K TO 12 GENERAL

INFORMATION
What is the K to 12 Program?

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The K to 12 Program covers 13 years of basic education with the following key stages:
Kindergarten to Grade 3
Grades 4 to 6
Grades 7 to 10 (Junior High School)
Grades 11 and 12 (Senior High School)

Why are we now implementing 12 years of basic education?

o The Philippines is the last country in Asia and one of only three countries worldwide with a 10-year preuniversity cycle (Angola and Djibouti are the other two).
o A 12-year program is found to be the best period for learning under basic education. It is also the
recognized standard for students and professionals globally.
What has been done to get ready for K to 12? Are we really ready for K to 12?

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SY 2011-2012: Universal Kindergarten implementation begins

SY 2012-2013: Enhanced curriculum for Grades 1-7 implemented
2013: K to 12 enacted into Law
2014: Curriculum for Grades 11-12 finished
This 2015, we are getting ready for the implementation of Senior High School (SHS) in SY 2016-2017.
We are on the fifth year of the implementation of the K to 12 Program. Our last mile is the Senior High
School. All 221 divisions of the Department of Education (DepEd) have finished planning and have figures
on enrolment a year in advance. These plans were reviewed by a separate team and finalized upon
consultation with other stakeholders.
Classrooms: DepEd has built 66,813 classrooms from 2010 to 2013. There are 33,608 classrooms
completed and undergoing construction in 2014. As of DepEd is planning to establish 5,899 Senior High
Schools nationwide. As of April 30, 2015, DepEd has issued provisional permits to 1,866 private schools
set to offer Senior High School in 2016.
Teachers: From 2010-2014, DepEd has filled 128,105 new teacher items. DepEd is targeting two kinds of
teachers: those who will teach the core subjects, and those who will teach the specialized subjects per
track. DepEd will hire 37,000 teachers for Senior High School for 2016 alone.
Textbooks: Learning materials are being produced for elementary to junior high while textbooks for Senior
High School (which has specialized subjects) are being bid out.
Curriculum: The K to 12 curriculum is standards- and competence-based. It is inclusive and built around
the needs of the learners and the community. The curriculum is done and is available on the DepEd
website. It is the first time in history that the entire curriculum is digitized and made accessible to the
public.
Private SHS: There are 2,199 private schools cleared to offer Senior High School and over 200 more being
processed.

 How will K to 12 affect the college curriculum?

o The College General Education curriculum will have fewer units. Subjects that have been taken up in Basic
Education will be removed from the College General Education curriculum.
o Details of the new GE Curriculum may be found in CHED Memorandum Order No. 20, series of 2013.
o Ive been hearing that a lot of people have not been consulted regarding K to 12. Is this true?
o DepEd has always been transparent in the planning and implementation of K to 12. There have been
regular consultations with various sectors since 2010, before the law was passed, during the crafting of the
IRR, and during implementations. DepEd representatives have also attended various fora and conferences,
including legislative inquiries, regarding K to12. We are open to criticisms and suggestions regarding this.
How can I help improve basic education?

o Private partners can donate through the Adopt-A-School program. A 150% tax incentive will be provided for
every contribution.
o Help spread awareness and information on the K to 12 Program.
How will the current curriculum be affected by K to 12? What subjects will be added and
removed?

o The current curriculum has been enhanced for K to 12 and now gives more focus to allow mastery of
learning.
o For the new Senior High School grades (Grades 11 and 12), core subjects such as Mathematics, Science
and Language will be strengthened. Specializations or tracks in students areas of interest will also be
offered.
o Changes to specific subjects are detailed in the K to 12 Curriculum Guides, viewable and downloadable at
bit.ly/kto12curriculum.
How will schools implementing special curricular programs such as science high schools,
high schools for the arts, and technical vocational schools be affected by K to 12?

o Schools with special curricular programs will implement enriched curriculums specific to their program
(e.g. science, arts) following the K to 12 standards.
How will multi-grade teaching be affected by K to 12?

o Multi-grade teaching will continue and will use the K to 12 Curriculum.

