If we are to assess the potential benefits of removing Senior High School (SHS) in the Philippines, we need to comprehensively evaluate the current educational landscape. It is essential to examine the matter with tact and comprehension.
Accordingly, maintaining SHS in the Philippines enhances workforce readiness among the Filipino youth. The traditional 6-year high school system often limits students’ exposure to industry-specific skills and real-world experiences. By eliminating SHS, students can enter tertiary education earlier, disallowing them to receive the necessary training and expertise required by industries for a better-prepared workforce in various sectors.
On the other hand, removing SHS can reduce the financial burden on Filipino families. With the current K-12 system, students typically spend two additional years in Senior High School, leading to increased expenses in terms of tuition fees, books, uniforms, and transportation. By removing these two years, families would no longer have to bear the significant costs associated with SHS education. This cost savings would enable families to allocate resources towards other vital necessities or invest in higher education, thereby further enhancing the overall educational landscape.
Many students already have a clear understanding of their career goals by the end of junior high school. By shortening the secondary education years, students can commence specialized training at an earlier stage, narrowing their focus and providing them with a competitive advantage in their chosen field. Such a focused approach to education would result in a better allocation of resources, enabling students to maximize their potential and contribute effectively to society.
Removing SHS can somehow enhance the overall quality of education in the Philippines. Given the limited resources available in the country’s education system, extending schooling by two more years compromises the existing resources, including facilities, teachers, and educational materials. By reallocating these resources more efficiently, the remaining years of basic education and tertiary education can receive greater attention and investment, ensuring a higher standard of education across the board.
The advantages of removing Senior High School in the Philippines are there. However, only through prudent evaluation and careful implementation can the advantages of removing SHS be fully realized.
