particularly to ensure that curriculum standards are benchmarked against international counterparts and that learning competencies tested in the ILSAs are thoroughly developed in the curriculum and delivered in the classroom. In light of these assessment data and along with the idea that the success of the curriculum lies in the quality of student learning, the Department expresses its intensified focus on the role of assessment as a source of important feedback on the implemented curriculum and the intended curriculum. Curriculum Review as Basis for the K to 10 Curriculum Recalibration Guided by the goals and standards of the K to 12 Program and recognizing the need to ensure that these are attained by the learners, the Department of Education initiated the curriculum review. The review is a quality control mechanism that primarily examines the curriculum in its various phases, i.e., intended, implemented, assessed, and achieved. It is not simply meant to fulfill one of the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 105333 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act to review the curriculum, but is also part of the Department's commitment to ensure quality, relevant, and liberating basic education for all through continuous curriculum refinement. The Department, through the Bureau of Curriculum Development-Curriculum Standards Development Division, in collaboration with the ACTRC, started the review of the intended curriculum. The review focused on the articulation of learning competencies within and across learning areas to identify gaps, issues, and concerns relative to the standards. Significant findings reveal that the current curriculum has a substantial number of essential learning competencies, indicating curriculum relevance. While a significant number of prerequisites are explicitly articulated, others were implicit or misplaced, and thus, needed to be addressed. Corollary to the said findings are recommendations to further decongest the curriculum by reducing the number of desirable learning competencies per quarter to provide instructional space for implementers, revisit the sequence of the learning competencies within and across the content domains of the curriculum to ensure continuity and progression of skills, ensure articulation of competencies across quarters and grade levels through prerequisites, and ensure interconnection of learning competencies with the rest of the disciplines. On the other hand, the review of the implemented curriculum explored factors that help and/or hinder teachers in implementing the curriculum, providing insights into what is working well, what could be further strengthened, and where problems exist, allowing for these to be addressed. 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 4 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT Results show that only a few teachers reported having adequate time to teach all learning competencies. The percentage varies by learning area, grade level, and quarter, but typically fewer than 20% of teachers reported having adequate time to teach all the learning competencies assigned to a quarter. Surprisingly, in some learning areas, almost half of the teachers did not have sufficient time to teach even half the number of learning competencies. This supports the recommendation in the review of the intended curriculum that the number of learning competencies be reconsidered in order to ensure that all learning competencies can be taught with the required cognitive depth in the time available in schools. Moreover, many teachers identified a mismatch between the prerequisite skills and knowledge assumed by the learning competencies within the curriculum, and the current skills and knowledge of the students who were expected to learn them. Though the responses varied among learning areas, on average 25% of teachers responded negatively, indicating that their classes collectively are not prepared for the learning competency. A few learning areas, grades, and quarters received a consistently positive pattern of responses. Again, this gives credence to the recommendation of the previous review, which suggests articulating competencies across quarters and grade levels through well-defined prerequisites and ascertaining their interconnections. The study highly recommends reducing the amount of learning required by the intended curriculum to ensure that all learning competencies are taught with the required cognitive depth in the time available, and to revise the sequencing, clarity of expression, cognitive demand of the learning competencies, and associated grade level standards, thus allowing prerequisite skills and knowledge to be built systematically from one grade level to the next. Finally, the review of the tested curriculum explored the extent to which the national tests assess the intended curriculum, with a focus on students in Grade 3, Grade 6, Grade 10, and Senior High School (SHS). The review showed that the national test items are aligned with the content of the intended curriculum, suggesting that the tests fairly assess the intended curriculum and can provide an indication of the extent to which learners have reached the expected standards. Comparison of cognitive demand indicates that the cognitive demand of test items, while aligned to the current wording of the learning competencies in the K to 12 Curriculum documents, is too high. The review also notes the dual mapping of the tables of specifications for the Grade 6 and Grade 10 National Achievement Test (NAT) and the Basic Education Exit Assessment (BEEA) to two different working frameworks: one originating from BEA and the other from BCD. This is problematic as it sends inconsistent messages to stakeholders. Incorporating both frameworks into the curriculum guides would send a more consistent message, especially to schools implementing the curriculum and to those using the results of the national curriculum testing to make inferences about the quality of learning of students. These findings and recommendations provide significant inputs and directions worth prioritizing as the bureaus in the Curriculum and Teaching Strand engage the Department and relevant stakeholders in the recalibration of the K to 12 Curriculum. 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 5 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT III. THE MATATAG CURRICULUM GOALS The vision of the DepEd along with the goals and features of its K to 12 Program is realized through its curriculum, which is standards-based in nature. It identifies a predetermined set of learning outcomes that students are expected to master after a certain period of time (UNESCO, n.d.). Learning standards are classified into content and performance standards. Content standards “identify and set the essential knowledge and understanding that should be learned,” while performance standards “describe the abilities and skills that learners are expected to demonstrate in relation to the content standards (DepEd, 2015).” Collectively, the K to 12 Curriculum Standards ensure that mastery of concepts and skills is attained, lifelong learning is developed, and graduates are prepared for any of the four curriculum exits: tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship (DepEd, 2019). The table below reiterates the existing learning areas and introduces their new curriculum goals: TABLE 1 The MATATAG Curriculum Goals LEARNING AREA CURRICULUM GOALS Kindergarten The redesigned Kindergarten curriculum aims to produce active young Filipino learners who are holistically developed and equipped with 21st century skills. Filipino Tunguhin ng Filipino na malinang sa mga mag-aaral ang kasanayan sa literasi, kakayahang komunikatibo, mapanuring pag-unawa sa iba’t ibang uri ng teksto, at pagbuo ng multimodal na may lubos na pagpapahalaga sa wikang Filipino at ibang wika sa bansa, kultura, at mga teksto o mga babasahin na magiging daan sa kanyang pagkatuto at paglinang ng ika-21 siglong kasanayan para sa kapaki- pakinabang na pagganap bilang makabansa