Reflection on the Components of Curriculum and Curricular Approaches

Capitol University

Cagayan de Oro City

Graduate Studies

Dear  Dr. Alonsabe,

               In our curriculum implementation class discussions, a school manager has a great role to influence teachers to have a conscious effort for the input, the process and the desired output for a better change. I learned that in the Hilda Taba ; Linear Model that curriculum and instruction are not separate independents component but contagious parts of a continuum or system. The first subsystem is the learning objectives which indicates the direction and intention of educational effort. For me goals  has  a broad meaning .Each person has silent goal in life to set  a  direction to take and as a  guide to move forward. In our daily walks of  life we have to plan, a continuous planning like   works to be done at home before leaving to the office, foods to prepare before meal time, and even the dress to wear. I have also a long range plan for personal development. For   the curriculum development  ,I am happy to know and learn the types of curriculum such as recommended curriculum, written curriculum, taught curriculum, supported curriculum, assessed curriculum, learned curriculum and the hidden curriculum. All the types of curriculum have a high intentions and  impact  to  address the various  needs of the students, school staff, parents that would  knowingly and unknowingly influence them to work for a greater heights of  academic  achievement , for improved performance and for development of the school and community as a whole. A school  vision and mission served as a guiding post which all educational effort  should be directed. As elementary principal , our goal is to produce the quality basic education following the curriculum set by DepED national. We need a curriculum development that is planned ,purposeful and progressive. The learning continuum provides objectives  / subject matter arranged from simple to the most complex as a process geared towards developing the  knowledge , skills and attitudes  and answering the need of every learner. The goals aims to develop the domains ;the cognitive, affective and psychomotor

The second sub system is the curriculum content or subject matter. Planning  the curriculum implementation  is expected to be subject -Centered and Learner-centered. Learning objective and learning content are sequenced to suit the maturity level and learning experiences and resources to produce quality outcomes. I also learned the basic principles to be followed in organizing the learning content; balance, articulation, sequence, integration and continuity. As what I observed and experienced the Revised Basic Education Curriculum (RBEC) of which it was also an observation of the many educators that the curriculum seems to be overloaded; too many subjects to cover, to many topics to teach ,unfortunately , the learners life is not compartmentalized. According to Comenius “ the teacher should teach less so that the student could learn more ” The subject matter overlaps  that there are many objectives need to tackle that the teacher has to be hurry in finishing the objectives to answer the needs of few fast learners while the majority slow learners were left behind. It has been said that the curriculum is a kilometer wide and one inch deep. For some, focused was given to few fast learners to become  contestants representing the school . Winning in such  contestants would mean glorifying achievement  to the teacher ,principal and the school.  In learner-centered  curriculum, it relates to the  reality the worthwhile to be taught  and learned . The science and humanities provide the basis of selecting the content  of school learning and the field of study known as “discipline” ;different areas  in the present curriculum like Communication arts, mathematics ,science, social studies ,Music , physical  and vocational education .

          The third subsystem I learned is the curriculum experience. There are instructional strategies and methods will be put into action the goals and the use of content in order to produce an outcome. There are time-tested methods, inquiry approaches and other emerging strategies field trips, experiments, computer programs and experiential learning which also form par in the repertoire of teaching. In the elementary level spiraling has been commonly used while in secondary its more on discipline . I am also with the concept that there is no perfect strategy and as stressed by expert in the book No Excuses “if a child cannot learn the way you teach then learn to teach the way the child learns”.

          The subsystem number four is about the curriculum evaluation. I agree that it is through evaluation that the curriculum can be determined its effectiveness and value for use. In the DepED, our concern is to make measurements about the student’s progress in the class , teachers effectiveness or to measure how well our school fairs with the rest or even how our country measures up to the international standards. Apart from measuring the cognitive or academic achievement of students, attitudes ,values, traits, mechanical skills and all other aspects of the learner as the we attempt to mold them into a well-rounded individual. I learned that there are approaches in curriculum to be applied in planning, implementing and evaluating such as Behavior  Approach, Managerial Approach, System  Approach and Humanistic Approach. As I analyzed it, I have not used a single approach in dealing with the staff but an integration across the approaches.

