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Showing posts with label alternative learning system. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alternative learning system. Show all posts

The Enhanced Alternative Learning System: A Comprehensive Guide to Inclusive Education

Education systems worldwide are adapting to meet the needs of diverse learners. In the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) has formalized this effort through DepEd Order No. 001, s. 2026, which adopts the latest guidelines for the Enhanced Alternative Learning System (ALS).

This landmark order repeals earlier policies and ensures that out‑of‑school children, youth, and adults gain equitable access to quality education. While the program is Philippine‑based, its principles—flexibility, inclusivity, and lifelong learning—resonate globally, including in the United States, where similar challenges in educational access and workforce readiness exist.

"Learners in a community learning center studying literacy, vocational, and digital skills under DepEd Order No. 001, s. 2026."

Legal Foundation and Policy Statement

The Enhanced ALS is anchored on Republic Act No. 11510 (ALS Act) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. With DepEd Order No. 001, s. 2026, the Department sets clear standards for curriculum, assessment, and program delivery.

This policy ensures:

  • Equitable access to basic education for marginalized learners

  • Alignment with the Revised Basic Education Curriculum

  • Development of functional literacy and life skills

Scope of Implementation

The order mandates implementation across:

  • Community Learning Centers (CLCs): School‑based or community‑based hubs

  • State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs): Institutions delivering ALS programs

  • Programs: Basic Literacy Program (BLP), Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Elementary, Junior High School (JHS), and Senior High School (SHS)

Starting SY 2026–2027, all Schools Division Superintendents (SDSs) will roll out the revised ALS curriculum.

Key Definitions

DepEd Order No. 001, s. 2026, standardizes terms such as:

  • Functional Literacy Test (FLT)

  • Individual Learning Agreement (ILA)

  • Learning Strands (LS)

  • Micro‑certification

  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

These definitions ensure consistency across governance levels and program implementers.

Curriculum Structure

The Revised ALS Curriculum, mandated by DepEd Order No. 001, s. 2026, is benchmarked against the formal K–12 system and emphasizes 21st‑century skills.

Competency levels include:

  • BLP: Beginning (Kinder–Grade 1) and Developing (Grades 2–3)

  • A&E Elementary: Intermediate (Grades 4–6)

  • A&E JHS: Upper Intermediate (Grades 7–8) and Proficient (Grades 9–10)

  • ALS SHS: Equivalent to Grades 11–12

Learning Delivery

The order prescribes a competency‑based approach with flexible modalities:

  • Modular instruction

  • Online/digital/mobile learning

  • Face‑to‑face tutorials

  • Radio/TV instruction

  • Blended learning

Individual Learning Agreements (ILA) and Records of Progress

DepEd Order No. 001, s. 2026, requires each learner to have an ILA and RLP, jointly developed with ALS implementers. These tools track progress, guide instruction, and form part of certification portfolios.

Medium of Instruction and Duration

  • Languages: Filipino and English are primary mediums; mother tongue may be used as auxiliary support.

  • Duration: Program length depends on prior learning. Learners may exit early with micro‑certification or pursue full A&E certification.

Learning Resources and Environment

The order specifies continued use of existing ALS modules, FELP kits, BYOB/WBL modules, ICT4ALS materials, and life skills modules, while new resources are developed.

Learning environments range from simple community spaces to fully equipped centers with ICT facilities.

Assessment and Certification

DepEd Order No. 001, s. 2026, outlines:

  • Entry‑Level Assessments: ABL, FLT, and RPL forms

  • Formative Assessments: Quizzes, journals, performance tasks

  • Summative Assessments: End‑of‑competency evaluations

  • Certification: A&E tests, portfolio assessments, micro‑certifications, and TESDA National Certificates

Capacity Building and Roles

The Bureau of Alternative Education (BAE) leads training and professional development. Roles are distributed across:

  • Central Office: Policy, curriculum, resources, national assessments

  • Regional Offices: Training, technical assistance, monitoring

  • Division Offices: Supervision, research, resource management

  • Schools/CLCs: Direct implementation and learner support

Monitoring and Evaluation

Aligned with the Basic Education Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (BEMEF), DepEd Order No. 001, s. 2026, requires systematic reporting at school, division, regional, and national levels.

Global Relevance

Though Philippine‑specific, the Enhanced ALS reflects global priorities: inclusivity, flexibility, employability, and digital citizenship. These resonate with U.S. audiences, where lifelong learning and workforce readiness are equally critical.

