K12: THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE

Principal III –Tuyo Elementary School

The Month of April 2018 is a landmark date for the graduates of the K to 12 Program in the Philippines. It was in 2016 when the Department of Education (DepEd) implemented the curriculum wherein secondary education has been extended to an additional two-year senior high school (SHS) stint for the youthful hope of the country.

The graduation rites of the senior high school students can also be considered as another milestone in the history of Philippine education since it is the first batch of graduates for senior high school. It is an exciting time of change, for it brings series of alteration into the lives of the students, teachers, parents and other stakeholders.

After completion of senior high school, the students are to be proud of the patented trademark that goes with their accomplishment. It also brings to the graduates a distinct outlook on the career paths that lies ahead of them. In a very positive note, they can say to themselves that they are ready for the challenge.

In front of them lies a three-dimensional bright spots of opportunity along the professional horizon.

First, they are readily prepared to pursue further studies in the various areas of college learning. Second, they have the opportunity of getting jobs based on the specific skills they earned; at their legal age they can qualify to either local or foreign full-time employment. Third, they also have an option to start a business and be entrepreneurs in their own right.

Aside from having earned the diploma, the graduates bear with them the College Readiness Standards to their college courses. Another added advantage in getting into opportunities, the SHS graduates also carry with them certificates of competency and national certifications under the TESDA training regulations.

Further, the gain of mid-level skills from the K to 12 Curriculum is also a foundational preparedness for the graduates to participate the challenging field of entrepreneurship.

In the light of this momentous event, expect that the educators of DepEd with the rest of government links in support of the K to 12 Curriculum will bring in the necessary innovations, developmental approaches and strategies to prepare the future of the youth of the country.

Congratulations 2018 SHS graduates, the road ahead is waiting for you to show the way for the next batch of senior high school aspirants the road to excellence. As the saying goes in Jeremiah 29:11 “ For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.