          I realized that as principal ,I have to be committed to spearhead in monitoring   the Teaching-Learning Process and Curriculum Development . The cycles of planning ,implementing and evaluating are tedious  tasks but  I have to give more focus on this atspects. The K-12 curriculum for me is designed to improve and develop the Filipino generations.  I would like to caught the concept from former US President Kennedy “ Do not ask what your country can do  for  you but ask what you can do for  your country”. I am optimistic that with this curriculum, the millennium generation will create  jobs rather than find jobs.

From now on , I will focus more on evaluation because in my previous years I am more in planning and implementing not so with evaluating. I have experienced about evaluation specially  in National Achievement Test and other unfavorable experiences as far as evaluation is concerned. As school administrator  I would take that as a learning experience to move forward to become an effective and efficient  school administrator  in the eyes of God. I will influence teachers to learn how to learn and how to be creative in the midst of limited resources . I might not be able to meet the standards and expectations of  the higher ups but I have aimed to be efficient and be effective   for the betterment of the generations.

Linda Saab

Is curriculum really deteriorating?

Capitol University

Cagayan de Oro City

Graduate Studies

 

Dear  Dr. Alonsabe,

               With the reading materials that you readily shared to us , I am thankful because I gained more knowledge about curriculum ,it’s meaning, purpose, foundations and  philosophy of great  philosophers  .Arthur Bestor (Essentialist), Schwabs, Robert M. Hutchin, Dewey, Caswell & Campbell, Smith Stanley & Shore , Marsh & Wills had greatly contributed the curriculum development. I find the significance in learning the maior foundations of curriculum ; perennialism, essentialism, reconstructionism,  and progressivism . It is also worth knowing the history of curriculum from Franklin Bobbit’s (1876-1956), Werrent Charters (1875-1952), William Kilpatrick (1871-1965), Harold Rugg (186-1960), Hollis Caswell ( 1902-1994) and Ralph Tyler (1902-1994) . Knowing the psychological foundations and theories from Edward Lee Thorndike, Hilda Taba, Ivan Pavlov, B.F. Skinner, Albert Bandura, Iean Piaget, Lev Vygolsky, Howard Gardner, Felder & Silverman, and Daniel Goleman  , it is proper to recognize  all great men and women who had showed the highest interest in the  development of curriculum for the benefit of human race.

Once one of the best in all of Asia, the education system of the Philippines has deteriorated significantly in recent years, both in terms of quality and access.  “ Is Philippine education really deteriorating?” This question challenged me to search . As I searched in the web I found some  reports and findings . Senator Angara said that in all international achievement tests, the Philippines is rated near the bottom in all subjects. "That is a reflected in the fast deterioration of our education standards both in public and private schools." Official achievement tests given to graduating high school students in the 2004-2005 school year showed that only 6.59 percent could read, speak and comprehend English well enough to enter college. Some 44.25 percent had no English skills at all. In the long run , if this deterioration in English competency continues, it will eventually affects our sending of human resources abroad. There is a big warning that the employment of Filipinos overseas will soon be overtaken by China and India whose citizens are becoming well-versed of the English language, both written and oral.

In a globalized economy, "English is a ticket to the future," the American and European chambers of commerce said, adding that only three out of 100 applicants meet proficiency standards of the outsourcing industry. Another comment from the Call Center Academy accent trainer Agence France Presse "Filipinos are pretty good but they still have lapses with their tenses, verb usage, subject-verb agreement — the basics," What might have caused the sudden decline? The Taglish language  (combination of Tagalog and English) is partly to be blamed when almost all of the young generation have accepted it as a standard hybrid language. English soaps are now being dubbed into Filipino and text messaging has evolved yet another form of language.

EDCOM  also reported that  there is a  slowing down in enrolment rates and the worsening drop-out rates  in the number of out-of-school children. In 2001, there were approximately 1.87 million out-of-school children with ages from 6-15 years old. In a matter of four years, in 2005, the number of out-of-school children has reached a staggering 3.1 million. And the quality of education is still way below standard. Achievement rates of elementary and high school students in National Achievement Tests remain far below the passing rate of 75 percent. The achievement rates for elementary students has slightly improved from school year (SY) 2000-2001 to SY 2005-2006 but are still far below the passing rate: 53.66 percent in Math, 46.77 in Science, 54.05 in English, 58.12 in Hekasi (Social Sciences), and 60.68 in Filipino. The achievement rates for secondary students are worse and have even worsened during the same period. The current rates are 47.82 percent in Math, 37.98 in Science, 47.73 percent in English, 40.51 percent in Filipino, and 47.62 percent in Araling Panlipunan (Social Sciences).It is then not surprising that the Philippines ranked 41st in Science and 42nd in Mathematics from among 45 countries by the Trends in International Math and Science Survey.

