The Alternative Learning System (ALS) is a parallel learning system in the Philippines that offers a practical alternative to traditional formal education.
When individuals cannot access formal education in schools, ALS provides non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills, so that every Filipino has the chance to complete basic education tailored to their unique circumstances.
Targeting out-of-school children, youth, and adults, the learning system addresses the learning needs of those who have dropped out or live in communities without schools.
With programs like Basic Literacy and Continuing Education, the system equips learners with essential skills and offers flexible learning options to meet diverse needs, ultimately empowering them to achieve their academic goals and improve their quality of life.
Overview: ALS
The Alternative Learning System (ALS) is a parallel learning system in the Philippines that provides a practical option to the existing formal instruction.
When individuals cannot access formal learning in schools, ALS serves as an alternative or substitute.
It includes both non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills, so that every Filipino has the opportunity to complete basic education in a way that fits their unique circumstances.
The Need for ALS in the Philippines
Many Filipinos are unable to attend and finish formal basic education due to various reasons.
Some drop out of school, while others live in communities without access to learning facilities.
Given that every Filipino has the right to free basic education, the government established this learning system so that everyone has access to and can complete their studies, regardless of their situation.
Legal Basis for ALS Implementation
The 1987 Philippine Constitution
The 1987 Philippine Constitution recognizes and promotes other forms of education beyond formal education.
Article XIV, Section 2, Paragraph (1) mandates the State to establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of learning relevant to the needs of the people and society.
Paragraph (4) encourages non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well as self-learning, independent, and out-of-school study programs, particularly those that respond to community needs.
Republic Act 9155
The Governance Act for Basic Education, also known as Republic Act 9155, mandates the Department of Education (DepEd) to provide non-formal and informal education to out-of-school children, youth, and adults in the Philippines through ALS.
How ALS Works
ALS operates through two major programs implemented by the DepEd, specifically through the Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS):
Basic Literacy Program
This program aims to eradicate illiteracy among out-of-school youth and adults by developing their basic reading, writing, and numeracy skills.
Continuing Education Program – Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E)
This program allows learners to achieve education equivalency through modular and flexible learning, which means that learning can take place anytime and anywhere, depending on the learner’s availability.
Target Learners of ALS
ALS caters to a wide range of learners, including:
- Elementary and Secondary School Leavers: Children who have dropped out of formal schooling.
- Out-of-School Children (6-14 years old): Young learners who are not attending school.
- Out-of-School Youth (15-24 years old): Young adults who are not in school, not employed, and have not completed their studies.
- Out-of-School Adults (25 years old and above): Adults who have not completed their basic education.
ALS Programs and Projects
ALS Accreditation & Equivalency Program
This program provides learners with the opportunity to receive certification for completing elementary and secondary education outside the formal school system.
Mobile Teacher Program
ALS mobile teachers travel to remote areas to provide instruction to learners who cannot attend formal schools.
eSkwela / e-Learning Program
This program offers computer-based instruction to make learning more accessible and engaging for learners.
Balik Paaralan Out-of-School Youth Program (BPOSA)
This program encourages out-of-school youth to return to education through ALS.
Kariton Klasrum
A unique initiative where classrooms on wheels (kariton) bring instruction to children living on the streets.
Abot-Alam Program
This program targets out-of-school youth and provides them with opportunities for learning, employment, and entrepreneurship.
ALS for Differently-Abled Persons
Special education programs under ALS cater to learners with disabilities to promote inclusive instruction for Filipinos.
Indigenous Peoples Education for ALS
This program focuses on providing learning to indigenous communities, respecting their culture and traditions.
ALS Learning Modalities
ALS offers various learning modalities to cater to the diverse needs of its learners:
- Face-to-Face Learning Sessions: Structured learning sessions conducted in person.
- Independent / Home Study: Self-learning modules that learners can study at their own pace.
- Radio-Based Instruction (RBI): Educational programs broadcasted on the radio.
- eSkwela / e-Learning: Online learning platforms for digital learning.
Enrollment Requirements
- Accomplished ALS Form 2 (AF2) Enrollment Form for the current school year. This form can be obtained from the local DepEd Division Office, public school, or community learning center (CLC).
- Birth certificate or any valid ID to prove identity and age eligibility.
- Previous academic records, if available, such as Form 137 or school records. This helps determine the appropriate level for the learner.
- Contact information of the learner and their parent/guardian.
How to Enroll in DepEd ALS
- Contact your local DepEd Division Office, public school, or community learning center (CLC) to inquire about ALS enrollment in your area.
- You can find contact information for the Regional ALS Focal Person in your location on the DepEd website.
- Fill out the ALS Form 2 (AF2) Enrollment Form for the current school year.
- The form is available for download on the DepEd website.
- Submit the completed enrollment form along with any required supporting documents to the ALS teacher or implementer in your area.
- Enrollment is typically done in-person, but some locations may now offer online enrollment options since the pandemic.
- Once enrolled, you will be assessed using ALS learning competencies and tools to determine your current knowledge level and learning needs.
- This helps ALS teachers provide appropriate learning interventions.
- Participate in the ALS learning delivery options available in your area, which may include face-to-face classes, group chats, take-home activity sheets, radio-based instruction, and other flexible and distance learning modalities.
- Upon completion of the ALS program, you will be eligible to take the Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test.
- Passing the A&E Test at the high school level allows you to enroll directly in college.
The program provides a pathway for out-of-school youth and adults to complete their basic education and access further learning opportunities. Contact your local DepEd office for the most up-to-date enrollment procedures in your area.
ALS Assessment and Certification System
ALS provides two levels of certification for learning achievement: elementary and secondary.
Accreditation and Equivalency Tests
The A&E tests at both levels are paper-and-pencil-based and primarily use multiple-choice questions.
Successful completion of these tests allows learners to receive certification comparable to formal education graduates.
Video: ALS para sa senior high school, inihahanda na ng DepEd
The Department of Education is gearing up for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) for senior high school. In Pasig City Jail, 60 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) from both male and female dormitories have enrolled in ALS-SHS.
Conclusion
The DepEd Alternative Learning System (ALS) is a transformative program that addresses educational disparities in the Philippines.
By providing flexible and accessible learning opportunities, ALS empowers out-of-school children, youth, and adults to achieve their academic goals and improve their quality of life.
Through continued support and enhancement, this learning system aims to reach more learners and create a more inclusive and educated society.