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Ainah Saro Dimasangka

The document discusses the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in the Philippines. ALS provides basic education to those who cannot access formal schooling through reasons such as not having schools in their communities or needing a flexible schedule. It operates through two programs - a basic literacy program and a continuing education accreditation and equivalency program. ALS learners include out-of-school youth and adults in remote areas without access to schools. Learning occurs both in community learning centers and other convenient locations in order to serve learners' needs.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
64 views3 pages

Ainah Saro Dimasangka

The document discusses the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in the Philippines. ALS provides basic education to those who cannot access formal schooling through reasons such as not having schools in their communities or needing a flexible schedule. It operates through two programs - a basic literacy program and a continuing education accreditation and equivalency program. ALS learners include out-of-school youth and adults in remote areas without access to schools. Learning occurs both in community learning centers and other convenient locations in order to serve learners' needs.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Ainah Saro Dimasangka

What is Alternative Learning System or ALS?


It is a parallel learning system in the Philippines that provides a practical option to the
existing formal instruction. When one does not have or cannot access formal education in schools,
ALS is an alternate or substitute. ALS includes both the non-formal and informal sources of
knowledge and skills.

Why is there a need for Alternative Learning System in the Philippines?


Many Filipinos do not have a chance to attend and finish formal basic education (Grades
1-6 and Year 1-4) due to many reasons. Some drop out from schools while some do not have
schools in their communities. Since every Filipino has a right to free basic education, the
Government establishes ALS to provide all Filipinos the chance to have access to and complete
basic education in a mode that fits their distinct situations and needs.

What is the basis of ALS implementation in the Philippines?


The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides for the recognition and promotion of other
forms of education other than formal education. Article XIV, Section 2, Paragraph (1) declares that
the State shall establish, maintain and support a complete, adequate and integrated system of
education relevant to the needs of the people and society; and 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.
The Governance Act for Basic Education otherwise known as the Republic Act 9155 stipulates the
establishment of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to provide out-of-school children, youth
and adults population with basic education.

How does ALS work?


There are two major programs on ALS that are being implemented by the Department of
Education, through the Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS). One is the Basic Literacy
Program and the other is the Continuing Education Program - Accreditation and Equivalency
(A&E). Both programs are modular and flexible. This means that learning can take place anytime
and any place, depending on the convenience and availability of the learners.

What is the difference between the Formal Education System and the Alternative Learning System
(ALS) Non-formal Education?
Ainah Saro Dimasangka

Formal Education system is classroom-based, managed by trained formal school teachers.


ALS Non-formal Education happens outside the classroom, community-based, usually conducted
at community learning centers, barangay multi-purpose hall, libraries or at home, managed by ALS
learning facilitators, such as mobile teachers, district ALS Coordinators, instructional managers at
an agreed schedule and venue between the learners and facilitators.

What are the challenges in ALS?


• Implementation of Senior High School under the Kto12 program
• Lack of learning facilitators
• Mapping of potential learners
• Funding support
• Provision of more CLCs, facilities, and equipment
• Sufficient and relevant learning resources
• Integration of livelihood and employment opportunities
• Lack of interest (on the part of the OSYs)

Give the advantages of ALS?


Benefits those who cannot afford formal schooling and follows whatever is their available
schedule provides a viable alternative to the existing formal education instruction, encompassing
both the non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills.
Alternative Learning System Teachers that are involved in this program are called “Mobile
Teachers” for reasons that they often go about teaching in rural and depressed areas where a
formal classroom is not available.

Who are the ALS learners?


ALS is intended for out-of-school children, youth and adults who need basic and functional
literacy skills, knowledge and values. These people are usually located in far-flung communities
with no or limited access to formal schools.
• In 2008, it was estimated that 40.95 million or 45% of the total Philippine
population did not complete basic education. This population is considered the
target groups of the alternative learning system.
• Among the target groups, 27.53 million are 15 years old and above. Meanwhile, 6-
11 years old (8.7 million) and 12-15 (4.7 million) years old are the aggregated target
learners who are in-school age.
Ainah Saro Dimasangka

• Specifically, this group of marginalized learners consists of street children,


indigenous peoples, farmers, fisherfolks, women, adolescents, solo parents,
children in conflict areas not reached by the formal school system, rebel returnees,
and others.

Where can you find ALS learners?


Learning sessions take place at the Community Learning Center or at any place convenient
to the learners. Teaching and learning may also take place at the homes of the learners, under the
shades of trees, inside a church or mosque, playground and any other available space and venue.

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