DepEd Order No. 001, s. 2026 is more than a policy—it’s a blueprint for inclusive, flexible, and future‑ready education. By aligning with global trends, it demonstrates how education systems can adapt to diverse learners and evolving societal needs.

Extension of the 2025 Accreditation & Equivalency (A&E) Test Registration

The Department of Education (DepEd) has released an important announcement on 13 November 2025 regarding the extension of the 2025 Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test Registration. This update is crucial for ALS learners, Test Registration Officers (TROs), school divisions, and regional offices across the Philippines.

Due to class and work suspensions caused by Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan, DepEd has adjusted the timelines to ensure that all activities related to the A&E Test registration and data submission can be completed smoothly and accurately.

“DepEd staff assisting Filipino learners during the extended 2025 A&E Test registration period.”

This blog post breaks down the advisory in a clear, reader-friendly format for students, educators, and parents in the Philippines.

What Is the A&E Test and Why It Matters

The Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test is part of DepEd’s Alternative Learning System (ALS). It provides an opportunity for out-of-school youth and adults to earn an official certification equivalent to Elementary or Junior High School level.

Passing the A&E Test opens opportunities such as:

  • Enrolling in Senior High School

  • Applying to Technical-Vocational programs

  • Gaining better employment qualifications

  • Pursuing further education

The extension period gives more learners time to complete requirements and register properly.

Why DepEd Extended the Registration Period

DepEd extended the registration schedule in response to:

  • Weather disturbances, specifically Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan

  • Interrupted operations in several regions

  • The need for more time to validate, evaluate, and consolidate documents

This extension ensures that all learners—especially those affected by the typhoons—still have fair and equitable access to ALS services and the A&E Test.

Updated Schedule for the 2025 A&E Test Registration

Below is the simplified breakdown of the revised timeline:

1. Test Registration

  • Original: September 29 – November 21, 2025

  • Extended: November 21 – December 5, 2025

2. Submission of Enclosure Nos. 3 and 4 by Division Testing Coordinators and ALS Focal Persons

  • Original: November 24, 2025

  • Extended: November 24 – December 10, 2025

3. Submission of Validated and Consolidated Enclosure No. 4 (by RTCs and Regional ALS Focal Persons to BEA)

  • Original: November 28, 2025

  • Extended: November 28 – December 16, 2025

This extension allows all involved offices to complete their tasks accurately despite the recent disruptions.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

DepEd clarified the responsibilities of specific personnel during the registration period:

Education Program Specialist II for ALS (EPSA) / Division ALS Focal Person

Will serve as the Test Registration Officer (TRO) responsible for:

  • Registering A&E Test applicants

  • Checking and evaluating documentary requirements

Division Testing Coordinator (DTC)

  • Oversees the registration process

  • Ensures proper evaluation of documents

  • Assigns support staff when needed

Regional ALS Focal Persons and Regional Testing Coordinators (RTCs)

  • Prepare and consolidate the list of testing centers

  • Submit final counts of registrants per level

  • Submit reports to the Bureau of Education Assessment (BEA) in Excel and PDF formats through this link:

👉 https://tinyurl.com/2025AETestAllocation

Why This Advisory Matters to ALS Learners and Educators

This updated schedule is important because:

✔ More time to complete documents

Some areas experienced delays due to severe weather, making it difficult to gather or submit requirements earlier.

✔ Smoother processing for DepEd offices

Divisions and regions can properly evaluate documents without rushing.

✔ Ensures no learner is left behind

ALS is designed to be inclusive—and this extension supports that goal.

Tips for ALS Learners Registering for the 2025 A&E Test

To avoid delays, learners are encouraged to:

✔ Prepare all documentary requirements early

Typically needed: birth certificate, ID, previous school records (if any), barangay certificate, and completed forms.

✔ Visit your nearest ALS or DepEd Division Office promptly

Avoid last-minute crowds and ensure assistance is available.

✔ Keep digital copies of documents

Useful in case of typhoon-related damage or loss.

✔ Follow official DepEd announcements

Only trust information from verified DepEd and ALS channels.

The extension of the 2025 A&E Test Registration gives learners and DepEd field offices the necessary time to complete all requirements affected by recent typhoons.

This advisory reflects DepEd’s commitment to making the Alternative Learning System more accessible, resilient, and learner-centered.

If you or someone you know plans to take the A&E Test this 2025, make sure to take advantage of the new registration timeline and prepare all requirements as early as possible.