        The moratorium is contained in CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 32, Series of 2010, issued on 30 September 2010 effective school year 2011-2012. The validation of the outcome of the Evaluation of Graduate Program in the Philippines (EGEP) confirmed the weakening of graduates from the business administration and teacher education program all over the country and the result of the Licensure Examination for Teachers and Nurses administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) also showed a gradual decline in the performance of teacher and nursing education graduates,”

According to the studies and of which I also realized that the fundamental causes of this decline are slow economic growth, inadequate government revenues and rapid population growth. Corruption and flawed management exacerbate the problem. These factors contribute to poor quality teacher training, shortage of teachers, overcrowded and under-equipped classrooms, increasing drop-out rates and insufficient access to education for the poor.

               In the Save Our School (SOS) for quality education, it is reported that  for 2004, the Department was given close to P109 billion, about 17 percent of the national budget. In   P97.3 billion or about 90 percent of the basic education budget went to Personal Services  or in plain language, to the salaries and allowances of our teachers and non-teaching personnel. This simply means that 90 percent of our budget is fixed expense and we cannot do anything about this, but to release our salaries to our hard-working teachers and personnel every 15th and 30th of the month. With 90 percent of  the  budget gone for our salaries and wages, what is left to the Department of developmental activities is only about 10 percent of the budget  measly in terms of proportion, but significant in terms of amount at P12 billion. This amount is spread thinly for key maintenance and operations and capital outlay expenditures, like classrooms and school buildings; textbooks; and trainings, among others.

               With the situation from now on, I will commit myself as instructional leader to have  high intention to influence teachers and parents to become  innovative that would  promote self-direction and total development as human being.

Linda

United States of America Educational System

Capitol University

Cagayan de Oro City

Comparative Studies

Educational System U.S.

( by Linda  D. Saab )

Date assigned: Feb.26,2011

Dear Dr. Olga,

               I would like to express my gratitude for the many things I learned from you and in our class which I am hopeful to translate my knowledge and skills to others. At first I am really hesitant to enroll this course for many reasonable reasons but along the way I am inspired and felt the need to learn more not only for my personal goal but to be of help  in  educational system in the Philippines.

 It cannot be denied that once we were under the United States Educational System during the American Regime. Some of our  forefathers were fluent in speaking English because their teachers were the Thomasites. I felt proud being a Filipino. I can understand what American people say but only few Americans can understand our dialect, the Tagalog and Bisaya.

I learned that U.S. Educational System is successful because it is their mother tongue and the implementers have been  striving for excellence and greatness. The government of United States cater from “womb to tomb”.  The educational system has three types; pre-school, junior High School, secondary High School and University  . The pre-school are aged 3-5.  The school day begins at 9:00 and finishes at 3:00 pm that includes morning break, lunch break and afternoon break. The elementary years lasts for 6 years. The junior High school is two years. These years guarantees the student basic learning in Mathematics, history, music, and geography. Even the language is their mother tongue they are still into developing basic writing skill  and reading. In secondary school, it is expanded and deepened into science, civic education, foreign language and values. Students have four years in senior high school and must pass the public Scholastic Assessment Test to qualify for college and one has to study four years in college to get a degree in the universities. They have many prestigious universities which produced great men such as University in Belkely in Los Angeles, Harvard University in Cambridge , Massachusettes of which President Barack Obama graduated, Yale University, Princeton University in New jersey and many others. The U.S. government  has accreditation bodies to look into sustained excellence to all the universities.

As school administrator and doctoral student in the Philippines ,I realized I still have a long way to go to level up the standard in United States.  I need to continue to learn, to embrace the lifelong learning; the learning how to learn that is  developing my intelligences , and  to have positive personal attributes so that I may become an instrument to inspire and influence others to make a difference… a better Filipinos.

