'Education Pathways Act' approved by House panel

The House Committee on Basic Education and Culture unanimously approved a measure amending the K–to-12 Basic Education Program, which aims to make senior high school optional for students who will pursue a technical-vocational pathway.

Under the "Education Pathways Act" those who completed junior high school or Grade 10 will have two options: skip college to pursue a technical-vocational pathway or pursue a college preparatory program under the Department of Education (DepEd).

If the junior high school student opts for a technical-vocational pathway, it is the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) which will provide the student with a variety of technical-vocational programs designed to equip students with practical skills and competencies for specific industries, including subjects that ensure students will attain functional literacy skills.

This provision of TESDA taking over the technical-vocational courses for junior high school completers is a departure from the current K-to-12 law which places the jurisdiction of all senior high school programs, including technical-vocational courses, under the DepEd.

The bill also mandates TESDA to collaborate with industry partners to ensure that programs are aligned with current industry needs and standards, as well as promptly issue training regulations for emerging skillsets for those who will choose the technical-vocational pathway.

Further, the bill tasks TESDA to facilitate apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training for technical-vocational students to gain practical experience and encourages industry stakeholders to provide apprenticeship opportunities and participate in skills development.

House Committee on Basic Education and Culture Roman Romulo of Pasig said this bill seeks to address the lack of employment opportunities for K-to-12 or senior high school completers, of which around 30% have chosen the technical-vocational track.

“We want this [technical-vocation pathway] to be industry-driven,” Romulo said.

In the event that a student already finished a technical-vocational program or upon certification from TESDA of eligibility for college admission, the student may avail of the ladderized education program and enroll in colleges and universities for educational advancement.

The college preparatory pathway, on the other hand, will remain under the jurisdiction of DepEd, which is mandated by the bill to develop and implement a comprehensive curriculum for Grades 11 and 12 that prepares students for admission to colleges and universities.

The bill also provides that the curriculum for the college preparatory pathway will encompass fundamental subjects to improve and guarantee that students will acquire practical literacy skills and elective courses to allow students to explore their interests and meet college admission requirements. —VAL, GMA Integrated News