How will specific learning groups such as indigenous people, Muslim learners, and people
with special needs be affected by K to 12?

o The K to 12 Curriculum was designed to address diverse learner needs, and may be adapted to fit specific
learner groups.
Which Mother Tongue will be used as the language of instruction in multi-cultural areas?

o The principle of MTB-MLE is to use the language that learners are most comfortable and familiar with;
therefore, the common language in the area or lingua franca shall be used as the language of instruction.
o There are currently 19 mother tongue languages:
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Akianon
Bahasa Sug
Bikol
Cebuano
Chabacano

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Hiligaynon
Iloko
Ivatan
Kapampangan
Kinaray-a

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Maguindanaoan
Meranao
Pangasinense
Sambal
Surigaonon

o Tagalog
o Waray

o Yakan
o Ybanag

Kindergarten Concerns

Under K to 12, will Kindergarten be a pre-requisite for entering Grade 1?

o Yes. Republic Act No. 10157, or the Kindergarten Education Act, institutionalizes Kindergarten as part of
the basic education system and is a pre-requisite for admission to Grade 1.
With K to 12, will there be an overlap between the Day Care program of Local Government
Units (LGUs) and DepEd Kindergarten?

o No. Day Care Centers of LGUs take care of children aged 4 or below, while the DepEd Kindergarten
program is intended for children who are at least 5 years old by October 31st of the present school year.
With K to 12, should schools prepare permanent records for Kindergarten students?

o Yes. While the assessment on readiness skills of students in Kindergarten is not academically driven, a
good measure of the child's ability to cope with formal schooling is needed for future learning
interventions.
Who is in charge of Kindergarten teacher compensation?

o DepEd is the main agency that employs and pays Kindergarten teachers in public schools. However, there
are LGUs that help in the Kindergarten program and provide honoraria for additional Kindergarten teachers
in public schools.
Senior High School
What is Senior High School?

o Senior High School (SHS) covers the last two years of the K to 12 program and includes Grades 11 and 12.
In SHS, students will go through a core curriculum and subjects under a track of their choice.
Will SHS mean two more years of High School?

o Yes. These two additional years will equip learners with skills that will better prepare them for the future,
whether it be:
o Employment
o Entrepreneurship
o Skills Development (Further Tech-Voc training)
o Higher Education (College)
Will the additional two years of High School mean additional expenses?

o Not necessarily.
o Senior High School completes basic education by making sure that the high school graduate is equipped
for work, entrepreneurship, or higher education. This is a step up from the 10-year cycle where high school
graduates still need further education (and expenses) to be ready for the world.
o SHS will be offered free in public schools and there will be a voucher program in place for public junior
high school completers as well as ESC beneficiaries of private high schools should they choose to take
SHS in private institutions.
o This means that the burden of expenses for the additional two years need not be completely shouldered by
parents.
What will I learn in SHS that the current high school curriculum doesnt include?

o Senior High School covers eight (8) learning areas as part of its core curriculum, and adds specific tracks
(similar to college courses) based on four (4) disciplines:
o Academic (which includes Business, Science & Engineering, Humanities & Social Science, and a General
Academic strand)
o Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (with highly specialized subjects with TESDA qualifications)
o Sports
o Arts & Design
o SHS Students may pick a track based on how he or she will want to proceed after high school graduation.
You can learn more about the tracks and strands (as well as their curriculum) in the K to 12 Curriculum
Guides.
Will SHS ensure employment for me?

o SHS cannot guarantee employment; but it creates the following opportunities:

o Standard requirements will be applied to make sure graduates know enough to be hirable.
o You will now be able to apply for TESDA Certificates of Competency (COCs) and National Certificates (NCs)
to provide you with better work opportunities.
o Partnerships with different companies will be offered for technical and vocational courses.
o You can now get work experience while studying; and companies can even hire you after you graduate.
o Entrepreneurship courses will now be included. Instead of being employed, you can choose to start your
own business after graduating, or choose to further your education by going to college.
How will SHS affect my college education?

o SHS, as part of the K to 12 Basic Curriculum, was developed in line with the curriculum of the Commission
of Higher Education (CHED) the governing body for college and university education in the Philippines.
o This ensures that by the time you graduate from Senior High School, you will have the standard
knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to go to college.
How will students choose their Senior High School specializations?

o Students will undergo assessments to determine their strengths and interests. These will include an
aptitude test, a career assessment exam, and an occupational interest inventory for high schools. Career
advocacy activities will also be conducted to help guide students in choosing their specialization or track.
How will student specializations/tracks be distributed across Senior High Schools?

o Specializations or tracks to be offered will be distributed according to the

resources available in the area, the needs and interests of most
students, and the opportunities and demands of the community.
Where will Senior High School be implemented? Will my school offer SHS?

o Existing public and private schools, including colleges, universities and technical institutions may offer
Senior High School.
o There may also be stand-alone Senior High Schools established by DepEd or private organizations
.