Very truly yours,

Linda

Educational System in Mexico

Capitol University

Cagayan de Oro City

Comparative Studies

Educational System in Mexico

( by Linda  D. Saab )

Date assigned: Jan.22,2011

Dear Dr. Olga,

            I learned that the Education is Mexico is compulsory , the  same in the Philippines. The accreditation of Private School is mostly regulated by Secretariat of Public Education. Mexican enrolling in their public school is free but for the foreigners they have to pay even in public school. Here in the Philippines public school is free from tuition even  for the  foreigners .Pre school is highly recommended but not mandatory. The basic education has three steps; the primary or primaria (grades 1-6)at the age of 6-12 yrs, the junior high school or secondaria (grades 7-9) at the age of 12 to 15 years then the high school (grades 10-12) at the age of 15 to 18 years. The high is a preparation for a job and a requirement to enter  college or university. After the basic education is the higher education. It is based on the US Educational Model and its structure was mostly patterned that of Bologma Process which is 2 years for undergraduate level (Licenciatura), 4 years for bachelor degree,2 years in master’s degree and 3 years for doctoral degree.

            The Mexican has 200 days of classes. It begins in the last week of August and ends in the first week of July. The primary has 4 and half hour while the secondaria has 7 hours per day. American or British English language  has 50-50 ratio. Spanish language is very important to them.

            I realized that the educational system varies in its implementation but the intention to educate citizens is the same .The concern of educators  from preschool or kindergarten, then  primary or elementary, secondary or high school , college , master’s and finally doctoral. The structure is the  same as pyramid the higher the level of education, the fewer avail or reach the peak.

            As principal, I have  to continue learning  so that I  have also something to share to the people whom I served. In my little way I can influence people to do better things for the improvement of school, community and society in general.

Your student,

Linda

Educational System in Africa

Capitol University

Cagayan de Oro City

Comparative Studies

Educational System in Africa

( by Linda  D. Saab )

Date assigned: Jan.22,2011

Dear Dr. Olga,

            I learned that like in many other countries Africa  has been undergoing major reforms of educational system to heighten educational qualities. They have 3 levels of education and are integrated in National qualification Framework  the South African Authority Act of 1996. The preschool has two groups ; the Pre Grade R (4yrs) and a Grade R(5 &6 yrs.). The primary Education has 3 years of senior primary phase. At this level children learn to read, write, calculate and the basic of second language. The subjects taught are the same in the Philippines. The secondary education is from grade 10 to 12 years old. Their classes is from Monday to Friday  starting at 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. Uniform is compulsory. The academic year is from January to December  split into 4 terms because of their season. Acceptance of their students  is based on “feeder zone” those homes near the school. Other applicants are accepted in first come first serve bases. Same in other countries students need to have certificate of completion and have to undergo standard examination  before one can be  accepted in the universities. In Higher Education  one has to wait at least a year after getting a degree to apply for a Master, Honour, or Ph. D. For  Master degree it takes 2 years and for Honor degree & Ph.D it would take  4 years.

            I realized that our educational system is most likely the same with  Africa .There’s a need to address the need in all ages the Education For All (EFA) Goal.  In Africa out 52 million children (CY2000) only 50.5  % enrolled in  29,386 primary and secondary schools.

            As educators , I need to  revisit the data of those  retained, and drop outs and make some steps to solve the differences. I also have to give more emphasis on the Education for All (EFA) to help increase the literacy rate if not totally be eliminated .