at global na mamamayan. English Learners demonstrate proficiency in using English in multiple modes to communicate effectively in a wide range of situations, with diverse audiences, and in various contexts. They use their language skills to facilitate and enhance learning across different content areas. They critically analyze, appreciate, and respond to a wide array of literary and informational texts, utilizing these resources to broaden their understanding, perspectives, and creativity. Learners also actively engage in activities and discussions that encourage a deep appreciation and understanding of their cultural heritage, instilling a sense of pride and identity that fosters cultural literacy and promote mutual respect and 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 6 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT understanding in diverse social and educational environments. Language Learners demonstrate oracy in L1; use oral and visual language in interacting with others, developing and expressing ideas; engage with and respond to various texts based on real- life experiences; use high frequency and content-specific words; and understand how languages and culture are related. Reading and Literacy Learners demonstrate basic literacy in their first language; decode high frequency and basic content-specific words to develop language for learning; understand how words are used in simple sentences to get and express meaning; and comprehend, respond to, and create narrative and informational texts based on real-life experiences. Good Manners The Good Manners and Right Conduct/Values Education and Right Conduct subject aims to produce Filipino youth who decide with (GMRC)/ Values responsibility and accountability, act with right conduct and Education (VE) the inclination to do good, and live their daily lives with love for God, people, environment, country, and the world, habitually mindful of the common good. Mathematics The main goal of the curriculum is for Filipino learners to become mathematically proficient and critical problem solvers. The curriculum intends to develop among the learners the proficiency in solving mathematical problems critically, grounded on a strong conceptual knowledge, strategic use of mathematical skills and processes, desirable values and a proper disposition in mathematics, thus enabling them to become productive and successful 21st century citizens. Science The overall goal of the Science Curriculum is the achievement of scientific, environmental and technology and engineering literacy of all learners. On achieving the outcomes of the curriculum, learners will be ready to actively participate in local, national, and global contexts and make meaningful contributions to a dynamic and culturally diverse and expanding world. By successfully completing the Science Curriculum, Filipino learners will demonstrate capabilities as put forth in the Basic Education Development Plan (BEDP) 2030. Araling Panlipunan Araling Panlipunan is a distinct learning area in the K to 12 Curriculum which intends to develop among Filipino learners 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 7 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT the socio-civic competencies i.e. cultural tolerance, respect for diversity, upholding human dignity and rights among others which are significant in developing patriotic, nationalistic, and global-oriented Filipinos who are capable and committed in serving the nation. It likewise seeks to engender among Filipino learners critical understanding on historical, geographical, socio-political, and economic issues of the Philippines, taking into account the international and global contexts, allowing them to become productive citizens of the country and of the world. Makabansa Ang Makabansa ay isang transdisiplinaryong kurikulum na naglalayong makahubog ng isang aktibong mag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng paglinang ng mahahalagang kasanayang hango sa Malalim na Kaisipan (Big Ideas) ng Sibika, Sining at Kultura, Kasaysayan, at Kagalingang Pangkalusugan na nagpapamalas ng pagkakakilanlan, pagkamalikhain, pagkamalusog at pakikipag-ugnayan sa kapwa at sa iba pang aspekto ng lipunan tungo sa pagiging holistikong Pilipinong taglay ang ika-21 siglong kasanayan. Edukasyong Pantahanan The rationalized EPP/ TLE/ TVL envisions learners to apply at Pangkabuhayan life skills that are adaptable in their family/community, (EPP)/ become ready for the world of work, engage in entrepreneurial Technology and activities and improve their livelihood, generate a business Livelihood Education relative to their chosen field of specialization, and further (TLE) explore higher education. Music, Arts, Physical The recalibrated Music and Arts Education curriculum aims Education and Health to develop the learners’ multicultural literacy, artistic and (MAPEH) creative expression, and holistic national identity as Filipinos through engaging in, creating, and producing different art forms and creative and innovative expressions. The recalibrated Physical Education and Health curriculum is geared towards the development and attainment of physical and health literacy as well as 21st century skills that contribute to the well-being of the individual, family, and community, improve the quality of life in society, and motivate the learners to take responsibility for their lifelong holistic health and well-being in a varied and rapidly changing society. These curriculum goals will be unpacked through the learning area shaping papers and subsequent curriculum guides. It is expected that these documents will detail the standards for learners and the learning competencies they will develop. These will include the specification of knowledge, understandings, skills, and attitudes. 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 8 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT IV. THE FEATURES OF THE MATATAG CURRICULUM In light of what has been established by the K to 12 Curriculum Review and other pertinent research on the current status of education both in the Philippines and abroad, the DepEd reinforces the strengths of the K to 12 Program by putting forth the suggested features of the MATATAG Curriculum. Focus on Foundational Skills The major concern was the congestion of the curriculum, which necessitated streamlining its intent and content. The MATATAG curriculum for Grade 1 has shifted from offering seven learning areas to only five that focus on strengthening literacy and numeracy. New learning areas—Language, Reading and Literacy, and Makabansa—are introduced. These learning areas have been deliberately crafted, rather than simply merging or integrating the existing learning areas. Language The Language learning area is a new addition to the existing learning areas for Grade 1 in the MATATAG Curriculum. The creation of the Language curriculum gives more emphasis to the development of oral language skills for communication in the learner’s first language, which is essential in developing foundational skills for literacy and learning other content areas. The development of the Languages curricula recognizes the role of the first language (L1) as the language and literacy resource that the child can use most effectively to establish a strong foundation for literacy development and further knowledge. It recognizes the status of the more than 180 languages in the country, including sign and visual languages and languages of indigenous groups and communities. Reading and Literacy The Reading and Literacy learning area aims to develop foundational reading skills essential for early literacy. These goals include building phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and recognizing sight words to facilitate fluent reading in the first language. Comprehension strategies are introduced to help students understand and engage with texts, identify main ideas, and draw simple inferences. Concurrently, the curriculum aims to foster a positive reading attitude, nurturing a love for reading through exposure to age-appropriate and engaging texts. Makabansa The introduction of a new learning area called Makabansa in Key Stage 1 (Grades 1- 3) intends to provide learners with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes enabling them to develop personal and cultural consciousness in becoming active, healthy and creative members of their respective communities. 