DepEd rolls out enhanced ALS

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has rolled out an enhanced Alternative Learning System (ALS) program that is aligned with the K-12 basic education curriculum.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones has approved the implementation of the so-called ALS 2.0, which will adopt a new curriculum starting this academic year.

The ALS, one of the priorities of the DepEd under Briones, is a non-formal education program for out-of-school youth and adult learners.

It enables them to develop basic functional literacy skills and provide opportunities to complete basic education levels without going through regular classes.

While not a mirror image of the formal school curriculum, the new ALS curriculum is substantially aligned with the competencies of the K-12 system, according to DepEd.

It covers information and communications technology and life and career skills as well as competencies not included in formal curricula that aim to provide support to the specific needs of the leaders.

It also includes examples of applications of competencies in everyday life; uses standard terminologies and coding system of the DepEd K-12 curriculum; and provides opportunities for learners to acquire vocation and technical skills to enhance their work readiness and employability.

ALS 2.0 will have five key stages: basic literacy, lower elementary, advanced elementary, junior high school and senior high school.

 “The junior high school level advances the ALS learners to a deeper understanding of the learning competencies that is equivalent to Grade 7-10. The learning competencies have a higher degree of complexity and help learners develop an increasing degree of independence in applying knowledge, skill and values learned,” the guidelines read.

“The senior high school level is equivalent to Grades 11-12. It ensures that all learners will be equipped with competencies required for employment, entrepreneurship, middle level skills and tertiary education,” it added.