Your student ,

Linda

Educational System in United Kingdom

Capitol University

Cagayan de Oro City

Subject: Comparative Studies in Educational System

Topic:     Educational System in United Kingdom

( by Linda  D. Saab )Date assigned: Jan.18,2011

Dear Dr. Olga,

            It was a wonderful experience viewing the  majestic buildings and amazing views of United Kingdom. It seems I have already visited those places. I learned that United Kingdom composed of four countries England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Their structure of educational system is more likely that of Australia. School education has  basic first stage is age 5 to 7 and the second basic is 7 to 11 years old. After the basic ,they have comprehensive school at the age of 11 to 16 years old. At this level students who are taking vocational  will receive certificate or Diploma  and for those in academic secondary will  receive certificate / diploma of advance level. Then the higher education has 3 main types institutions the universities ,colleges and institutions of higher education and arts music colleges. The department for education and skills is responsible for all universities. Like many other countries, they underwent reform like Education Reform Act Year 1988, Further and Higher Education Act Year 1992, Higher Education Act 2004. The classes start from September to July and long vacation from July to September. The UK educational system has 90 % student attendee classes, in  England and Wales 8.5 million children  in 30,000 schools and  Northern Ireland 350,000 children in 1,300 state schools. For the England, Scotland and Wales their education departments are financed by Local Education Authority while in Northern Ireland are largely financed from public funds . The National Curriculum core subjects are English (Welsh-speaking schools), mathematics, science, design and technology, geography, history, music, arts ,physical education and religious. In Ireland includes Irish language in Irish –speaking schools. Students take examinations in a range of subjects at level of General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). Single subject examination set and marked by independent boards. After taking ,students may choose to continue their education at vocational or technical colleges or may take higher education. Examinations are required for entrance in universities. There is no official method equating British and American primary and secondary educational qualifications . In university  level studies it takes 3 to 4 years to  graduate bachelor degrees. Majority degree courses involve research and writing extensive thesis or dissertation. Master’s degree is normally studied 1 to 2 years and for third stage the higher Doctorate or Doctor of Philosophy. In the fields, like many other countries teachers are trained from pre-primary teachers, secondary and for higher education.

            I realized that educational system has more or less have the same directions to educate people to become productive citizens of the country to make the a place a better place to live. The other countries students are privileged  for having  better opportunities in terms of financial assistance  than in our country.

            As principal, I have to learn more about the educational system of other countries to have a wider view in terms of curriculum implementation and be able to adopt system that  would suite to our culture.

Your student,

Linda

Educational System in Korea

Educational System in Korea

( Linda D. Saab)

Dear Dr. Olga,

I am excited to be in our class because it’s  like having a splendored tour visiting from one country to other with generous classmates as flight steward sharing snacks. We are happy learning and without knowing  that it’s  already time for the next subject.

               I learned that in South Korea, they counted their age one year by the time the mother delivered the baby. At first I was surprised the unique way of counting age but then I came to realized that it is their culture and as human being we have to understand each other culture and belief to promote peace. Korean has a distinct  pride to be the first country in the world to provide high-speed internet access from every primary ,junior and high school. The school year is divided into two semesters .The first semester begins in March and ends July and for the second semester is in late august and ends in mid-July. For summer vacation is in  mid –July to late August. During the administration of Kim Dae-jung he considered education and Human Resource Management as a matter  of highest priority. The kindergarten up to college is in one  university belt. The advantage is easer to manage and monitor.  Unlike in the Philippines that  schools are separated from kindergarten, elementary ,high school and college  has its own building and place. Korean students are mostly serious in their studies. In Korea ,from kindergarten to high school grade levels is not determined on the knowledge , grades or passing any test but it is based purely upon the age of student. In our place, in principle we have  “ No read no pass policy”. If the elementary cannot read even if his age is already 15 , he is in elementary grade level. The educational system in Korea is compose of Kindergarten(3-7 yrs), elementary(8-14 Korean years),secondary or middle high school (15-16). Vocational high schools offer programs like agriculture, technology, engineering, business, maritime and home economics. Students who do not wish to go to college education are employed right after graduation

               I realized that  I have to respect the way they counted their age . Being in intact in one university belt symbolize unity and is easier to manage and monitor all the developmental activities for the improved performance. Kindergarten in Korea is also somewhat like in the Philippines wherein it is not publicly administered program so parents who can afford  sent their children to private schools . We have pre school  but government  provides only meager honorarium for teachers. I admire their educational system where in they offered vocational high school and could have a job after. In our system there are plenty of jobless graduates. There are many Koreans who came to the Philippines to be tutored by Filipinos maybe they have belief that Filipinos are good English speakers .

               As principal, I have to continue to learn other educational system and the different ethnologies to be able to understand better and respect the culture. I have also to do my part to improve the quality of education and promote the desirable  culture  in the school where I am assigned for the betterment of the community and to the society as a whole.

School Leadership : Performance Indicators

Capitol University

Cagayan de Oro  City

Professor:      Olga Alonsabe, Ph.D.

Student :       Linda D. Saab

Subject :        Management of School Leadership

Date  Assigned:  January 15,2011

                                       

                              Making a difference through Performance Indicators  

The  Performance Appraisal System of Teachers (PAST) and Performance Appraisal System for School Administrators are based by the difference through indicator percentage in performance indicators.  Performance Indicator is necessary in planning for innovations and better output. Each school has to secure indicator for three years as baseline for School Improvement Plan and  Annual Improvement Plan .

