WHAT IS THE K TO 12 PROGRAM?

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.

Back to top

SALIENT FEATURES

Strengthening Ea rly Ch ildhood Education ( Unive rsa l Kinderg

Every Filipino child now has access to early childhood education through Universal
Kindergarten. At 5 years old, children start schooling and are given the means to slowly
adjust to formal education.

Research shows that children who underwent Kindergarten have better completion
rates than those who did not. Children who complete a standards-based Kindergarten
program are better prepared, for primary education.

Education for children in the early years lays the foundation for lifelong learning and for
the total development of a child. The early years of a human being, from 0 to 6 years,
are the most critical period when the brain grows to at least 60-70 percent of adult
size..[Ref: K to 12 Toolkit]

In Kindergarten, students learn the alphabet, numbers, shapes, and colors through
games, songs, and dances, in their Mother Tongue.

Examples, activities, songs, poems, stories, and illustrations are based on local culture,
history, and reality. This makes the lessons relevant to the learners and easy to
understand.

Students acquire in-depth knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes through continuity
and consistency across all levels and subjects.

Discussions on issues such as Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Climate Change

Adaptation, and Information & Communication Technology (ICT) are included in the
enhanced curriculum.
Building Prof iciency through Lan guage ( Mother Tongue- Based Multilingua l Education)

Students are able to learn best through their first language, their Mother Tongue (MT).
Twelve (12) MT languages have been introduced for SY 2012-2013: Bahasa Sug, Bikol,
Cebuano, Chabacano, Hiligaynon, Iloko, Kapampangan, Maguindanaoan, Meranao,
Pangasinense, Tagalog, and Waray. Other local languages will be added in succeeding
school years.

Aside from the Mother Tongue, English and Filipino are taught as subjects starting
Grade 1, with a focus on oral fluency. From Grades 4 to 6, English and Filipino are
gradually introduced as languages of instruction. Both will become primary languages of
instruction in Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School (SHS).

After Grade 1, every student can read in his or her Mother Tongue. Learning in Mother
Tongue also serves as the foundation for students to learn Filipino and English easily.
Ensuring Integ rated and Sea mle ss Lea rning (Spiral Progre ssion)

Subjects are taught from the simplest concepts to more complicated concepts through
grade levels in spiral progression. As early as elementary, students gain knowledge in
areas such as Biology, Geometry, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Algebra. This ensures
a mastery of knowledge and skills after each level.

For example, currently in High School, Biology is taught in 2nd Year, Chemistry in 3rd
Year, and Physics in 4th Year. In K to 12, these subjects are connected and integrated
from Grades 7 to 10. This same method is used in other Learning Areas like Math.
Gearing Up for the Future (Senior High School)

Senior High School is two years of specialized upper secondary education; students
may choose a specialization based on aptitude, interests, and school capacity. The
choice of career track will define the content of the subjects a student will take in
Grades 11 and 12. SHS subjects fall under either the Core Curriculum or specific
Tracks.

CORE CURRICULUM

There are seven Learning Areas under the Core Curriculum. These are Languages,
Literature, Communication, Mathematics, Philosophy, Natural Sciences, and Social
Sciences. Current content from some General Education subjects are embedded in the
SHS curriculum.

SHS curriculum.

TRACKS
 Each student in Senior High School can choose among three tracks: Academic;
Technical-Vocational-Livelihood; and Sports and Arts. The Academic track includes
three strands: Business, Accountancy, Management (BAM); Humanities, Education,
Social Sciences (HESS); and Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM).

Students undergo immersion, which may include earn-while-you-learn opportunities, to

provide them relevant exposure and actual experience in their chosen track.

TVET (TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING) NATIONAL

CERTIFICATE

After finishing Grade 10, a student can obtain Certificates of Competency (COC) or a
National Certificate Level I (NC I). After finishing a Technical-Vocational-Livelihood track
in Grade 12, a student may obtain a National Certificate Level II (NC II), provided
he/she passes the competency-based assessment of the Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

NC I and NC II improves employability of graduates in fields like Agriculture, Electronics,

and Trade.

