I. Overview
II. How It Is Implemented
DISCUSSANT: Mrs. Emily J. Ruivivar
I. WHAT IS ALS?
ALS stands for ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM which is a free education program implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) under the Bureau of Alternative Education (BALS). It aims to benefit those who cannot afford formal schooling and follows whatever is the available schedule of the learners.
The program follows a viable alternative to the existing formal education instruction, encompassing both the non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills.
II. WHAT IS ITS OBJECTIVE?
ALS aims to open more educational opportunities for Filipino citizens of different interests, capabilities of demographic characteristics, socio-economic origins and status as well as addressing the needs of the marginalized group. The program cuts the time to finish high school, hence, significantly cuts the expenses as well.
III. WHAT ARE ITS LEGAL BASES?
1. The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides for the recognition and promotion of other forms of education other than the formal education. Article 4, Sec.2, par.1, states that, “The state shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make education accessible to all.”
Paragraph 4 concisely encourages non-formal, informal and indigenous learning systems, as well as self- learning, independent and out-of-school study programs particularly those that respond to community needs.
2. Republic Act 9155 or the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001, Republic Act 6655 or the Free Secondary Education Act both reaffirm the policy of the state to protect and promote the rights of all Filipinos by providing children free and compulsory education in the elementary and high school level. This pertains to six years free tuition for children aged 6-11, and free four years of secondary
References: 1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_Learning_System_(Philippines) 2. www.slideshare.net/jeph_elisha/report-on-alternative-learning-system-by-phoebe-w-taruc 3. www.slideshare. net/joems-angel 2000/ 4. http://www.slideshare.net/YsayJardeleza/alternative-learning-system-program 5. http://balsontheweb.wikispaces.com/Session+Guides+%28Secondary+Level+AE%29 6. http://securitymatters.com.ph/alternative-learning-system-3861/ 7. Handouts Regional training Workshop on BP-OSA IM, November 24, 2011, Ligao City 8. www.deped.gov.ph.