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 9 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT It employs a transdisciplinary approach in actualizing the learning intent and content relative to civics, history, art and culture, and health and wellness optimizing integrative learning frameworks, pedagogies, and approaches. Ultimately, Makabansa prepares learners to better understand and appreciate the more disciplinal approach of Music and Arts, Physical Education and Health, and Araling Panlipunan as learners go through the succeeding key stages. Strengthened Literacy and Numeracy in the First Key Stage through the National Reading Program and the National Mathematics Program Reading literacy and numeracy are essential for success in both academic and professional settings. Sadly, Filipino learners do not exhibit the proficiency expected from their respective grade levels as evidenced by both national and international large-scale assessments. In the most recent PISA assessment conducted in 2018, the Philippines ranked 78th out of 79 participating countries and economies in reading and 77th in mathematics. The results showed that the average reading scores of Filipino learners were significantly lower than the average scores of learners from other countries. Similarly, in the 2019 SEA-PLM assessment, the Philippines ranked 7th out of 7 participating countries in both mathematics and reading, with a mean score of 312 in reading. The low performance of Filipino learners in these large-scale assessments suggests that many learners are not developing the necessary literacy and numeracy skills to succeed in school and in their future careers and that there is a need for the country, through the Department of Education, to improve the quality of the reading and numeracy curriculum and its delivery. In the first key stage, the curriculum was designed to ensure that literacy and numeracy are at the center of the teaching and learning experience. Literacy abilities are developed through standards that give prime attention to phonological awareness, phonics and word study, vocabulary and word knowledge, grammar awareness and grammatical structures, comprehension, and fluency. On the other hand, children become numerate as they explore mathematical ideas and engage in problem-solving. Children develop confidence as their parents, careers, families and friends help them to mathematically investigate space, structures and patterns, number, measurement, and different kinds of data and connections (South Australia Department for Education, 2021). In their foundational years, it is imperative that children achieve mastery of the foundational competencies required for reading literacy and numeracy, which, in turn, serve as the fundamental skills for success in life. In addition to the development of a curriculum that centers on reading literacy and numeracy formation, national programs on different literacies shall be implemented in the same school year. The National Reading Program The National Reading Program (NRP) is a comprehensive program that aims to make every Filipino learner literate. Achieving this goal calls for a relevant curriculum, adequate resources, appropriate delivery, and through assessment, and well-trained 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 10 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT teachers, instructional leaders with well-in-place support mechanisms. To determine whether goals are realized, monitoring, evaluation, and research must be in place. Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the National Reading Program The NRP is grounded on the Science of Reading and evidence-based instruction. It stresses the importance of addressing the learners’ needs through the implementation of responsive reading programs, interventions, approaches, methodologies, and techniques, which, in turn, aided by developmentally and grade level-appropriate learning resources and technology. Thus, the conduct of assessment for learning must provide data for instructional leaders and teachers for informed decision-making. The seamless interfacing with teachers and instructional leaders creates a culture of responsive and nurturing feedback mechanisms. Frequent in- and on-time monitoring and evaluation provide data-based policy and program review, thus ensuring continuous improvement. The sustainability of a quality National Reading Program requires a meaningful and strong support mechanism from the National Government Agencies, Local Government Units, Development Partners, Parents/Guardians, Private Sector, Civil Society Organizations, Teacher Education Institutions, and other education 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 11 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT stakeholders. This collaboration ensures that every Filipino learner is literate and productive member of society. A policy for the NRP shall be released in a separate issuance. The National Mathematics Program Planning for the design, implementation and evaluation of the National Mathematics Program shall be guided by the MOSAIC Framework (Evans et al., 2019), an evidence-based tool of six interrelated pedagogy and learning-focused components that support large-scale and comprehensive literacy and numeracy initiatives. Figure 2. Programming Framework of the National Mathematics Program (NMP) In this model, each component is described as follows: Enabling Policies and Standards This covers curricular content and pacing, and policies related to: a) language of instruction, b) instructional time, c) teacher certification, promotion, accountability and deployment, d) student evaluation and grade-to-grade promotion, including the establishment of clear grade-specific performance standards and benchmarks, e) teacher incentives and accountability, and 6) the sustainability of educational resources. High-Quality Texts and Materials This covers the print materials and other instructional aids required for high- quality literacy and numeracy instruction. This includes guiding information for teachers on how and what to teach, and when (teacher guides) and instructional material for learners (basic reading primers and mathematics books, as well as supplementary material, including numeracy manipulatives. 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 12 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT Effective Teachers and School Leaders This addresses the inputs and resources needed to ensure that teachers know how to use evidence-based literacy and numeracy instructional materials, and that school leaders know how to structure and manage classrooms and schools to improve learning results. Effective Teacher Coaching and Mentoring This addresses the need for ongoing, in-school and in-class support – after training – to help teachers implement the instructional practices and models presented during training and use instructional materials effectively. Continuous Assessments to Inform Instruction This addresses the need for teachers to have the ability to gather informal and formal data on learner progress and performance, within the context of the classroom, on a regular basis. This type of assessment should be used primarily for immediate response to student learning needs, including whole group reteaching of concepts and skills, small group remediation, and individual intervention for learners with the greatest needs. Regular Practice Outside of School This addresses the need to extend learning beyond the confines of the school day. The more time children engage in rich and cognitively challenging literacy and numeracy activities, the greater their learning