WHAT IS ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM OR ALS?

It is a parallel learning system in the Philippines that provides a practical option to the existing formal instruction. When one does not have or cannot access formal education in schools, ALS is an alternate or substitute. ALS includes both the non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills.

WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM IN THE PHILIPPINES?

Many Filipinos do not have a chance to attend and finish formal basic education (Grades 1-6 and Year 1-4) due to many reasons. Some drop out from schools while some do not have schools in their communities. Since every Filipino has a right to free basic education, the Government establishes ALS to provide all Filipinos the chance to have access to and complete basic education in a mode that fits their distinct situations and needs.

WHAT IS THE BASIS OF ALS IMPLEMENTATION IN THE PHILIPPINES?

The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides for the recognition and promotion of other forms of education other than formal education. Article XIV, Section 2, Paragraph (1) declares that the State shall establish, maintain and support a complete, adequate and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society; and paragraph (4) concisely 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.

The Governance Act for Basic Education otherwise known as the Republic Act 9155 stipulates the establishment of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to provide out-of-school children, youth and adults population with basic education.

HOW DOES ALS WORK?

There are two major programs on ALS that are being implemented by the Department of Education, through the Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS). One is the Basic Literacy Program and the other is the Continuing Education Program – Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E).  Both programs are modular and flexible. This means that learning can take place anytime and any place, depending on the convenience and availability of the learners.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FORMAL EDUCATION SYSTEM AND THE ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM (ALS) NON-FORMAL EDUCATION?

Formal Education system is classroom-based, managed by trained formal school teachers.

ALS Non-formal Education happens outside the classroom, community-based, usually conducted at community learning centers, barangay multi-purpose hall, libraries or at home, managed by ALS learning facilitators, such as mobile teachers, district ALS Coordinators, instructional managers at an agreed schedule and venue between the learners and facilitators.

ALS PROGRAMS

The Deparment of Education implements non-formal education programs through the ALS. Non-formal education is defined by UNESCO as “education that is institutionalized, intentional and planned by an education provider. The defining characteristic of non-formal education is that it is an addition, alternative and/or a complement to formal education within the process of the lifelong learning of individuals. It is often provided to guarantee the right of access to education for all. Non-formal education can cover programs contributing to adult and youth literacy and education for out-of-school children, as well as programs on life skills, work skills, and social or cultural development.” 

The non-formal education programs in ALS are Basic Literacy Program (BLP) and Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Program.

The ALS Program also provides opportunity for learning through Informal Education (InFed). Informal Education, defined as a “lifelong learning process acquired outside the formal school system but complements learning acquired in both non-formal and formal basic education,” creates opportunities for self-development, community development, entrepreneurship, and skills development in response to the individual’s learning interest.

Basic Literacy Program (BLP)

The Basic Literacy Program (BLP) is a program component of ALS aimed at eradicating illiteracy among OSYA, and in extreme cases, school-aged children, by developing the basic literacy skills of reading, writing, and numeracy. 

Accreditation and Equivalency Program (A&E)

The Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Program is a program component of ALS aimed at providing an alternative pathway of learning for OSYA who have the basic literacy skills but have not completed the K to 12 basic education mandated by the Philippine Constitution. Through this program, school dropouts are able to complete elementary and high school education outside the formal school system.