          Indicator for graduation rate is to determine the number of graduates (March) over number of enrolment (March) times 100. The result would indicate the effectiveness of teacher and principal in carrying out objectives in our educational system. For the promotion rate , the number of promotes of each grade level over the number of enrolment (March). It is in this indicator where pupils are to be determined who will move to the nest grade level. The R.A. 9155 promotes Education for All. As much as possible there will be no drop out . The teacher has to extend her effort by visiting homes of children who have made absences and follow up so children won’t drop from school. If the pupil is not able to make of what is being expected in a certain grade level he is failed that is to enroll in the same grade level the following school year. For the retention rate it is  total number of enrolment of grades 2-6 over total enrolment of grades 1-5 . The purpose of this is to determine the  degree of pupils in a particular school year who continue to be in school in the succeeding years and to follow up pupils who are not enrolling to assure that all school age children should be in school. The completion rate is the number of grade 6 graduates over the number when they were grade I. This is the percentage in a level of education who complete or finish the level in accordance with the number of years in study. It is a challenge to all educators  in a certain school to reflect on innovative ways to increase the completion rate.    

Educational System in Finland and China

Professor :        Olga Alonsabe, Ph. D.                                 

Student :           Linda D. Saab

Subject :            Comparative Studies of Educational System

Date  Assigned:  January  15, 2011

                                                The  Educational  System in  Finland

           

            The basic education in Finland is governed by Basic Education Act 1968. It is a compulsory education for a period of ten years that is from seven years  to sixteen years old. The completion for comprehensive schools takes nine years. It is the National Board of Education decides on the objectives and core contents of instruction by confirming the core curriculum. Each provider in education prepares the local curriculum. For the students who are 5 kilometers  or more away transportation is free. During the first six years, instruction is usually in the form of subject teaching, where different subjects are taught by subject teachers. It includes pupil counseling and special education. In their basic syllabus they include subjects mother tongue and literature (Swedish of Finnish), the other national language and foreign languages and environmental studies. The subject offered in the Philippines are  also offered in their state.

            The upper secondary school offers 16 to 19 years of age. The requirement for upper secondary school is the completion of comprehensive school. It continues the educational task of comprehensive school and gives students eligibility for all studies at the tertiary level. After upper secondary there is matriculation examination. The matriculation examination has a centralized body to check its individual tests according to uniform criteria. In 1982 courses were divided about 38 lessons. The local curriculum provides students with individual choices concerning  studies, also utilizing the instruction offered by other education providers. School studies consist of compulsory specialization and applied courses. Applied courses may be either further studies in subjects already studied or other subjects. The school year is divided into five to six periods. It is possible to finish in two years and a maximum for four years.

            They have vocational education and provides 2-3 year instruction in almost all fields of working life with 75 initial  study programs. It includes apprenticeship training and practical demonstration to insure effectiveness programs. It is open to upper secondary who leavers to be expert in their fields.  After  three –year vocational qualification provides general eligibility for higher education. Their Ministry of Education grants licenses to organize vocational education, determining the education providers’ fields of study and total number of students.

            Finland has  29 polytechnics . The Polytechnic Education was built during 1990’s to create a non-university sector in higher education and to provide instruction for expert functions in the sectors such as natural resources, technology communications, business administration, tourism, catering and institutional management, culture and other services.

The Educational  System in China

             Before 1949, 80 % of the Chinese was literate and during  Man Zedong’s rule, education became one of the government’s chief  priorities and experienced great change. The  education in China before was solely  a state –run  system of public education run by  Ministry of Education. The basic education is compulsory. The pre school are between three to six years while in the Philippines are four to five years. Then their primary education is six years starting from the age of six or seven which is more likely the same in the Philippines. The secondary  is  also compulsory at the age of 12 to 18 years. The junior  secondary is 12 to 15 years. At the age of 15-18 years, students has the freedom to be in senior secondary or vocational secondary. A test is needed to be able to enroll in higher education.