gains. A policy for the NMP shall be released in a separate issuance. Redefining the Interplay among Languages in the MTB-MLE Program The Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) is an integral feature of the K to 12 Basic Education Program, which emphasizes the role of a child's first language as a critical resource for effective learning and foundational literacy development. The program acknowledges that a learner's language, societal and cultural experiences, prior education, media exposure, and home environment form a collective schema facilitating the understanding of new concepts. MTB-MLE advocates the use of the mother tongue as the initial language and literacy resource before transitioning to the learning of other languages. This is made apparent in the revised language curricula through the Language Framework below: 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 13 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT Figure 3. The Language Framework as Introduced in the K to 12 Curriculum The process of learning multiple languages or the multilingual nature of learning is both simple and complex. It is simple in the sense that to support literacy and language development in an additional language, if there is an understanding of comparable skills across the languages, then teachers and students can make connections between the respective languages, and in the ways in which language is used to make meaning in different contexts, in different forms and for different audiences. Plurilingual awareness and translanguaging support learners to make meaning and acquire both the target language and content knowledge. However, and at the same time, it is important to note that learning an additional language is not a matter of the straightforward transfer of cognitive/academic or literacy-related proficiency and linguistic and cultural understandings. Learning an additional language to manage academic learning is complicated and takes considerable time. An awareness and understanding of similarities and differences in underlying attributes, however, enables students to use and expand their ‘funds of knowledge’ as they learn to read, write, speak, and listen in one or more languages. Multilingual learning involves both building on what has previously been learned in one language as a foundation for learning in another language, and then using that learning to further extend learning in the original language. This complex process is encapsulated by the internally tangent circles in the figure above as they show that one language (in the smaller circle) or the combination of both (involving the Mother Tongue as a language and literacy resource) may serve as the foundation of learning another (in the bigger circle). The language framework espouses a mother tongue-based compound-coordinate multilingualism design, which aims for a type of multilingualism in which an individual is proficient in two or more languages, in this case Filipino and English, and can seamlessly switch between the languages in various contexts. The design recognizes that an individual may have one or more native languages or mother tongues and has achieved oral language proficiency in this language. This then becomes the foundation to literacy development in target languages. Mother tongue- based compound-coordinate multilingualism is considered a high level of language 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 14 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT proficiency that can be achieved through extensive exposure to and use of multiple languages (oral language in the mother tongue and literacy in Filipino and English) from an early age specifically in Key Stage 1. Concomitant with the development of language proficiency, MTB-MLE also aims for cognitive and academic development that prepares learners to develop content knowledge and competencies in other learning areas or subjects. The multilingual curricula, through multilingual instruction, develop, expand, and consolidate learners’ language, literacy, and academic proficiency in their L1, Filipino, and English and contribute to the development of plurilingual awareness. Plurilingualism enables the learner to draw on and integrate their knowledge of multiple languages which contribute to life-long learning through language. Medium of Teaching and Learning Mother Tongue as Medium of Teaching and Learning (MOTL) refers to the use of the learner’s first language in the teaching and learning process. In Key Stage 1, while learners are still developing both oral and written proficiency in the second language(s) (i.e., Filipino and/or English), MT is used as MOTL to support the acquisition of those languages. The first language refers to the language that learners could understand primarily through listening (listening capacity) and/or active use in daily oral communications; hence, it is considered as a primary tool or language and literacy resource in the teaching and learning process. The current policy is to use the Mother Tongue as the primary MOTL for the first four years of education (Kindergarten to Grade 3); Filipino and English are then adopted as the primary MOTL from Grade 4 onwards. However, the Mother Tongue is not terminated at the end of Grade 3 and instead assumes the role of auxiliary MOTL in the second and third key stages. TABLE 2 The MOTL Continuum KEY STAGE 1 KEY STAGE 2 KEY STAGE 3 MOTL K G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7 G8 G9 G10 MT/L1 Filipino English *Color gradience refers to frequency of use. The table above presents the MOTL continuum of MTB-MLE. During the first key stage, the first language (L1) or mother tongue remains to be used as the primary medium of teaching and learning. However, Filipino and English shall gradually be introduced as MOTL in these respective learning areas (i.e., the Filipino subject may be taught in Filipino; the English subject may be taught in English) in Grade 2, with MT simultaneously used as MOTL. Concurrently, Filipino and English are recognized 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 15 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT as possible resource languages for cognitive development in non-language learning areas (e.g., Math, Science, Social Studies, etc.). High frequency words, content- specific words, and predominant text structures in these content areas are captured in the language curricula, thus reiterating that translation of concepts is not advised unless it aids in content knowledge acquisition. It is also worth reiterating that the revised language framework advocates the use of translanguaging in the delivery of the new languages curricula; therefore, any and all languages deemed necessary for the acquisition of content knowledge and language skills may be used in the classroom. Oracy and literacy skills (i.e., concepts acquired prior to formal schooling) in MT shall serve as basis for transitioning and bridging to Filipino and English, which may be done as early as Grade 1 until the end of Grade 3. Transitioning refers to the transfer of previously acquired concepts in the first language or the Mother Tongue during the process of learning another (i.e., focus on similarities in concepts). Bridging, on the other hand, refers to the transfer of language skills by building on what learners already know about their MT to develop proficiency in other languages (i.e., focus on differences or uniqueness in language). Both are done to prepare learners for the use of Filipino and English as primary MOTL in the second key stage with MT as auxiliary MOTL. Language Learning Areas The revised language curricula also present a reorganization of the continuum for the Language Arts. All language learning areas – Language, Reading and Literacy, Filipino, and English – shall develop first the learners’ oracy, which shall then serve as the foundation for literacy development in the target languages. TABLE 3 The Language Arts Continuum KEY KEY STAGE 1 KEY STAGE 3 STAGE 2 LEARNING AREA G1 G G G G G G G