WSAI educators upskill on K to 12 program

By Hanz Josef Vicencio, Grade 8

WSAI educators recently underwent a series of seminars to upskill on the new K to 12 Curriculum from the end of May to the start of June.

School head Belinda “Beth” Torres, LPT, MBA, Ph.D. along with seven faculty members first joined different schools in Luzon in an in-depth orientation on K to 12. The event was held in Santo Tomas, Batangas on May 24-26 and was led by the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC).

This was followed by an In-service Training (INSET) on June 15 to re-echo the initial set of seminars to the other teachers and faculty members.

The seminars highlighted the roles of the educators and the new curriculum in addressing the needs of 21st-century learners.

It also showcased how it helps Filipino students in life and work, both locally and globally.

Part of the discussions included the 7 Cs of the 21st-century learners, content and performance standards, PEAC certification programs for Education Service Contracting (ESC) schools, and techniques in unpacking standards of the new curriculum among others.

While the new curriculum was welcomed with various reactions since it kick-started in 2011, with the majority focusing on the disadvantages of K to 12, the curriculum is here to stay; this was mandated under the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013,” or RA 10533.  “The K to 12 program is a prompt necessity,” DepEd said.

PEAC partners with DepEd in increasing awareness and understanding of the K to 12 program. Whilst, the school holds its ground in ensuring that the teachers are well equipped with the skills to execute.

The K to 12 Curriculum Guide, according to Dr. Belinda A. Torres, contains only the minimum competencies. In line with the seminars held, different means of unpacking it to tailor fit the curriculum guide to the needs of the WSAI students were also discussed.

The seminars also covered a wide range of topics, such as subject requirements, CER model, gradual release of responsibility, performance task based on the standard, and the GRASP (Goal, Role, Audience, Situation, Performance Standard, and Task), and Data Privacy.

“As teachers, we do not stop learning because if we stop, we cannot help our students grow anymore. Basically, we cannot give what we don’t have. The needs of learners should always be addressed so education will be significant and responsive. INSET helps teachers to be equipped and empowered by knowledge, skills, and attitude to address the diverse and changing needs of our learners,” said Dr. Beth.

The seminars were led by Dr. Beth, with the help of a few teachers, as well as guest speakers, such as psychologist Michael U. Jimenez, LPT, RN, MBA, RPsy.

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