📚 Who Gets to Learn More? Unpacking the Coverage of the ARAL Program Act IRR

In a country where learning gaps have widened due to the pandemic and prolonged school closures, the ARAL Program Act emerges as a major intervention. But before we discuss its full benefits, we must first ask: Who exactly qualifies for this program?

Many have skimmed past Section 4: Coverage of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), but this section holds the key to understanding who truly stands to benefit from the government's intensified learning recovery campaign. Let's explore this provision not as a formality, but as a critical step toward educational equity.

🏫 Who Are Included in the ARAL Program Coverage?

According to DepEd’s IRR of the ARAL Program Act, the coverage includes learners from Kindergarten to Grade 10 in public basic education institutions, including those enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS). But this isn’t as general as it seems—it targets specific learner profiles.

The first group includes those returning to school after a furlough—students who had to leave school temporarily or involuntarily and have since re-enrolled. In the Learners’ Information System (LIS), these are referred to as “Balik-Aral” learners. But before they can officially be considered as such, there must be documented proof of their previous enrollment in recognized institutions. If they haven’t been tagged yet, the school must facilitate it based on established records.

📉 Struggling Students Are Prioritized

A central focus of the ARAL Program is to assist those who are performing below minimum proficiency levels in core subjects like reading, mathematics, and science. These levels are not arbitrarily set—they are determined by nationally approved assessments, which DepEd will clarify through future issuances.

This includes students who are:

  • Failing both formative and summative classroom assessments

  • Underperforming based on other tools or teacher evaluations over the school year

As highlighted in a UNESCO report, early intervention for learners who are lagging behind is crucial in preventing long-term academic failure. The ARAL Program follows this principle by offering timely support to those showing signs of struggle.

🌞 Summer Isn’t Just for Vacation Anymore

Interestingly, the ARAL Program doesn’t exclude students who are doing relatively well. Learners who meet the minimum proficiency may still be allowed to join supplemental classes, such as the National Learning Camp (NLC) during summer or year-end breaks. However, in cases where resources are limited, priority will still be given to those with the most need, as defined in the earlier provisions.

This reflects DepEd’s tiered intervention model, where assistance is tailored based on academic standing, as also supported by studies from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) on targeted educational programs.

🏛️ Can Private School Students Join Too?

Yes—but there’s a catch.

The law allows similarly situated learners in qualified private schools to participate in the program upon request, provided they meet the same qualifications. However, in cases of limited slots, the Educational Service Contracting (ESC) beneficiaries will be prioritized.

According to DepEd, this system ensures that public resources are maximized without excluding students who rely on government-subsidized private education. Guidelines on how these students and their schools can officially join the ARAL Program will be issued separately, with criteria like school size, incorporation type, and other factors.

📝 Why Coverage Matters in Education Reform

Far from being a technicality, the Coverage clause of the ARAL Program IRR is a blueprint for inclusion. It identifies who the system sees as needing urgent support—and how that support can be administered fairly.

As emphasized by UNICEF, inclusive education policies that clearly define their target groups tend to yield stronger, more measurable impacts. The ARAL Program appears to follow this best practice by ensuring that vulnerable learners are not left behind.

📢 CONDUCT OF ONLINE PROFILING SURVEY OF ALS PROVIDERS: A Strategic Step Toward Inclusive Education

🎯 Why the Online Profiling of ALS Providers Matters More Than Ever

The Alternative Learning System (ALS) continues to serve as a vital bridge for millions of Filipinos seeking education outside the formal school system. With the implementation of Republic Act No. 11510 or the ALS Act, and DepEd Order No. 07, s. 2025, the government now mandates a more structured and comprehensive data-gathering initiative—the Online Profiling Survey of Implementing ALS Providers.

This move, led by the Bureau of Alternative Education – Policy and Quality Assurance Division (BAE-PQAD), aims to establish an accurate national database that reflects the capacity, reach, and needs of ALS providers across the country. This isn’t just about compliance—this is about crafting a more inclusive, data-informed education strategy.

🧩 Unpacking the Purpose: Why This Online Survey is Critical

According to the BAE, the profiling survey is designed to collect:

  • Verified information on ALS program types and areas of operation

  • Profiles of institutions currently implementing ALS

  • Insights into implementation challenges, from staffing to logistics

  • Data on institutional support needs

This data will help DepEd tailor technical assistance, provide equitable support, and improve policy-making based on real-world evidence. International institutions like UNESCO advocate for this kind of evidence-based approach to strengthen lifelong learning systems—making this survey a significant step in aligning with global best practices.