G G 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Language Reading & Literacy Filipino English 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 16 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT LEGEND: oracy for applied and critical literacy literacy and communicative competence basic multiliteracies, communicative competence, and text literacy analysis, evaluation, and production Language and Reading and Literacy shall be offered starting Grade 1 and shall primarily develop the learners’ oracy and literacy. They shall serve as the basis in transitioning the learners’ oracy for literacy to Filipino and English. Oracy for literacy is the ability to use relevant oral language elements like phonological awareness, vocabulary, and listening capacity to develop basic or beginning literacy. Basic literacy or the skills used for the initial learning of reading and writing is developed from the third to the fourth quarters of Grade 1. Filipino and English shall be offered simultaneously starting in Grade 2 and shall primarily develop learners’ literacy. The curricula for both languages shall be MT- based as oracy and literacy skills in the first language serve as the foundation in transitioning learners’ oracy for literacy to Filipino and English. Basic literacy shall be developed in both languages until Grade 3. Filipino and English shall continue developing and enhancing learners’ communicative competence and applied and critical literacy skills from Grade 4 to Grade 6. Applied literacy is the ability to think about particular ways of doing reading and writing with the purpose of achieving communicative goals in a socially appropriate manner, while critical literacy is a critical thinking skill that involves the questioning and examination of ideas, and the skills to synthesize, analyze, interpret, evaluate, and respond to texts; it is the ability to evaluate the veracity of information and make connections and judgments of the relevance of information. Finally, by the third key stage, both learning areas shall contribute to the development of learners’ communicative competence and multiliteracies or the ability to understand information and the design of meaning through the manipulation of individual modes: linguistic meaning, visual meaning, audio meaning, gestural, tactile, and spatial meaning. Decongested Curriculum One of the salient findings of the review is the congestion of the curricula, which has been found to be overcrowded with content, thus disallowing learners to fully grasp and understand various concepts. To address this issue, the current curriculum is decongested by 70% while still ensuring that the heavier weight of the learning areas would be on English, Filipino, Science, Mathematics, and EPP/TLE or Technical Livelihood Education. The act of decongesting the curriculum, reducing overcrowding, and focusing on the essential elements of learning has profound implications for learners’ educational experiences. First, this approach now provides learners with the time needed to truly 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 17 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT understand and assimilate the foundational elements of learning, rather than simply dabbling in a vast array of topics. Second, a less crowded curriculum allows learners to focus more intently on each learning area, leading to a deeper comprehension and retention of knowledge. Ultimately, the net effect of this transformation is a more targeted, effective, and meaningful learning experience. Clearer Articulation of the DepEd’s 21st Century Skills Framework: Embodying the Vision for the Filipino Learner The vision of the DepEd remains the same: to produce holistically developed Filipino learners with 21st century skills or the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and competencies that learners need to develop so that they can prepare for and succeed in work and life in the 21st century (DepEd Order No. 21, s. 2019). The improved 21 st century skills framework integrates skill sets culled from various international and local competency frameworks that redefine the future of education, skills development, and training in light of the evolving society and economy. The development of such skills coupled with the Department’s core values (i.e., Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan, Makabansa) will allow learners to realize aspirations that represent their ideals and ambitions, and ultimately contribute to building a progressive and cohesive nation that enjoys economic prosperity, socio-political stability, unity in diversity, and sustainability. DepEd’s 21st century skills framework shall also serve to guide and ensure the inclusion of these skills across all governance levels of DepEd. The detailed framework specifies terminology and descriptions of these skills to be used, thus promoting a shared vocabulary to support clear and consistent communication and implementation. Most importantly, the framework shall guide all governance levels of DepEd as they work together to enhance the development of these 21 st century skills by all Filipino learners. The detailed 21st century skills framework comprises the same four domains as originally set out in DepEd Order No. 21, s. 2019. These are: Information, Media, and Technology Skills Learning and Innovation Skills Communication Skills Life and Career Skills The framework also provides a definitive description of the skills, competencies, values, and attributes that learners are expected to develop within each domain. It is expected that throughout their education, Filipino learners would develop these 21st century skills, in addition to foundational literacy and numeracy skills, and discipline-specific skills/competencies (e.g., scientific literacy). Together, the 21 st century skills, foundational skills and discipline-specific skills/competencies equip Filipino learners towards success in the future. Information, Media, and Technology Skills This multifaceted domain manifests the 21st century skills referring to the ability to 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 18 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT gather, manage, use, synthesize, evaluate, and create information through media and technology. These skills allow learners to navigate the fluid and dynamic environment of today’s technologically and information-driven society and empower them to use plurality of information sources (i.e., private, government, community) and plurality of voices (i.e., from people of all levels of society) for problem-solving, decision-making, and ideation in personal, social, economic, and political life. This domain expands the life skills, strengthens civic participation, and amplifies self-expression of individuals to use various technology, computer, and media resources effectively, efficiently, and responsibly. Moreover, it encompasses the contributory and significant skills applied and required in all academic subjects. The fact that all learning areas make use of and present a great deal of information in different forms and modalities challenges learners to develop skills such as how to sift through and communicate ideas, and how to utilize this information through ICT, media, libraries, and archives in a critical, creative, and ethical manner. In addition, this domain also supports and promotes the development of globally competitive Filipinos who can effectively evaluate materials, information, representations, and perspectives considering the vast amount of information accessible nowadays. The following are the descriptions of each skill, competency, value, or attribute included under this domain: SKILLS, COMPETENCIES, DESCRIPTION VALUES, ATTRIBUTES Visual Literacy Visual literacy accounts for the ability to closely examine, interpret, and communicate understanding of diverse visual texts including but not limited to visible actions, objects, symbols, natural or man-made that are encountered in the environment and across a range of text types to