MODELING BEST PRACTICES FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

In SY 2012-2013, there are 33 public high schools, public technical-vocational high

schools, and higher education institutions (HEIs) that have implemented Grade 11. This
is a Research and Design (R&D) program to simulate different aspects of Senior High
School in preparation for full nationwide implementation in SY 2016-2017. Modeling
programs offered by these schools are based on students interests, community needs,
and their respective capacities.

NURTURING THE HOLISTICALLY DEVELOPED FILIPINO (COLLEGE AND

LIVELIHOOD READINESS, 21ST CENTURY SKILLS)

After going through Kindergarten, the enhanced Elementary and Junior High curriculum,
and a specialized Senior High program, every K to 12 graduate will be ready to go into
different paths may it be further education, employment, or entrepreneurship.

Every graduate will be equipped with:

1. Information, media and technology skills,

2. Learning and innovation skills,
3. Effective communication skills, and
4. Life and career skills.

Back to top

IMPLEMENTATION AND TRANSITION

MANAGEMENT
IMPLEMENTATION

Program implementation in public schools is being done in phases starting SY 2012

2013. Grade 1 entrants in SY 20122013 are the first batch to fully undergo the
program, and current 1st year Junior High School students (or Grade 7) are the first to
undergo the enhanced secondary education program. To facilitate the transition from
the existing 10-year basic education to 12 years, DepEd is also implementing the SHS
and SHS Modeling.

TRANSITION FOR PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Private schools craft their transition plans based on: (1) current/previous entry ages for
Grade 1 and final year of Kinder, (2) duration of program , and most importantly, (3)
content of curriculum offered.
Back to top

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PLANS

Strengthening Ea rly Ch ildhood Education ( Unive rsa l Kinderg arten)
 Kto12 Basic Education Program

The development of Kto12 Program has been made possible by the collaborative efforts of members of
the Steering Committee which is composed of DepED, CHED, TESDA and other stakeholders. These
include other government agencies, private sector, civil society organizations, associations of public and
private schools, Senate, House of Representatives, PTAs, teachers organizations, student organizations
and other individuals who are committed to improving the quality of Philippine education.

Enhancing the quality of basic education in the Philippines is

urgent and critical.
Education outcomes in terms of participation, completion and achievement rates attest to this
urgent need.
The poor quality of basic education is reflected in the low achievement scores of Filipino students in
the National Achievement Test and international tests like TIMSS.
One reason behind this is that students do not get adequate instructional time or time on task. This is
partly due to the congested curriculum. The current 10-year basic education curriculum is designed to
be taught in 12 years.
This has been affirmed in the study conducted by SEAMEO-Innotech where it noted that Philippine
basic education is congested compared to the curriculum of Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and
Singapore. Specifically, it stated that elementary education is congested especially in Mathematics,
Languages and Sciences.
Our high school graduates are not adequately prepared for the world of work. Most of the basic
education graduates are too young to legally enter the labor force (below 18). This implies that those
who will not go to college would either be unemployed or be vulnerable to exploitative labor practices.
Those who may be interested to set up businesses cannot legally enter into contracts.
Our high school graduates are not adequately prepared to pursue higher education. They still have to
undergo remedial and high school level classes in colleges and universities.
The 10-year basic education cycle hinders the recognition of Filipino professionals abroad. The
Washington Accord prescribes 12-years of basic education as an entry to recognition of engineering
professionals. The Bologna Process also requires 12 years of education for university admission and
practice of profession in European countries.
The Philippines is the only country in Asia and among the three remaining countries in the world that
has a 10-year basic education cycle (Table 1).

Table 1. Comparative Data on Duration of Basic and Pre-

University Education in Asia
 Thus, the Department of Education in collaboration with various government and non-government
stakeholders has developed the K to 12 Program which aims to improve basic education in the
Philippines.