👥 Who Should Participate? All ALS Providers Must Respond

Under DepEd Order No. 07, s. 2025, all ALS providers—including government agencies, private individuals or entities, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)—are required to participate. Their responses to the profiling survey ensure their operations are recognized and their challenges are addressed in future ALS initiatives.

Completing the survey is not only a mandate but also an opportunity. It is a way to make your organization visible in DepEd’s ALS ecosystem and strengthen your role in building accessible education for all.

🤝 Assistance at the Local Level: Ensuring Inclusive Participation

Regional and Division ALS Focal Persons, together with the Education Program Specialists II (EPS II) for ALS, will provide technical support to ensure that all ALS providers—especially those in remote or underserved areas—can successfully complete the online survey.

This reflects DepEd’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that no provider is left behind, regardless of location or capacity.

🔗 Where to Access the Survey? Here’s the Official Link

ALS providers can fill out the survey by clicking the official link or scanning the QR code:

👉 Official Survey Link: https://tinyurl.com/ALSproviders
📱 A QR code is also provided for mobile access, making it easier for field workers and coordinators to complete the survey on-the-go.

Make sure to accomplish the online survey form within the survey period: July 15 to August 28, 2025.

Please bookmark the link or share it directly with your ALS teams to avoid delays.

🌍 Policy in Action: A New Era for ALS Based on Real Data

This survey is more than just a form—it's a turning point. According to internal BAE documentation, this initiative will be used to create a data-backed framework that ensures resources are equitably distributed and that all implementers receive the support they need.

As emphasized by global education bodies like UNESCO, localized data gathering is essential to reach the last mile learners and improve national education outcomes. The use of this online link to collect national data is a smart, scalable step in building a resilient ALS network for the future.

How to Enroll ALS Learners: A Step-by-Step Guide

Enrolling learners in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) has become more streamlined thanks to the Department of Education’s digital systems. Whether you're an ALS implementer, teacher, or school administrator, this guide will walk you through the complete ALS learner enrollment process — step by step — based on the official visual infographic from DepEd.

How to Enroll ALS Learners: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to properly input new learners, update existing ones, and ensure data accuracy for a successful ALS enrollment.

Click HERE to download or read the steps in image format.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enroll ALS Learners

✅ Step 1: Go to the ALS Enrollment Page

Navigate to the ALS enrollment section in the DepEd system. Once you're on the dashboard, click the "Enrol Learner" button.

Tip: Make sure you're logged in using your official DepEd credentials for access.

✅ Step 2: Confirm Data Source

After clicking "Enrol Learner," a confirmation page will appear asking you to confirm the source of the data. Click the "Continue" button to proceed.

This step ensures that the data source being used is verified and secure.

✅ Step 3: Search for the Learner

You’ll be prompted to input the learner’s name or LRN (Learner Reference Number):

  • For learners with existing records, click the "Search" button to retrieve their data.

  • Use "Search by Name" or "Search by LRN" depending on the information available.

✅ Step 3a: For New Learners

If the system does not recognize the learner, you’ll see an option that says:

"No, this is correct. Create New Record"

Click this button. A pop-up box will appear — select "New Record" to proceed to manual data entry.

✅ Step 3b: For Existing Learners

If the learner already has a record, simply click the "Preview" button beside the learner’s name on the search results table.

This will allow you to view and update the learner’s profile if necessary before enrolling.

✅ Step 4: Fill in Learner Information

Once the profile appears:

  • Fill in or update the necessary learner details.

  • Make sure the first date of attendance is not later than October 30, 2015 (for historical compliance).

  • After verifying all information, click the "Enrol" button.

✅ Step 5: Confirmation Message

Upon successful enrollment, a confirmation message will display saying “Enrolment Added.”

This message confirms that the ALS learner is officially enrolled in the system.

Why Accurate ALS Enrollment Matters

Properly enrolling learners in the ALS program ensures they are recognized in national data, eligible for assessments, and can continue their education outside the traditional classroom setting.

By following the official DepEd procedure:

  • 📊 Data accuracy improves

  • 🎓 Learner tracking becomes easier

  • 📋 Compliance with DepEd guidelines is maintained

Final Tips for ALS Enrollment

  • Always double-check LRN and personal information.

  • Make sure new learner entries are verified before final submission.

  • Keep an eye out for system prompts to avoid duplication of records.

Need More Help?

If you encounter issues while enrolling learners, contact your division ALS focal person or IT support team for further assistance.

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