School opening woes

Classes have begun and we are encountering the usual problems associated with the beginning of the school year like the lack of classrooms, supplies, books and chairs plus violations of the policy of non payment of any fees in public schools.

I was informed about innovations in the collection of fees by some public schools. Now, the Parents Teachers Association collects fees from the students.

In Cebu City, there is still a lack of classrooms. A budget has been allocated for the construction of new school buildings but this has been stalled by red tape in the city government. The program lacks a resolution from the City Council.

Many public schools are overcrowded with a ratio of one teacher for every class of 50 to 70 students. This is not conducive to learning. The ideal class size is at most 40 students per class but this cannot be in public schools because of the enormous number of enrolees.

Colleges like the University of San Carlos (USC) has made it a policy per Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities to reduce the class size to a maximum of 40 students except when there is a need to admit graduating students.

Another issue in private schools that appears with the opening of classes is the increase in tuition fees. This problem has yet to see a solution.

Nevertheless, I am happy and welcome the move of the administration of President Benigno Aquino III to increase the budget for education which has been neglected by the past administration.

The good governance of President Noy has resulted in less graft and corruption and more savings that can be put to good use. I am also happy to note that the price of school supplies has remained stable and reasonable.

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The educational reform program K to 12 is now in full swing with schools struggling to meet its challenges. The program mandates pre-school education plus grade 7 and two years senior high.

In USC, we have been anticipating the effects of K to 12 like configuring how many years our students will take to finish college. Some departments are reducing their school years to three or two years now that college is basically composed of specialized courses.

The aim or target of the K to 12 program is to enable students who will graduate from senior high school to immediately find work without going to college.

Technical and vocational training will be the focus of our schools because that  is needed by industries. Parents should also change paradigms and not insist that their children take courses that are no longer in demand today.

The government is trying its very best to correct the anomalies of the past and parents and the community should also be ready to face the new challenges.

If a student wishes to go to college he may opt to but it is no longer easy since entrance exams will be difficult and the pay expensive.

College will consist of specialized courses and only qualified teachers are allowed to handle classes.

There are those who are skeptical about the program saying that it is a waste of time and money. But I dare say that let us work together to make the program succeed for it is the best in the educational sector and in the best interests of the community.

It will make our children productive and employable unlike today when graduates are not employed because what they learned is not what the industry needs.

I am hoping that finally we on the right track and politicians will no longer dip their dirty fingers into education. Please spare the future of our children from your dirty politics.