promote critical viewing skills. Learners manifest their visual literacy skills when they: recognize meanings in pictures and symbols describe the physical features of a location (e.g., terrain, biomes) interpret traffic signs for road safety explain processes from infographics recognise signs of an impending storm from looking at 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 19 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT the sky interpret maps on population analyze messages from artworks Information This is a set of integrated abilities encompassing the Literacy inquisitive, analytical, and reflective process of acquiring, organizing, evaluating, sharing, and producing information with an understanding of what type of information is needed, when it is needed, where it is accessible, and how the information is socially situated and its ethical and legal considerations to use and communicate accurate and appropriate information relevant to the current context and needs of the target audience. Learners exhibit information literacy skills when they: identify realities and make-beliefs in narratives (i.e., fictional, historical, personal) gather relevant information from valid sources estimate value from data sets discover patterns of classical and contemporary music differentiate facts and opinion in reports compare information from various sources recognize bias and stereotypes in oral and written discourse examine evidence from primary, secondary, and tertiary sources evaluate the accuracy of sources and information Media Literacy This develops a wide range of skills that involve understanding various media contents and their uses, accessing information efficiently and effectively, and using a broad range of media to express ideas. It involves analyzing media and creating media products and creations. This can be seen when learners examine and use media to learn how and why messages are created, produced, and interpreted, as well as how media shapes culture, values, and behaviors. Learners demonstrate their media literacy skills when they: explain the topic through effective multimedia presentation (audio, text, motion media) recognize the issues and laws related to media and information such as copyright, intellectual property, fair use, and others. examine the data presented in weather reports compare and contrast the ways in which media (i.e., tv, radio, social media, documentaries) cover the same 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 20 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT event critique persuasive techniques used in advertisements analyze the assertions and arguments in an editorial evaluate media reports about scientific issues (i.e., climate change, cloning, nuclear technology, pandemic, etc.) create a vlog to raise awareness about social issues Technology Effective incorporation of information, communication, and Literacy their applications through technology is the focus of technology literacy. It includes the responsible use of appropriate technology to communicate, solve problems, and access, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create information to improve learning across all learning areas and to acquire lifelong knowledge and skills in the 21st century. This domain ultimately leads to developing abilities to use technology that enables learners to use their inventiveness to design and create ideas and concepts in solving practical problems that are technological in nature. Learners manifest the technology literacy skills when they: use audiobooks in listening to stories annotate key details and information in e-books manipulate measuring tools and equipment used in Science and TLE activities perform numerical data computations using calculators use sports equipment and play musical instruments for recreational activities improve performance in playing musical instruments using an audio equalizer use of assistive technology (i.e., magnifiers, talking devices, Braille displays, phone with tactile button, sensory aids, mobility aids etc.) for students with additional needs set-up an audio-visual presentation during classroom discussions assemble robotics parts following a set of procedures in a manual Digital Literacy Digital literacy involves the ability to define, access, manage, integrate, communicate, evaluate, and create information safely and appropriately through a wide range of digital technologies and networked devices (i.e., internet platforms, social media, mobile devices, etc.) for participation in education, social and economic life. It requires critical thinking skills, an awareness of the essential standards of 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 21 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT behavior for online environments, and an understanding of the social issues created by digital technologies, more than the ability to use software or operate digital device. Learners exhibit digital literacy skills when they: identify and use appropriate digital applications for collaborative online activities (Google Doc, Google Slide, Trello, Whiteboard, etc.) explain issues pertaining to information privacy and data protection, including data breach and cybersecurity organize online resources through bookmarking tools use interactive maps (Google Earth, MapMe, Zeeaps, etc.) to locate or describe a particular place deliver an engaging presentation using presentation tools (PowerPoint, Prezi, Canva, etc.) use online forum, chat room, or email following protocols recognize the different features and navigate the parts on a website practice netiquette in online (even offline) tasks during online conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Webex, etc.) or in learning management systems (Google classroom, Schoology, Moodle, etc.) Learning and Innovation Skills In the age of information and technology, it is essential for learners to manifest learning and innovation skills. This is a set of abilities where learners think critically, reflectively, and creatively; analyzes and solves problems; creates and implements innovations using a variety of techniques or methods; and generates functional knowledge that supports varying degrees of thinking skills and metacognition, thereby allowing them to easily navigate and respond to dynamic, fluid, and complex forces (both internal and external) that significantly affect their well-being. The following are the descriptions of each skill, competency, value, or attribute included under this domain: 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 22 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT SKILLS, COMPETENCIES, DESCRIPTION VALUES, ATTRIBUTES Creativity Creativity refers to the ability to think and work creatively and innovatively using a variety of techniques or methods. Learners draw on their creativity skills when they: create new and worthwhile ideas (both incremental and radical concepts) elaborate, refine, analyze, and evaluate their own ideas to improve and maximize creative efforts demonstrate originality and inventiveness in work and understand the real-world limits to adopting new ideas (e.g., compose an original composition applying knowledge on musical patterns, notes, etc.) provide best alternatives or options if familiar/common solutions, systems, and processes no longer works (e.g., conduct scientific experiments using alternative resources or materials available in the community) Openness Openness is the willingness to engage in new ideas, situations, and experiences. Learners draw on openness when they: identify new connections between different concepts and ideas examine things from others’ perspectives consider alternative ideas and actions approach new things with curiosity seek out experiences that deviate from everyday routine pursue new experiences and creative endeavors change position/decision/action in light of new information Critical Thinking Critical thinking refers to the ability to analyze evidence, patterns, relationships, making inferences using