Will SHS modelling schools that implemented the SHS program in SY 2012-13 be allowed
to implement the SHS Program?

o SHS modelling schools listed in DepEd Order No. 71, s. 2012 may implement the SHS program, but they
must go through the process of applying a provisional SHS permit, and must meet the standards and
requirements for the SHS Program.

o DO 71, s. 2012 - Additional Information to and Changes In DepEd Order No. 36, S. 2012 (Guidelines on the
2012 Implementation of Senior High School Modelling in Selected Technical-Vocational Education and
General Secondary Schools Under the K to 12 Basic E
o August 23, 2012
o DO 71, s. 2012
o Additional Information to and Changes In DepEd Order No. 36, S. 2012 (Guidelines on the 2012
Implementation of Senior High School Modelling in Selected Technical-Vocational Education and General
Secondary Schools Under the K to 12 Basic Education Program)
o To: Undersecretaries
Assistant Secretaries
Bureau Directors
Regional Directors
Schools Division/City Superintendents
Heads, Public and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools
All Others Concerned
o DepEd Order No. 36, s. 2012 was issued to provide information on the implementation of the Senior High
School (SHS) Modelling Program for School Year (SY) 2012-2013. The said DepEd Order provided the list of
schools which will implement the SHS Modelling Program. However, some schools which are listed in
Enclosure No. 1 to this DepEd Order did not proceed with the actual implementation of the SHS Modelling
Program for SY 2012-2013.
o Thus, those schools which are currently implementing the SHS Modelling Program this SY 2012-2013 but
are not included in the DepEd Order No. 36, s. 2012 are now included in the revised list contained in
Enclosure No. 2 to this DepEd Order to replace those schools which have not implemented said SHS
Modelling Program.
o Immediate dissemination of this Order is directed.
o Encls.: As stated
Reference: DepEd Order: (No. 36, s. 2012)
o To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:
CHANGE
SCHOOLS
CURRICULUM
TECHNICAL EDUCATION
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
Is SHS really necessary? Must I go to SHS?

o Yes, according to the law. Beginning SY 2016-2017, you must go through Grades 11 and 12 to graduate
from High School.
o If I choose not to go to SHS, what happens to me?
o You will be a Grade 10 completer, but not a high school graduate. Elementary graduates are those who
finish Grade 6; high school graduates must have finished Grade 12.
Voucher Program
What is the Voucher Program?

o This program enables Grade 10 completers from public and private Junior High Schools (JHS) to enroll in a
1) private high school, 2) private university or college, 3) state or local university or college, or 4) technicalvocational school, which will offer the Senior High School program starting School Year 2016-2017.
o Through the Voucher Program, students and their families are able to exercise greater choice in deciding
the Senior High School program that is most relevant to their needs and career goals. A certain amount will
be subsidized by DepEd to private SHS to offset the cost of tuition.
Who will benefit from the Voucher Program? Can I apply?

o All JHS completers from public junior high schools are qualified to receive the full voucher values.
o Private junior high school completers who are on Education Service Contracting (ESC) grants will receive
80% of the full voucher value.
o JHS completers from private schools and non-DepEd schools can also apply for vouchers worth 80% of
the full voucher value.
o Students will be notified of their eligibility prior to completing Grade 10. No monetary value is given to the
student directly instead the subsidy is remitted to the Senior High School where he/she will enroll.
What are the advantages of the Voucher Program?

o For Students
o The voucher program can provide high-quality education for all types of students. Even those who
normally do not have the financial means will be able to choose from different schools. They will not be
limited to the schools that are provided by the DepEd.
o For Private Schools
o Private schools with SHS will be able to tap into an expanded market - students from public junior high
schools.
How much is the value of the voucher?

o The actual amount of the vouchers will depend on the location of the SHS where the student will enroll.
o JHS completers who will enroll in an SHS located in the National Capital Region (NCR) will receive a full
voucher value of PhP 22,500.
o JHS completers who will enroll in an SHS located in Non-NCR Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs) will receive a
full voucher value of PhP 20,000. These cities include Angeles, Bacolod, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro,
Cebu City, Davao City, General Santos, Iligan, Iloilo City, Lapu-lapu, Lucena, Mandaue, Olongapo, Puerto
Princesa, Tacloban, and Zamboanga City.
o JHS completers who will enroll in an SHS located in other cities and municipalities will have a full voucher
value of PhP 17,500.
o The voucher must be used in the school year immediately following the year of JHS completion. A voucher
recipient may only be able to avail of the voucher subsidy for two (2) successive years.
o Non-DepEd schools may charge tuitions that are higher than the voucher subsidy amounts. Students and
parents are expected to cover the difference between the tuition fee charged by the school and the voucher
subsidy from government.
School Application for Senior High School
Which private institutions are allowed to offer Senior High School?

