Gatchalian Pushes for Review of Senior High Curriculum Changes
Senator Shewin Gatchalian urged an immediate review of the proposed senior high school (SHS) curriculum that aims to reduce academic tracks and offer electives on demand. This move seeks to ensure a smooth transition from basic education to higher learning.
The new curriculum, set for implementation in select schools starting School Year 2025–2026, plans to cut SHS tracks from four to just two: Academic and Technical-Professional. Core subjects will also be trimmed from 15 to only five, focusing on essential learning areas.
Electives and Implementation Concerns
Students will have the option to choose electives aligned with their career goals. This approach intends to lighten the learning load and provide clearer paths whether students opt for college or direct employment.
However, Gatchalian expressed skepticism about whether this curriculum will truly remove the need for bridging programs in higher education. He also questioned the readiness of schools to implement these changes effectively, given the challenges experienced since SHS began in 2016.
“My question to DepEd is: won’t we face the same issues with electives? They look good on paper, but actual implementation is another story,” he said. He stressed the importance of considering how the curriculum will work on the ground, not just in theory.
Ensuring College Readiness for All Students
The senator highlighted that even with electives, students might still fall short of college readiness due to limited resources in schools. “The revised curriculum must guarantee that all students, regardless of their school’s capabilities or elective options, meet minimum college-ready standards,” he added.
“In smaller schools, offering the full range of electives under the Academic track might be impossible, which can hinder students’ preparedness for higher education,” Gatchalian explained.
Addressing Functional Illiteracy Among Graduates
Recent hearings revealed alarming data: over 18 million junior high graduates are considered functionally illiterate, struggling with comprehension and understanding. This underscores the urgency of reviewing and improving the SHS curriculum to better prepare Filipino youth for the future.
Gatchalian’s call comes as the education sector faces critical decisions to enhance learning outcomes and bridge gaps between secondary and tertiary education.