The Early Implementation of Senior High School Under The Strengthened Technical Vocational Education Program in The Selected Schools of Quezon Province: Basis for Stve Program Enhancement

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

In May 2014, the Central Office granted permission to implement Senior High School two years prior to its mandatory nationwide implementation in SY 2016-2017. Consequently, the researcher conducted this study and 1) determined the pre-implementation considerations and actual implementation needs and processes under the SHS Early Implementation; 2) identified strengths and innovations of the selected SHS early implementing schools; 3) ascertained challenges and potentials for improvement; and 4) proposed an STVE Program based on the lessons learned by the selected SHS early implementing schools.

METHODS

The study aimed to assess the Early Implementation of the Senior High School Program under the Strengthened Technical Vocational Education Program in the selected Schools of Quezon Province. Data were gathered through questionnaires and key informant interview (KII). To identify the pre-implementation considerations and needs under the Senior High School Early Implementation in terms of rationale, linkages, curriculum development, capacity building, and certifications a questionnaire to gather quantitative data was used coupled with interview questions for the qualitative data to validate responses.

RESULTS

Significant findings include the following: (1) The fundamental reason for piloting the Senior High School implementation in the Tech-Voc schools is to provide opportunity for the Senior High School graduates to acquire necessary competencies and qualifications to enable them to pursue college education, venture into entrepreneurship, or be directly absorbed in the world of work; (2) There is a need for assistance from private entities to pursue the Senior High School program; (3) A technical working group to draft and finalize the curriculum did not transpire prior to the implementation of the Senior High School Program; (4) No action research was conducted during the conduct of the early implementation of the Senior High School program; and (5) OJT certification was not awarded to some graduates.

DISCUSSIONS

As a research output, it was also suggested that an Enhanced Senior High School Program for TVL strand be implemented to address gaps on the process of creating linkages with stakeholders, provision of facilities, materials, and equipment, work immersion challenges, tracking of graduates, conduct of action research and other related issues and problems pertaining to the implementation of the Senior High School program.