Accreditation & Evaluation System

PentEl Villanueva Liongson IV – 32 BSE English UG2009122937 Alternative Education Dr. Robert Salvador

Background The development of a Non-formal Education Accreditation and Equivalency (NFE - A & E) System was conceived under the umbrella of Education for All – Philippine Plan of Action (EFA–PPA) as part of the original project component of the ADB – Assisted Non-formal Education Project. It is envisioned to provide an alternative means of certification of learning to those Filipinos who are unable to avail of the formal school system, or who have dropped out of formal elementary or secondary education.

So, what’s with Accreditation & Evaluation System?

The Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency ALS A&S System is a new education system that provides an alternative means of learning and certification for out-of-school youth (OSY) and adults aged 15 years old and above, who are unable to avail of educational opportunities of the formal school system, or who have dropped out of formal elementary or secondary education.

VISION To empower Filipino out-of-school youth and adults to continue to learn on their own so they may improve their quality of life and that of their family, community and country.

MISSION

To provide out-of-school youth and adults with learning opportunities by which they may gain knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that will enable them to think critically and creatively; act innovatively and humanely and achieve their learning goals in order to become a contributing member of Filipino society.

KEY COMPONENTS OF THE ALS A&E SYSTEM

1. ALS A&E Curriculum Framework - which contains a learning continuum of essential skills, knowledge, attitudes and values desired for non-formal basic education and designed to be comparable to the formal school system.

2. ALS A&E Learning Materials - comprising learning modules, audio tapes, print and non-print supplementary materials for elementary and secondary levels.

3. ALS A&E Learning Support Delivery System – using inter-agency partnership with NGOs, LGUs, SUCs and other organizations to provide learners a range of flexible learning support services in order that they may continue their learning outside of the formal school system and upgrade their skills and competencies in preparation for taking the ALS A&E tests.

4. ALS A&E Accreditation and Equivalency Testing - which is based on the ALS A&E Curriculum Frame- work and designed to provide two levels of certification of learning achievements comparable to the formal elementary and secondary system.

NFE A&E System uses five interrelated learning strands:

1. Communication skills

2. Problem-solving and critical thinking

3. Sustainable use of resources/ productivity

4. Development of self and a sense of community

5. Expanding one’s world vision

Again, what’s with

ALS A & E System?

The ALS A&E Curriculum Framework

emphasizes “functionality” and does not

conform to the traditional subject approach of

the formal school system. It aims to develop

the basic skills adult learners need to function

successfully in their roles as parents,

workers and community members.

It emphasizes functionality and competency-based learning, and incorporates the Four

Pillars of Learning, namely: Learning to Know; Learning to Do; Learning to Be; and Learning to

Live Together.

Exactly, what is Accreditation and Equivalency Test?

• The ALS A&E Test formerly known as the Non-formal Education A&E Test

• It is one of the four components of the ALS A&E (then NFE A&E).

• It offers the successful test takers certification of learning achievements in two learning levels – Elementary and Secondary –that is comparable to the formal school system.

• The ALS A&E Test is a national government program that aims to provide an "Education for All,".

• It provides an alternative means of learning and certification for out-of- school youth (OSY) and adults aged 15 years old and above, who are unable to avail of educational opportunities of the formal school system, or who have dropped out of formal elementary or secondary education.

WHO? • An elementary dropout (not enrolled in the current

school year), who is at least 11 years old on or before the day of the test, may take the elementary level ALS A&E Test

• A high school dropout (not enrolled in the current school year), who is at least 15 years old on or before the day of the test, may take the secondary level ALS A&E Test

• Non-passers of previous ALS A&E Tests • Youth and adults although in-school but

overaged for Grade 6 (more than 11 years old) or for 4th year (more than 15 years old)

• Non-passers of previous ALS A&E Test/s unemployed/underemployed OSY’s and adults

• industry-based workers, housewives, maids, factory workers, drivers

• members of cultural minorities / indigenous people

• persons with disabilities / physically challenged

• inmates, rebel / soldier integrees

Benefits for Passing A & T Test

A test passer of either the Elementary or Secondary level gets a certificate which bears the signature of the Secretary of the Department of Education. This allows a passer to mainstream in the educational system of the country. It offers him/her the following opportunities: 1. enroll in post secondary courses (technical / vocational, two / four / five-year course) of the CHED (for private colleges and universities) and PASUC (for government owned / controlled) member institutions; 2. access to MFI and TESDA skills training programs; and 3. acquire eligibility for government employment positions.

The Test ELEMENTARY : 3 hours and 30 minutes

Multiple Choice - 3 hours

Part I (Communication) - 40 minutes

Part II (Problem Solving & Critical Thinking - 60 minutes

Part III (Sustainable Use of Resources & Productivity) - 40 minutes

Part IV (Dev’t. of Self & Expanding One’s World Vision) - 40 minutes

Composition Writing - 30 minutes

SECONDARY : 4 hours and 15 minutes

Multiple Choice - 3 hours 45 minutes

Part I (Komunikasyon sa Filipino) - 45 minute

Part II (English Communication) - 30 minutes

Part III (Problem Solving & Critical Thinking) - 60 minutes

Part IV (Sustainable Use of Resources & Productivity) - 45 minutes

Part V (Dev’t. of Self & Expanding One’s Wold Vision) - 45 minutes

Composition Writing - 30 miinutes

What does an A&E test passer do after results are released?

An A&E Test passer gets the following documents: -Certification & Examinee Report Form – integrated in one whole page signed by the Director IV of the Bureau of Alternative Learning System; get from the ALS Supervisor of the DepEd Division Office where the Registration and Testing Center is located; in January 2011

-Diploma - A one-page (portrait in layout) document signed by the Secretary of the Department of Education, bearing the Dry Seal of the Office of the Secretary, get from the ALS Supervisor of the DepEd Division Office where the Registration and Testing Centers are located.

References:

Dar, C. (2012). Registration for Accreditation and Equivalency Test Starts on June 12. Retrieved on June 15, 2012, retrieved from http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index. php?article=61338971222 http://www.courses.com.ph/alternative-learning-system- accreditation-and-equivalency-als-a-e-tes/ http://www.deped.gov.ph/cpanel/uploads/issuanceImg/ A&E%20write%20up.pdf “SEAMEO INNOTECH’s Philippine Project: Use and Effectiveness of NFE Accreditation and Equivalency Learning Materials”. (n. d.). Seameo Innotech.

“The Accreditation and Equivalency System of the Non- Formal Education Project”. (n. d.). Case Study Philippines.

Thank you for listening. Carpe diem!

:D