PASIG CITY-- Knowledge sharing is the core value employed by the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Bohol in the implementation of the K to 12 Program in school year 2016-2017. From the reproduction and distribution of learning resources to the enrichment of the teachers' competencies, SDO Bohol's earnest efforts signify these educators' and stakeholders' determination to provide quality and relevant education for Filipino learners.
The launch of Senior High School (SHS) in 129 schools of Bohol became an avenue for learners and teachers alike to be immersed in field experiences, allowing them to explore and promote industries close to the hearts of Boholanos � tourism and agriculture.
Capacitating teachers
For SHS teachers to gain hands-on experience that they can readily relate to their students, SDO Bohol conducted Turo-Turismo, a 10-day teacher immersion on tourism-focused curriculum for entrepreneurs; and Eskwela Agrikultura, a five-day teacher immersion program on organic agriculture.
In line with the Department Order No. 35, series of 2016, the Division of Bohol provided teachers with technical assistance through classroom observation and the conduct of learning action cells (LAC) as part of their school-based continuing professional development.
In 2013, Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) teachers for Food Processing underwent training and Competency Assessment for National Certification II and III. In 2016, TVL teachers underwent skills enhancement and assessment for Cookery and Computer Servicing.
Improved facilities
To enhance the learning experience of students, SDO Bohol partnered with internal and external stakeholders and related industries to provide facilities and equipment that respond to the practical application needs of learners.
Lourdes National High School received SHS tourism facilities, while San Pascual National Agricultural High School became the site of the Bohol Agricultural Training and Research Center in the municipality of Ubay.
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) donated a one-classroom Science and Math building with equipment to Cong. Pablo Malasarte National High School. The municipal local government unit as well allocated for the procurement of TVL equipment to all 129 schools that offer SHS.
SDO Bohol's partnerships with Bikes Foundation, Yellowboat for Hope Foundation, Coalition for Change, and local industry associations, among others, yielded additional transportation options and industry engagement for SHS students.
Accessible learning resources
Kung gusto, may paraan is an age-old Filipino byword that rang true in SDO Bohol's determination to implement the basic education reform.
To enable more learners to have easier access to learning materials, the Division made available soft copies of curriculum guides (CGs) and teaching guides (TGs) in Filipino Sining, Filipino Akad, Filipino Isports, General Math, Personal Development, and Physical Education and Health. Furthermore, the Division provided soft copies of learning resources on Bread and Pastry Production, Pre-Calculus, and English for Academic and Professional Purposes.
The Division also undertook the initiative of reproducing and distributing learning resources in Filipino sa Piling Larangan (Akademik and Tech-Voc), Oral Communication, and Physical Education.
Maximizing learners' potential
At the heart of K to 12 basic education program are the learners, and their welfare is the centerpiece of the shared responsibility to provide quality, relevant, accessible, and liberating basic education for all.
To help realize a 100% transition rate from Grade 10 to 11 and promotion rate of Grades 11 and 12, and a 100% completion rate in SHS, SDO Bohol facilitated the Leading, Achieving and Maximizing Potential of Students through Personalized Mentoring (LAMPoS-PerMe) in 2016. The academic assistance design aims to continually monitor the progress of learners and provide guidance through mentoring and coaching.
LAMPoS-PerMe is an offshoot of the Division-initiated Amoma, Giya, Alayon sa Kalamboan (AGAK) Program implemented to reduce incidence of dropouts among elementary and junior high school students. Mentors under LAMPoS-PerMe participated in a seminar-workshop that oriented them on how to manage mentoring and coaching sessions.
Results-oriented initiatives
The successful implementation of AGAK led to more Division initiatives to sustain, if not exceed, the number of learners kept from flunking or dropping out. The full implementation of K to 12 in SY 2017-2018 calls for comparable efforts, and SDO Bohol has proven itself capable of stepping up to the challenges of promoting inclusive learning, enabling students to realize their dream to finish SHS, and preparing SHS learners for higher education and economic opportunities.
Source: Philippines Information Agency