QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 10665)
RA 10665 is the “Open High School System Act.” It establishes the Open High School System to broaden access to relevant quality secondary education through an alternative, flexible open learning modality so learners can overcome personal, geographical, socioeconomic, and physical constraints and encourage completion of secondary education.
It is in line with the constitutional policy under Article XIV, Section 2, paragraph 4 of the 1987 Constitution, which mandates the State to encourage non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well as self-learning, independent, and out-of-school study programs that respond to community needs.
“Open Learning” is a learner-centered and flexible philosophy of learning that enables learners to study at the time, place, and pace that suit their circumstances and requirements.
The Mother High School is a regular secondary school that maintains full administrative management and instructional supervision/control over one or more learning centers. It serves as: (1) headquarters of open learners and Open High School Teachers; (2) center for enrollment, evaluation, direct/face-to-face instruction, and promotion of open learning; (3) receiver of donations, instructional materials, and related reports; and (4) coordinator of different learning centers in the community.
An Open High School Teacher is a regular secondary school teacher of the mother high school in charge of direct instruction, evaluation of learner progress, and keeping records of individual learners.
Community Advisers are advisers from within the community who help open learners harmonize their studies with community service and leisure.
A Learning Center is a room in the mother high school or other designated area where open learners can conduct research or gather additional information on topics under study. It can also be a multipurpose area that may include classroom setup, library, and a venue where a Source Person conducts hands-on exercises/activities.
A Source Person is a resource person with specialized skills, especially in practical/industrial subjects (e.g., farming, handicraft, auto-mechanics, tailoring). A Teacher Adviser is a regular secondary school teacher who serves as a guidance counselor to open learners, coordinates evaluation with other teachers, and prepares and submits required reports.
The Open High School System is established as part of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) alternative secondary education program to provide access to secondary education through the open learning modality.
The OHSS is open to all youth and adults who have finished elementary education, high school qualifiers of the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT), and learners who have passed the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test.
It formulates basic OHSS policies; develops/proposes programs for effectiveness and productivity; monitors and evaluates open learning programs for integration; develops and validates prototype instructional materials; consults/collaborates with DepEd divisions, LGUs, and other partners; issues guidelines/rules; recommends the annual OHSS budget to DepEd for inclusion in the GAA; and performs other necessary tasks.
The OHSS adopts the K to 12 Enhanced Basic Education Curriculum using the standards and learning competencies of the different subject areas of the program.
Open High School Teachers and Teacher Advisers are enlisted from those currently teaching in the mother high school implementing the program. Community Advisers and Source Persons are hired by the LGU with honoraria arranged with the local school board in accordance with guidelines issued in consultation with DepEd; upon full K-12 implementation (especially Senior High School), the Division of DepEd with authority over the mother high school will be responsible for hiring Source Persons and compensating them.
DepEd is responsible for training Open High School Teachers, Teacher Advisers, and Community Advisers. Training is to be coordinated with LGUs and concerned NGOs, and nonteaching stakeholders needed to support the OHSS (e.g., parents and LGU personnel) are also included.
Every DepEd division must establish learning centers in authorized mother high schools within its jurisdiction. LGUs may also take the lead in establishing learning centers, but these remain under the authority of the recognized mother high school and the DepEd division.
The specific DepEd division with authority over the mother high school is responsible for hiring an Open High School Teacher to manage day-to-day affairs on a full-time basis. This teacher serves as the coordinator of the learning center and facilitates open learners’ learning process.
Yes. Private educational institutions may establish their own privately-funded learning centers following OHSS standards and criteria, subject to DepEd approval.