            China education changes, the first “ Law on Promotion of Private Education” took effect on effect on Sept.1,2003. With the opening of private schools , there is an increase of literacy rate. There are more literate men than women because they prefer their women to just stay in the house contrary to the Philippines in which there are more literate women than men and are bread winners in families. They cater the  Special Education ( SPED). The education supports international student in 2008. The education department in China were serious to train million of skilled workers for all traders and professions to comply with the reform program and modernization needs. The government aimed for the development of  China’s basic  education system is to attain level of moderately developed countries by 2010. Under their education reform, government give stiphen to poor families. In primary years the curriculum-consider about Chinese, mathematics, physical education, music, drawing, nature , history , and geography. It also includes knowledge of politics and morality or ethics like training about love of motherland and love of people. Most schools have often hour activities at least one day per week for recreation and community service.

            The  UNESCO reported last June 2003 and pointed out that the student population of China schools of higher learning had doubled in a very short period of time. The world largest increase to raise the quality of education. They send scholar abroad with stiphen. It is also an educational investment.  China’s leaders believed that an educated elite is necessary to reach modernization goal.

            Among most pressing problem faces in China was the scarcity of qualified teachers. To cope with the shortage of qualified teachers, the commission established full-time and part-time service training program. The training was based on the unified model, tailored to meet local conditions. They  made hotspots   online education for investment in the education industry. To address the gender equality, it is necessary to articulate a strategy to inspire girls and women’s participation .

School Leadership

Capitol University

Cagayan de Oro  City

Professor:      Olga Alonsabe, Ph.D.

Student :       Linda D. Saab

Subject :        Management of School Leadership

Date  Assigned:  January 8,2011

Principal as a Leader and Manager

          It has been said that managers are made leaders emerge. The principal ,a leader and a manager needs emotional intelligence to excite people  to innovate and  to constantly change for the better.   She motivates people to  create a vision and goals that influence others to share that vision like the vision for quality education. She sets the direction to plan and implement to align people with vision and  promote change . In my second day of office I called for a meeting and workshop conference .The objective is to craft the vision / mission and the core values .In the light of crafting core values it creates opportunities to think of ways to innovate and improve the priority concern of the school like academic performance and physical improvement of front fence in the school. Internal stakeholders accepted the challenge to  influence to empower others like the external stake holders to work on causes. The front  will be gradually changed to concrete one. 

Some   organizational rules were discussed  and made some changes to  create opportunities for others to experience the assignment. Organizational structure such as the Bedding and Awards Committee (BAC) and the organization of officers among teachers. As a manager I also emphasize system structure and corresponding  action on the matter.

As a leader  I have to inspire  teachers, internal and external stakeholders  to raise funds for the school. In my new assignment the concern for the improvement of academic performance and development of physical aspect.   As manager I  plan,  budget implement of course  I have also  to abide with the existing rules and policies in the department. However ,I  favor  the ideals by guiding people to practical solutions  for a better output and work towards  harmony .  In my present assignment I understand that there’s a conflict between some parents and some teachers on financial matters so I will find a way for two groups to come to agreement through meeting or dialogue. If to assume only as a manager I may able to perpetuate group conflicts but have a difficulty coming up with innovative solutions. I have to control  implement  and manage resources/projects and  with deadlines.

Educational System in Australia

Professor :        Olga Alonsabe, Ph. D.                                 

Student :           Linda D. Saab

Subject :            Comparative Studies of Educational System

Date  Assigned:  January  8, 2011

Dear Dr. Olga,

            I consider my assignment “ Educational System in Australia “ as blessing  because I was able to research and familiarize their  educational  system. One of the university in which  I researched is the Queensland University. The motto is "By means of knowledge and hard work"   and one of the missions is to provide  students opportunities to grow closer to God as they pursue their academic interest and professional development.

I learned that the their educational system consists of 12 years . The  primary  starts  5 year old (year 1) until 12 years old (year 7). For the secondary junior high school 13-14 years old (year 8,9,10) and for senior high school  15,16 (year 11-12) . For students who has problem in their studies will be put in special class to help academic deficits. Special class such as“ Family Day Care and Child Care” Results of last 2 yrs of  high school will be evaluated for entry level of universities. Results for each subject will be compared to the rest of  students. Board of Secondary Studies Calculates an “OP” (over all position) using the formula of High School results and test called “QCS” ( in Queensland) taken by every year 12 .The last 2 years is where the students begin to guide their education towards their chosen professions. The Certificate and Diplomas of Vocational Courses allow the students to enter and leave different levels of academic studies. The technical courses are often considered  a “bridge” to enter in Australian University and  after completion of certificate course, credits for Diploma courses or Degrees may be given for the students who continues in the universities.