The Kto12 basic education program seeks to enhance the

quality of basic education
Kto12 means Kindergarten and the 12 years of elementary and secondary education. Kindergarten
refers to the 5-year old cohort who undergoes a standardized Kinder curriculum. Elementary
education refers to primary schooling that involves 6 years of education (Grades 1-6) while secondary
education refers to four years of junior high school (Grades 7-10 or HS Year 1-4) and two years of
senior high school (Grades 11-12 or HS Year 5-6).
Quality basic education is a right of every Filipino, therefore this is provided by government for free in
public schools. Those who go through the 12-year program will get an elementary diploma (6 years), a
junior high school diploma(4 years), and a senior high school diploma (2 years). A full 12 years of
basic education will eventually be required for entry into tertiary level education (entering freshmen by
SY 2018-2019 or seven years from now).
The implementation of the K to 12 program will be phased (Figure 1). Universal kindergarten was
offered starting SY 2011-2012. By SY 2012-2013, the new curriculum will be offered to incoming
Grade 1 as well as to incoming junior high school students (Grade 7 or HS Year 1). The target of
DepED is to put in place the necessary infrastructure and other arrangements needed to provide
Senior High School (SHS) education by SY 2016-2017.

Figure 1. Schematic implementation plan of Kto12

The societal and individual benefits of Kto12 program
outweighs its costs
To Individuals and Families
An enhanced curriculum will decongest academic workload, giving students more time to master
competencies and for co-curricular activities and community involvement, thus, allowing for a more
holistic development.
Graduates will possess competencies and skills relevant to the job market. They will attain Certificate
of Proficiency, Certificate of Competency or National Certification in their areas of specialization.
Graduates will be better prepared for higher education.
Kto12 education is affordable. The cost to households of the additional two years in high school will be
lower compared to a two year college education
 The potential annual earnings of a Kto12 graduate will be higher compared to the earnings of a 10-
year high school graduate.
Graduates will now be recognized abroad.
For the Society and the Economy
Kto12 will contribute to economic growth. Several studies have shown that improvements in the
quality of education will increase GDP growth by as much as 2%.
Kto12 will facilitate mutual recognition of Filipino graduates and professionals in other countries.
A better educated society provides a sound foundation for long-term socio-economic development.

The Kto12 Curriculum will produce holistically developed

learners with 21st century skills
The Kto12 curriculum is designed to develop a learner who possess a healthy mind and body; has a
solid moral and spiritual grounding; has essential knowledge and skills for lifelong learning and self-
actualization; engages in critical thinking and creative problem solving; contributes to the development
of a progressive, just, and humane society; is proud to be a Filipino; and appreciates the beauty
around him/her and cares for the environment for a sustainable future.
The Kto12 curriculum will be seamless and continuous, decongested and enriched, research-based
and learnercentered. It will also put an emphasis on the role of cocurricular activities and community
involvement in maximizing learning.
Kindergarten will be integrated into the basic education system, which is a bold step toward making all
Grade 1 students a reader.
Senior high school will be in alignment with the 21st century skills and college readiness standards of
CHED. The curriculum will focus on the core subjects, namely, Math, Science and English with
electives that are sensitive and responsive to the learners' interest and local industry needs.
Graduates will be accredited in their areas of specializations which include Academics, Technical-
Vocational, and Sports and Arts.

Education agencies will ensure a smooth transition to the

Kto12 program
DepED, CHED, and TESDA are crafting a strategy to ensure the smooth transition from the existing 10
year education cycle to the Kto12 basic education cycle. This will cover aspects such as physical
infrastructure, manpower, organizational, and structural changes.

Public private partnerships with higher education institutions (HEIs) and private schools are being
explored to manage the SY 2016-2018 period wherein there will be low enrollment for HEIs.
Modeling for senior high school will also be implemented in selected schools to simulate the transition
process and provide concrete data for the transition plan.
The modeling activity will also generate insights on the potential needed changes in the organizational
structure of DepED as well other affected agencies like CHED and TESDA.
 Making the Curriculum Re levant to Lea rners (C ontextualizat ion and Enhance ment)

Examples, activities, songs, poems, stories,

and illustrations are based on local culture, history, and reality. This makes the lessons
relevant to the learners and easy to understand.
Students acquire in-depth knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes through continuity
and consistency across all levels and subjects.

Discussions on issues such as Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Climate Change

Adaptation, and Information & Communication Technology (ICT) are included in the
enhanced curriculum.
Building Prof iciency through Lan guage ( Mother Tongue- Based Multilingua l Education)

Students are able to learn best

through their first language, their Mother Tongue (MT). Twelve (12) MT languages have
been introduced for SY 2012-2013: Bahasa Sug, Bikol, Cebuano, Chabacano,
Hiligaynon, Iloko, Kapampangan, Maguindanaoan, Meranao, Pangasinense, Tagalog,
and Waray. Other local languages will be added in succeeding school years.

