DepEd to Collaborate with TESDA on Enhancing Senior High School Curriculum
President Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Education (DepEd) to collaborate with the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to improve the employability of future senior high school graduates.
Key aspects of this collaboration will include:
- Strengthening the curriculum: DepEd will work with TESDA to integrate industry-relevant skills and competencies from key employment sectors like tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and creative industries into existing senior high school tracks.
- Equipping graduates with practical skills: This collaboration aims to better prepare graduates for immediate employment opportunities upon graduation.
- Maintaining flexibility: The program won't require additional academic units for students.
- Enhancing graduate options: Graduates will receive both a diploma and a national competency skills certification, increasing their attractiveness to employers and equipping them for further education if desired.
Implementation Plan:
- A joint technical working group (TWG) composed of DepEd, TESDA, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will be formed to:
- Refine the senior high school curriculum.
- Prioritize the integration of relevant skills and competencies.
- Select pilot areas for program implementation.
- Train teachers for the program's pilot stage (4,000 teachers with a budget of P50 million allocated by TESDA).
Expected Outcome:
This future initiative aims to benefit millions of future senior high school students and graduates by equipping them with valuable skills and preparing them for a smoother transition into the workforce or higher education. This collaboration between DepEd and TESDA seeks to improve the employability of Filipino graduates and contribute to the nation's future economic and social progress.