In most countries, education is usually part of the top priorities, which includes implementing better systems for the children’s future, advanced learning systems and enhancing the country’s academic curriculum.
The K12 implementation is beginning to become widespread, not only because of the numerous advantages that it has towards the overall education system, but it has also been proven to be useful in preparing the children prior to college, if not, fit to work. Statistics has demonstrated that students who went through the K-12 learning system land more jobs as compared to those countries who were using a different education system.
Some of the countries who are under this system are USA, Australia, Singapore, Canada, India, Japan, China, Germany and the Philippines. If your country recently had the K12 implementation in the educational system, here are 10 things that you need to be aware of. This system has its positive and negative sides. Knowing all of these will help you and your child become prepared.
1. As mentioned above, the quality of education is strengthened with this system. Considering that students will spend longer in their primary and secondary education, a wider range of subjects can be covered. Shorter school systems try to fit all these topics in a shorter span of time. As a result, quality isn’t practiced and students struggle coping up with their studies.
2. The topics are discussed thoroughly because adequate time is given to them. Sometimes, the most important subjects are being skimped upon, leaving students clueless and unaware on the most important topics that they should have known by now. It has been found out that students find it strenuous to cope up with their studies if their education system tries to fit the curriculum in 10 years, as compared to 12 years.
3. By the time that students have fulfilled their high school, those who have gone through K-12 are more prepared in what awaits them in the real world. In general, by the time that they have graduated in high school, children would be at around 17 – 18 years old; which means that they’re ready for bigger responsibilities, such as getting a job.
4. In countries where poverty is a major issue, parents are becoming more worried about how they are to pay for the school expenses, considering that there will be 2 additional years as compared to the 10 years of education system. This is one of the negative sides that the K12 implementation has, especially in different countries around Asia.
5. One of the common problems in the old education system is that the lessons are all being laid out to students all at once. There is no advancement or an introduction, making it difficult for some students. The good thing about K-12 system is that there is a spiral progression. This means that the simplest topics will be discussed initially, which will later on progress to more advanced or complex topics that will help students cope up with all their subjects.
6. On the latter part of the education, the senior high school, students are geared up in their future. Lessons would still involve the typical subjects that are being tackled in senior high school, but livelihood programs are also added. Students at this stage can choose the path they’d go for. Enroll in subject that interests them and excel in, so they can prepare for their college degree, and later on for their future.
7. In countries where the K-12 system was recently implemented, students may be shocked and may go through a series of changes. This instability in the system during their initial years can impact their studies. However, as the years pass by, the system will become more stable, which can ensure parents that their children will still get the education that they deserve.
8. A sudden change in textbooks and other curriculum materials may be encountered by countries who recently implemented the system. Many publishers will have to go through a new set of textbooks and study materials, which in turn, costs money. This is another negative impact that the new system has.
9. Although there had been a couple of negative effects that this system has with regard to poverty, there is a positive effect on teachers too. Considering that there will be more years required to finish primary and secondary education, teachers are given more opportunities and won’t have to go to other countries to serve food to their table.
10. With this 12-year schooling system implemented, it has been said that the future employees won’t have difficulties finding a job. Considering that the students have chosen their path in senior high such, received their certifications and training, they can easily land a job, and even get promoted easily, while getting ready for college, or while taking their college degree.
Although there are negative effects of the K12 implementation, the positive effects outweigh the cons. Change is difficult, but once everyone gets to accept that this change is required, it’ll be easier for both parents and the students at the same time.