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The education sector continues to undergo major shifts as the Philippines implemented the K to 12 curriculum beginning School Year 2012-2013. Since then, it has been presented with many challenges and opportunities to innovate contents, pedagogies, and policies to keep up with the rapidly changing learning needs of the 21st century. Constant assessment and research on curriculum development and implementation are necessary to enhance the quality of education, broaden its access, and ensure its relevance in a highly competitive environment.
This is where Assessment, Curriculum and Technology Research Centre (ACTRC) plays a critical role. Marking its 10th year since its formation, the Centre is composed of specialists and experts from two leading academic institutions – the University of the Philippines and The University of Melbourne in Australia – with years of dedication to research, publication, development, and training.
Proactive role in education
Over the years, ACTRC has played a proactive role in informing the Department of Education (DepEd) through its quality research, contributing to innovative means of reviewing and refining the curriculum to suit the needs of the 21st century Filipino learner. By emphasizing its developmental assessment framework, ACTRC aims to further enhance the capacities of teachers and other stakeholders, from the classroom to shaping policy in education.
ACTRC’s research closely follows three themes: assessment, curriculum, and technology. Each theme has a fundamental function in improving the processes and practices in education.
According to Dr Nona Marlene B Ferido, Philippine Deputy Director of ACTRC, “Here at ACTRC, we believe that assessment is key in the teaching and learning processes. Evidence-based data can be appropriately transformed into valuable information that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching, to monitor learning correctly, and to develop methods for students to maximize relevant learning opportunities and show their true proficiency.”
Since its inception, ACTRC has been a trusted and competent partner of DepEd and other education stakeholders. As the Philippines continues to implement the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum, ACTRC has taken the significant role in helping DepEd with the review and refinement of the curriculum, informed by its research undertakings on mother tongue-based multilingual education, formative assessment, Alternative Learning System (ALS) micro-certification, student learning achievement in numeracy and literacy, and 21st century skills, among others.
Among the highlights of ACTRC’s recent works with DepEd is the completion of a comprehensive review of the curriculum and its technical assistance to the education bureau as it refines the forthcoming 2022 Curriculum. ACTRC has also been recently tapped by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and DepEd to explore the feasibility of using micro-credentials for the ALS. This collaboration is also in line with ACTRC’s objectives as it aims to explore opportunities for alternative learners to still thrive as workers and citizens.
Strategic roadmap
As it looks to the future, ACTRC remains committed to continue contributing to the enhancement and innovation of the Philippine education system.
“There is still much work to be done and ACTRC will continue its efforts to enhance the education system in the Philippines so that Filipino learners and educators can realize their full potential. We believe in the talents of Filipinos. We just need to help in the honing of these skills and to show them how to use it to better their lives and society, in general,” said Professor Marie Therese A.P. Bustos, Philippine Director of ACTRC.
ACTRC has made some lasting contributions to the Philippine education system in the past ten years. Primarily, the organization is represented on a number of expert committees and working groups associated with the K to 12 Basic Education reforms.
In 2015, ACTRC conducted a review and prepared recommendations for DepEd regarding the adoption of the International Large Scale Assessment (ILSA) for the Philippines. DepEd was able to integrate the review in the implementation of the assessment program developed specifically for the new curriculum. The project was then supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia for the organization to continue its efforts in expanding the review of ILSAs for the country.
ACTRC has also worked with DepEd on a 21st Century Skills Assessment Framework and associated tools, ensuring that soft skills are integrated in the K to 12 education reform agenda, to develop learners to be competent in using digital technologies, data, and information to stay relevant in the evolving economy– leading to a “holistically developed Filipino.”