reasoning, judging, evaluating, and making decisions or solving problems. It includes actively and skillfully conceptualizing, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action, the ability to make inferences, calculating 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 23 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT probabilities and making decisions. Learners draw on their critical thinking skills when they: establish/detect patterns, connections, and relationships among given variables make inferences on various experiences and phenomena analyze and interpret data and information gathered from relevant and credible sources synthesize voluminous data and information generate relevant conclusions using logical, systematic and/or scientific processes develop criteria to judge the veracity/accuracy of a given claim conceptualize an idea, theory, or innovation Problem Solving Problem solving denotes the ability to engage in cognitive processing in order to understand and resolve problem situations where a method of solution is not immediately obvious. It involves finding a way to solve a problem and may include modelling, data analysis, logical deduction, and metacognition. Learners draw on their problem-solving skills when they: recognize existing problems, impending threats, and future difficulties provide logical explanations on a given problem or difficulty identify and ask significant questions that clarify various points of view and lead to better solutions formulate relevant recommendations, solutions, and alternatives to a perceived problem solve different kinds of non-familiar problems in both conventional and innovative ways Reflective Thinking Reflective thinking is the ability to reflect critically on one’s experiences, decisions, and processes to create meaning and justify actions so that future decisions are better informed or deliberated. Learners draw on reflective thinking when they: take time to review their own behavior to think about failures and successes which may aid in self- awareness and improvement think of the past as opposed to their plans 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 24 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT examine the broader context of things (e.g., implications of one’s decisions with regard to self and others) temper radical and risky ideas Communication Skills Communication is something we are engaged in every day may that be personally, academically, or professionally, making it a significant and relevant domain among the 21st Century Skills. This domain recognizes the value of communication for a wide range of purposes. This domain puts premium on communication skills including all forms and contexts, including but not limited to verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, as well as the ability to express feelings and provide feedback. This domain also covers negotiation/refusal or assertiveness skills that directly affect ones’ ability to manage conflict. Communication is considered the gateway to developing soft skills that are highly valued whether in the workplace or public life, and is also shaped by current and emerging technologies. Cognizant of the current educational paradigm, everyone is expected to engage in highly networked collaborations that enable them to execute communicative competence and multiliteracies. The knowledge, skills, and competencies that embody communication and collaboration which include : skilled oral and written communication in the mother tongue and foreign languages; team-working especially in heterogeneous environments, open-mindedness, conflict management; cultural awareness and global awareness (ability to appreciate the value of the varied cultures and to intentionally construct cross-cultural relationships and networks); and leadership (self-motivation, initiative taking, entrepreneurship, leading by influence ) are accounted for in this domain. The following are the descriptions of each skill, competency, value, or attribute included under this domain: SKILLS, COMPETENCIES, DESCRIPTION VALUES, ATTRIBUTES Teamwork Working with others to attain common goals under the direction or instruction of a leader is important. These skills include the ability to follow an agenda and make group decisions. Learners exhibit teamwork when they: 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 25 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT take actions based on the leader’s instructions recognize other members’ participation and contributions for task completion perform well-defined role/task toward the attainment of a shared goal Collaboration Collaboration is the capacity of an individual to effectively participate in interactions between at least two co-equal parties voluntarily engaged in shared decision-making as they work towards a common goal. Collaboration involves joint communication and goal setting (including planning, sharing information, discussing problems, and learning from others) as well as the need for parties to contribute information or resources that need to be pooled together for action. Learners exhibit collaboration when they: share information/resources with other members perform tasks requiring interdependence and role flexibility negotiate with other members for roles or consideration of ideas/proposals aimed at achieving goals and resolving conflicts Interpersonal Interpersonal skills show one’s ability to communicate and Skills read emotion, motivation, and behaviors in a social context. Good interpersonal skills involve insight, understanding, and the kind of social awareness that helps one to initiate, sustain, and end a conversation appropriately within a given situation. Learners exhibit interpersonal skills when they: approach other learners to start or join in a conversation ask specific information and make follow-up comments about the topic of conversation introduce additional information or related topics that sustain conversation receptive to the feelings, needs, and dispositions of others Intrapersonal This refers to the internal dialogue one has with himself or Skills herself. Good intrapersonal communication skills help one manage his or her emotions effectively, set goals, self- motivate, cope with distractions, strategize, and adjust his or her approach in any given situation or as needed. 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 26 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT Learners exhibit intrapersonal skills when they: think of possible consequences of a behavior before acting it out examine their own behaviors and how these affect them and the people around them plan how to address behaviors that usually produce unsatisfying consequences Interactive This focuses on building oracy skills including listening and Communication speaking. This includes diverse communication methods. Learners exhibit interactive communication when they: ask for or provide information of interest to other learners actively engage in a discourse expressing feelings, insights, opinions, and criticisms about the information use digital technologies and applications to extend communication to a variety of audiences Non-Verbal Non-verbal communication includes facial expressions, Communication gestures displayed through body language (kinesics) and the physical distance between the communicators (proxemics). Learners exhibit non-verbal communication when they: recognize and respond to eye and hand movements, facial expressions, and other gestures utilize body language (kinesics) and touch (haptics); as well as optimize physical distance between the communicators (proxemics) to respond appropriately in a given situation use cool colors to project an image of friendliness or poise as in their choice of attire or in illustrations Communicating in This ensures that individuals from varied backgrounds, Diverse religions, genders, communities, and age groups share strong Environments rapport and do not face problems working together. Learners communicating in a diverse environment: use