Written by Ria Francis A. Robles and Alejandro P. Pablico
Mr. Alejandro P. Pablico, SLU Basic Education School (BEdS) principal, represented Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM as a panelist in the DepEd’s National Consultation with the Academe on the Senior High School Curriculum Review on November 28, 2022, at the Red Hotel, Cubao, Quezon City. Together with him was Mrs. Ria Francis A. Robles, the BEdS Languages Department Coordinator.
Mr. Pablico commenced the panel discussion that focused on the following questions:
- In terms of knowledge, skills, competencies, and experiences, how prepared are the K to12 graduates for their tertiary education?
- What kind of knowledge, skills, competencies, and experiences do K to 12 graduates need to make them better prepared for tertiary education?
- Are the graduates of K to 12 ready for the 4 exits: Employment, Entrepreneurship, Middle Skills Development, and Higher Education? Why or why not?
He highlighted the need for a structured bridging program at the tertiary level to address concerns regarding STRAND mismatch. In addition, Mr. Pablico referred to the attention of the DepEd officials presenting the much-needed reexamination of the 2011 College Readiness Standards against the SHS curricular offerings. On top of this, he put forward the idea of a National Readiness Assessment to carefully evaluate individual readiness among the SHS learners and provide guidance on suitable support pathways based on the individual’s skill and competency profile.
On the other hand, Mrs. Robles likewise shared a recommendation to put up more Adaptive Learning Programs to tailor instruction to each student and focus more on smaller groups than the larger class. Additionally, she mentioned the re-assessment of the Immersion Program, especially in the HUMSS and STEM strands as well as the possible review of subject offerings against current courses being offered and job opportunities available.
This event was as well a meaningful opportunity to share some best practices in the SLU SHS and contribute to the nationwide goal of improving the Senior High School curriculum across the country.