o All schools and organizations must first apply for a permit from DepEd. Different institutions may also
partner with each other and apply for SHS as a group.
o Temporary permits will be issued by DepEd for those who meet the requirements for the Senior High
School Program.

o There are 334 private schools with SHS permits beginning in SY 2014 or 2015. Last March 31, 2015,
provisional permits have been issued to 1,122 private schools that will offer Senior High School in 2016.
o If you are interested in applying for a Senior High School permit, please visit DepEd Memo No. 4, s. 2014.
Can a private school offer Senior High School before SY 2016-2017?

o Private schools may offer Grade 11 as early as SY 2015-2016 to interested students. However, Senior High
School before SY 2016-2017 is voluntary for both private schools and students, and there will be no
funding assistance from the government to private Senior High School before SY 2016-2017.
What other information should applicants remember in applying for a SHS permit?

o All applications must only be submitted via email to kto12@deped.gov.ph.

o Applications must contain the requirements detailed in DepEd Memo No. 4, s. 2014. Only applications with
complete documentary requirements will be processed by the SHS-NTF on a first come-first served basis.
Submission of letters of intent only will not be processed.
o The proposed SHS Curriculum consistent with the final SHS Curriculum issued by DepEd must be
submitted upon application.
Who receives, evaluates and approves the applications for provisional SHS permits? Who
issues the permits?

o The SHS-National Task Force (SHS-NTF) will receive applications from interested parties, establish the
process and criteria in evaluating selected applicants, and evaluate the SHS applications of non-DepEd
schools.
o Regional Offices will be deputized to conduct on-site validation for all applicants. The on-site validation will
focus on the provision of SHS requirements for the proposed track/strand, and will certify that a school
exhibits the necessary SHS requirements to implement the program.
o The DepEd Secretary approves applications for the SHS Program and issues provisional permits to
applicants upon the recommendation of the Undersecretary for Programs and Projects.
o The Regional Office releases the provisional permit to the applicant.
Teachers
How will SHS Affect me? Will I lose my Job?

o No high school teachers will be displaced.

o The Department of Education (DepEd) is in constant coordination with CHED and DOLE on the actual
number of affected faculty from private higher education institutions (HEIs). The worst-case scenario is
that 39,000 HEI faculty will lose their jobs over 5 years. This will only happen if none of the HEIs will put up
their own Senior High Schools, which is since we are currently processing over 1,000 SHS applications
from private institutions.
o DepEd is also hiring more than 30,000 new teachers in 2016 alone. The Department will prioritize affected
faculty who will apply as teachers or administrators in our SHS.
Why not just realign the K to 12 budget to increase teachers salaries?

o There is no "K to 12" item in the national budget per se. The ongoing implementation of the K to 12
Program involves the provision of basic inputs such as classrooms, teacher items, textbooks, school
seats, and toilets. There are also items in the budget for computerization of classrooms, science and math
equipment, and teacher training. K to 12 is a reform in the manner and content of education; it is not a
single project with a line item budget.

o There are also ongoing discussions taking place regarding a raise in the salary of public school teachers
and all other government employees.
I am a graduate of a science/math/engineering/course. Can I apply as an SHS teacher?

o Yes. If you are willing to teach on a part-time basis, you will not be required to take and pass the Licensure
Examination for Teachers (LET).
o If you want a permanent position, you will need to take and pass the LET within five (5) years after your
date of hiring to remain employed full-time.
I am a hired TVI course graduate/HEI faculty/practitioner. Can I apply as an SHS teacher?

o Graduates of technical-vocational courses must have the necessary certification issued by TESDA and
undergo training to be administered by DepEd or HEIs.
o Faculty of colleges and universities must be full-time professors and be holders of a relevant Bachelors
degree.
o DepEd and private schools may also hire practitioners with expertise in the specialized learning areas
offered by the K to 12 Program as part-time teachers.
o Faculty of TVIs and HEIs will be given priority in hiring for the transition period from September 2013 until
SY 2021-2022.
I am a hired TVI course graduate/HEI faculty/practitioner. Can I apply as an SHS teacher?

o Graduates of technical-vocational courses must have the necessary certification issued by TESDA and
undergo training to be administered by DepEd or HEIs.
o Faculty of colleges and universities must be full-time professors and be holders of a relevant Bachelors
degree.
o DepEd and private schools may also hire practitioners with expertise in the specialized learning areas
offered by the K to 12 Program as part-time teachers.
o Faculty of TVIs and HEIs will be given priority in hiring for the transition period from September 2013 until
SY 2021-2022.