Aside from the Mother Tongue, English and Filipino are taught as subjects starting
Grade 1, with a focus on oral fluency. From Grades 4 to 6, English and Filipino are
gradually introduced as languages of instruction. Both will become primary languages of
instruction in Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School (SHS).

After Grade 1, every student can read in his or her Mother Tongue. Learning in Mother
Tongue also serves as the foundation for students to learn Filipino and English easily.
 Ensuring Integrated and Seamless Learning (Spiral Progression)

Subjects are taught from the simplest concepts to more complicated concepts through
grade levels in spiral progression. As early as elementary, students gain knowledge in
areas such as Biology, Geometry, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Algebra. This ensures
a mastery of knowledge and skills after each level.

For example, currently in High School, Biology is taught in 2nd Year, Chemistry in 3rd
Year, and Physics in 4th Year. In K to 12, these subjects are connected and integrated
from Grades 7 to 10. This same method is used in other Learning Areas like Math.
Gearing Up for the Future (Senior High School)

Senior High School is two years of specialized upper secondary education; students
may choose a specialization based on aptitude, interests, and school capacity. The
choice of career track will define the content of the subjects a student will take in
Grades 11 and 12. SHS subjects fall under either the Core Curriculum or specific
Tracks.

CORE CURRICULUM

There are seven Learning Areas under the Core Curriculum. These are Languages,
Literature, Communication, Mathematics, Philosophy, Natural Sciences, and Social
Sciences. Current content from some General Education subjects are embedded in the
SHS curriculum.

TRACKS

Each student in Senior High School can choose among three tracks: Academic;
Technical-Vocational-Livelihood; and Sports and Arts. The Academic track includes
three strands: Business, Accountancy, Management (BAM); Humanities, Education,
Social Sciences (HESS); and Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM).

Students undergo immersion, which may include earn-while-you-learn opportunities, to

provide them relevant exposure and actual experience in their chosen track.

TVET (TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING) NATIONAL

CERTIFICATE
 After finishing Grade 10, a student can obtain Certificates of Competency (COC) or a
National Certificate Level I (NC I). After finishing a Technical-Vocational-Livelihood track
in Grade 12, a student may obtain a National Certificate Level II (NC II), provided
he/she passes the competency-based assessment of the Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

NC I and NC II improves employability of graduates in fields like Agriculture, Electronics,

and Trade.

MODELING BEST PRACTICES FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

In SY 2012-2013, there are 33 public high schools, public technical-vocational high

schools, and higher education institutions (HEIs) that have implemented Grade 11. This
is a Research and Design (R&D) program to simulate different aspects of Senior High
School in preparation for full nationwide implementation in SY 2016-2017. Modeling
programs offered by these schools are based on students interests, community needs,
and their respective capacities.

NURTURING THE HOLISTICALLY DEVELOPED FILIPINO (COLLEGE AND

LIVELIHOOD READINESS, 21ST CENTURY SKILLS)

After going through Kindergarten, the enhanced Elementary and Junior High curriculum,
and a specialized Senior High program, every K to 12 graduate will be ready to go into
different paths may it be further education, employment, or entrepreneurship.

Every graduate will be equipped with:

1. Information, media and technology skills,

2. Learning and innovation skills,
3. Effective communication skills, and
4. Life and career skills.
Back to top

IMPLEMENTATION AND TRANSITION

MANAGEMENT
IMPLEMENTATION
Program implementation in public schools is being done in phases starting SY 2012
2013. Grade 1 entrants in SY 20122013 are the first batch to fully undergo the
program, and current 1st year Junior High School students (or Grade 7) are the first to
undergo the enhanced secondary education program. To facilitate the transition from
the existing 10-year basic education to 12 years, DepEd is also implementing the SHS
and SHS Modeling.

TRANSITION FOR PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Private schools craft their transition plans based on: (1) current/previous entry ages for
Grade 1 and final year of Kinder, (2) duration of program , and most importantly, (3)
content of curriculum offered.
Back to top

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PLANS