The proposed K+12 Curriculum of Aquino administration is patterned after the Educational System of Australia. If it could be push through and with the implementation would be followed religiously then our country will improve. The problem if after the term of present administration if the successor will have another system .

            I learned  that the schedule of lessons is from Monday to Friday,,  8:45 am to 3 pm, with breaks for lunch and snacks. For Extra Curricular activities such as soccer practice, dance classes, etc. is done after school hours or Saturdays mornings. They have also private and public schools . The private school in general are related to a religion and usually they offer more options in music, sports and dances

The government schools offer subsidized transport . Their school calendar starts in January and end in December. During the school year there are small breaks (6-7 weeks) two terms per semester . The school vacations are in general in April, July and September.

            Universities in Australia offer graduate programs or post graduate. For graduate certificates it takes six months, for the master degrees one year, for the master honor 1.5 year and for doctorate it takes two years. The degrees are not measured by time but by subjects courses taken per semester. For students, they have “study now pay later”. It will only be deducted in a percentile of their income by the time have earned enough money or get job.

Australians are very friendly and helpful people .They live in coastal areas because the interior of the country called "the Outback", can be a very arid area with m   any deserts and lack of water. Australia is considered one of the most competitive nations on Earth. This covers all areas of life including the work place. Today there is not a single international contest without at least many Aussies running in top position.

Implementation of policies is strictly followed in Australia. When they going fishing they bring    gear , bait and   a ruler to measure their  catch. To drive a boat they  need a license, except if the motor is less than horsepower.  If they catch a fish that doesn't comply with the rules, they  return it immediately to  the sea. It’s so different in the Philippines when it comes to fishing. 

Cinemas  in Australia are disappearing from the streets and are moving to inside Shopping Centers .Australians are compulsive buyers having some of the biggest credit card debts in the world. In the Philippines compulsive buying is seasonal like fiesta, Christmas and other important days.

 Nothing demands as much attention from Australians as a House. For them, it  is  a national symbol of security. Firstly, it is relatively easy to buy a house in Australia, as soon as they  have a job for more than 6 months. The banks finance them for up to 30 years, and the government is giving an incentive for first homebuyers. There are lot of people who buy 2 or 3 houses to rent out and let the rent pay the bloody Mortgage. Older people also don't stay long, because as soon as they have the Mortgage paid off, they sell the place; buy a smaller one, put some cash aside for retirement and travel.  Many Australians don't grow roots in the place they were born. However, in the Philippines it’s a culture to preserve the ancestral homes and prefer to grow old and die in the place where they were born.  Even for those who   have green cards, they still come back and preferred to die in our place.

Going to the beach on weekends  because of the thinning of the Ozone layer above some areas, there is a greater danger of harmful rays from the sun. Australia is one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world; so if you go to the beach, take hats and sun block. Another ,it is prohibited to sell anything on the beach without a council permit, and wherever dogs are allowed, they must be on a leash. The majority of the population are very concerned about ecological and preservation matters. Not only will normal people report damage to the environment, but the authorities will also give you heavy fines for dumping anything you are not allowed to. They really are strict in following laws. I have high hopes that Filipinos would start  segregating waste and be more concern of the environment.

Australia isn't bountiful work wise contrary to most peoples' opinion . It is just like any other country in the world. Unemployment in Australia is around 6% in some areas and in others can reach up to12%. A qualified person who can speak good English will have much more chance of finding a job than everybody else.

Australians are very hard workers and very specialized in one skill. Even those with multiple skills, don't necessarily find that they bring better work. Specialization is the keyword in Australia. They are very competitive when working, and this competition can be reflected in difficulties holding down a job and it motivates the worker to keep up with the latest technology.

Payments are made mostly weekly, and are related to the number of hours worked that week. Australian average wages are something around AU$ 498 per week or AU$ 25,846.00 per annum. Their money would roll and they could avoid debts. Unlike in our situation like teachers .They are paid monthly and would end of “ No more take home pay” Most employee are entangled with the cobweb of debts.

The greatest problem for professionals from other countries working in Australia, is the protectionism from State's unions and syndicates that devote themselves to local workers. Despite having 20 years work experience as a plumber in England, had to take a course and get a State license to work in Australia. It is worthwhile ended , knowing Educational System in Australia.