simple words and sentences when talking to children use appropriate language register depending on the context (formal or informal) employ gender-sensitive words in conversations and 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 27 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT discourses manifest sensitivity (i.e., choice of words, non-verbal cues) in communicating one’s ideas and responses adjust communication style and behavior to suit the needs of the person they are communicating with Life and Career Skills Life and career skills prepare learners to make informed life and career decisions to enable them to become citizens that engage in a dynamic global community and to successfully adapt to meet the challenges and opportunities to lead in the global workforce. These are critical for our learners to become active responsible citizens who hold meaningful and productive jobs and businesses that will contribute to the sustainability and welfare of the community. The following are the descriptions of each skill, competency, value, or attribute included in this domain: SKILLS, COMPETENCIES, DESCRIPTION VALUES, ATTRIBUTES Informed Decision- Informed decision making refers to one’s ability to make Making decisions based on facts or information focusing on the risks and benefits involved. The process involves identifying the problem, collecting data and information, brainstorming all possible alternatives, weighing the alternatives by considering available resources, making a choice, enacting a plan, and reviewing the decision. Learners draw on informed decision-making when they: research relevant data to make decisions for class projects ask for expert opinions and interviews conduct cost-benefit analysis read various texts and information on a topic to gain different perspectives before making a decision identify options for course of action Adaptive Adaptive leadership shows the ability to organize people Leadership proactively where they are motivated to achieve tasks effectively. Learners are future leaders of the nation and must therefore be equipped with the art and skills of leadership which include resolving conflicts, developing people, being accountable, and adapting to a complex and rapidly changing 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 28 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT environment. They must also be morally upright and ethically grounded. Learners draw on their adaptive leadership skills when they: make opportunities to develop the talents of others set good examples for classmates and peers help classmates review for paper and pen tests and performance tasks build camaraderie with peers show obedience to teachers and other authorities Intercultural Intercultural understanding involves learners seeking their Understanding own culture in order to understand local and global issues, and engaging in diverse cultures and identities (e.g., gender, languages, socio-economic backgrounds, ethnic groups, citizenship, etc.). Building intercultural understanding supports learners to recognize commonalities and differences, create connections with others, cultivate mutual respect, and promote human rights, peace, and non-violence. Learners draw on intercultural understanding when they: participate in cultural activities in school listen to the opinions of people from other cultures respect religious beliefs and traditions help a classmate coming from a different community adapt to the new environment read current events and editorials about other cultures Self-Discipline The ability to set goals with tangible and intangible success criteria requires self-discipline. It is a balance of short and long-term goals to manage one’s workload efficiently by controlling impulses and delaying gratification. This is necessary to manage one’s life in an organized, industrious manner to give meaning and purpose in a changing environment. Learners draw on their self-discipline skills when they: choose to eat healthy food organize their time to exercise punctuality set academic goals and persevere work on their assignments diligently study and prepare for paper-and-pen tests and performance tasks 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 29 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT Future Orientation Learners need the ability to consider future developments and consequences when thinking, making decisions, and acting, directed towards a more sustainable future. Future orientation refers to a well-balanced consideration of society, environment, culture, and economy in pursuit of an improved quality of life for future generations. Future orientation allows individuals to envision the needs of the present without compromising the sustainability of future generations. Learners draw on future orientation when they: join tree-planting activities consider the possible consequences before clicking in an online platform participate in student elections show prudence in spending save money Resilience and This refers to the process of constructively moving forward or Adversity advancing despite adversity or challenges that are not within Management one’s control. Being resilient allows learners to adapt with flexibility to new environments, lifestyles, emerging challenges, or when faced with stressors. It involves taking a growth mindset, being open to change, all of which involves profound personal growth. Learners draw on resilience and adversity management when they: go to school despite difficulties (e.g., geographical, climatic, economic, etc.) exhibit honesty especially with teachers when they do not understand instructions find ways to complete assignments in spite of possible power failure in the community show readiness, awareness, and ability to plan well when faced with natural calamities (e.g., typhoons, earthquakes, fires, etc.) persevere in finding solutions to problems despite failures (e.g., complete a task through trial and error) Intensified Values Education The MATATAG K to 10 Curriculum addresses the need to complement the knowledge and skills development of learners with values development – making the curriculum more holistic as it strikes a balance between competence and character. Aside from providing a separate learning area for values formation, as mandated by RA 11476 or the Good Manners and Right Conduct and Values Education Act, there is a 3rd Floor, Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City 160 30 | Page Telephone Nos.: (02) 8-632-7746; 8-636-5173; Email Address: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education BUREAU OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT systematic integration of DepEd core values across all learning areas with explicit placements in relevant topics and contents in all grade levels. These are further reinforced by the Whole School Approach involving home, school and community in the co-curricular and extra-curricular programs and activities related to values formation. Further, the GMRC and VE Curriculum will have an increased time allotment for teaching and learning. Strengthened Peace Education Peace education, as a transformative paradigm, seeks to change mindsets, values, and behaviors that have led to direct, structural and other forms of violence in our society. It intends to build awareness, concern, and action towards nonviolence, justice, and environmental care (DepEd Memorandum No. 469 s. 2008). The MATATAG Curriculum will ensure systematic and intentional peace education integration not only to guarantee that the country will meet the 2030 target but also to improve the overall quality of education. It ensures that all learners acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes in promoting sustainable development, human rights, gender equality, the culture of peace and non-violence, and appreciation of cultural diversity among others. Other Features of the MATATAG Curriculum Redesigned Kindergarten Curriculum The redesigned Kindergarten Education espouses a learner-centered, learning- centered, integrated