Thursday, March 22, 2007

EDITORIAL - March 18 - 24 Issue

Is DepEd Responsive To The Needs of the Students?

Some 1.3 million senior high school students took the National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE) on January 17 this year from both private and public schools all over the Philippines.
As announced by DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus, some 711,522 or 54.5 percent had high aptitude for technical vocational programs while 468.901 or 35.9 percent had moderate aptitude for the same subtest.
However, 49,066 students had high aptitude for college said Lapus. With this figure, those students whose aptitude for college represent only 3.75 percent. Of this 3.75 percent, some 22,267 students or about one half (1/2) of those with aptitude for college belong to the low income families.
But take note that the top five (5) of the NCAE came from private schools except for one (1). Mary Kristine Cate C. Quicho is from Jose Rizal Institute in Orion, Bataan; Francis Ramon B. Torres – Theresian School of Cavite, Bacoor, Cavite; Renz M. Jader – Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City; and Chryljoy C. Navarez – San Nicolas Academy – Mainit, surigao del Norte all are from private schools. Hermilina N. Florida – Digos City National High School, Digos City belongs to the top five.
According to Sec. Jesli Lapus, NCAE is "by far the best tool over which young graduates can use to properly assess their own skills and inclinations . . . which will enable them to make more effective decisions" in choosing their careers.
Is this 3.75 percent who possess aptitude for college reasonable? Are the instruments used to gauge the aptitudes of fourth year high school students valid? Sec. Lapus has the duty to inform the Filipinos the process followed in the determination of aptitudes of those 1.3 million young students.
The 3.75 percent who possess aptitude for college is quite low. Just pose for a moment and think, only three to four out of 100 had the aptitude for college. This is a dismal failure of the Philippine education system. Is it true that the secondary school curriculum is so tailored for students who will pursue academic courses in college?
Reading the report, one may conclude "what a hell of a performance DepEd has for out of 100 Filipino high school graduates only 3–4 possess the aptitude for college. This dismal performance of our Filipino youth in basic education is to the credit and responsibility of the Philippine society, the family, the community, the church and the government.
The Gene And Its Biosphere
Following the Mendel’s Law of heredity, a child inherits 50 percent each the character traits of his father and mother. The child, whether he likes it or not, will resemble the looks of his parents, the talents, the intelligence and other traits will be transferred to him. However, these intelligence, talents, virtues and philosophy need development. So that the development of a child is also influenced by his biosphere: the family, the church, the community. The life style in a community where the child lives influences his own life style.
The Family and School
On the basis of the Mendel’s Law of heredity, the family has the most influence upon a child. And considering the functions of the school, the development of a child is highly influenced by the school. A child whose parents are of high intelligence and virtues, it is the school that highly shapes the form and career path of the child. However, the school must be equipped with facilities in the proper development of the intelligence, talents and values of the child.
The government speaks loudly of its free basic education in the public school. But are our schools provided with the minimum requirements to properly respond to what are expected of it? Take note that out of the top 5 in the NCAE, only one came from the public school.
Just ask: Is there adequate classrooms? Are there enough learning facilities like books, laboratory equipment? Are the teachers paid on time and adequate to attract competent mentors? Are the schools properly managed so that teaching-learning processes are highly pleasant and conducive?
If your answers are "nos" then let the government improve the basic education system. /MP

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