Alternative Learning System Act

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 11510 (Alternative Learning System Act)

Declaration of Policy (Section 2)
- The State shall provide out-of-school children in special cases and adults with opportunities to improve their knowledge, values, life skills, and readiness for higher education, work or self-employment through a system of nonformal or indigenous education.
- The State shall ensure close partnership between the government and private sector in achieving this goal.

Objectives (Section 3)
- Provide adequate, timely and quality support to the basic learning needs of out-of-school children in special cases and adults, including indigenous peoples. (Section 3a)
- Guarantee equitable access to alternative basic education programs for all learners, including those in unreached, underserved, conflict-affected communities, and communities in emergency situations. (Section 3b)
- Promote lifelong learning opportunities anchored on the Alternative Learning System (ALS) K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum (BEC), allowing learners to pursue further education or seek employment. (Section 3c)
- Hire, capacitate, and deploy ALS Teachers, Community ALS Implementors and Learning Facilitators. (Section 3d)
- Design specialized programs for learners with disabilities. (Section 3e)
- Develop, integrate, and utilize nonformal and informal education approaches and strategies in the delivery of ALS programs. (Section 3f)
- Improve access to education and raise literacy levels. (Section 3g)
- Strengthen nonformal basic education programs while ensuring school-age children are enrolled in formal education. (Section 3h)

Definition of Terms (Section 4)
- Defines terms such as ALS K to 12 BEC, ALS Teachers, Bridging Programs, A&E Assessments and Certifications, A&E Program, Adult, ALS, Basic Literacy Program, Community ALS Implementors, Community Learning Center (CLC), Functional Education and Literacy Programs, Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous Peoples Education, Informal Education, Learners with Disabilities, Learning Facilitators, Micro-certification, Nonformal Education (NFE), and Out-of-School Children in Special Cases.

Institutionalizing the ALS (Section 5)
- The ALS is institutionalized to provide increased opportunities for out-of-school children in special cases and adult learners, including indigenous peoples, to develop basic and functional literacy and life skills, and pursue an equivalent pathway to complete basic education.

Bureau of Alternative Education (BAE) (Section 6)
- The BAE shall be created as the focal office for the implementation of the ALS programs of the DepEd.

Powers and Functions of the BAE (Section 7)
- Establish minimum quality standards for ALS curriculum, learning materials, program planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and management.
- Promote and ensure the certification and accreditation of learners through ALS programs.
- Ensure access to educational opportunities for learners unable to complete formal basic education, in partnership with other agencies, LGUs, and the private sector.
- Coordinate with various agencies and industries for skills development to promote learners' employability and entrepreneurship.
- Coordinate and establish linkages with LGUs and the private sector on matters pertaining to the sustainable implementation of ALS programs.
- Other powers and functions necessary for the effective and efficient implementation of ALS programs.

ALS Programs (Section 8)
- The DepEd shall strengthen the implementation of priority NFE programs, including:
- Basic Literacy Program
- A&E Programs
- Indigenous Peoples Education Program
- Academic-Focused Bridging Programs
- Functional Education and Literacy Programs
- The DepEd may utilize various learning modalities, such as modular instruction, online/digital learning, face-to-face sessions, radio/TV instruction, blended learning, workshops, simulations, and internships, and provide inclusive and safe learning environments.

Duration of ALS Programs (Section 9)
- The DepEd shall prescribe the appropriate minimum number of months required for the completion of each ALS program to ensure adequate and quality basic education and skills.

A&E Assessment and Certification for ALS Learners (Section 10)
- The DepEd shall regularly conduct A&E assessments and certifications to measure and certify competencies of ALS program completers and other learners.
- Those who pass elementary level A&E are qualified to enroll in junior high school.
- Those who pass junior high school A&E are qualified for senior high school or selected TESDA programs.
- Those who pass senior high school level A&E are qualified for higher education or TESDA programs, provided they comply with other requirements.
- The DepEd shall develop supplemental learning programs for A&E passers to enhance their college readiness and facilitate employment or self-employment.
- Measures shall be undertaken for the public to recognize the value of certifications provided to ALS learners.

Hiring and Promotion of ALS Teachers; Expansion of the ALS Teachers Program (Section 11)
- The DepEd shall create teaching positions and allocate corresponding salary grades for ALS Teachers.
- The DepEd shall engage Community ALS Implementors, but after 3 years, shall hire only ALS Teachers.
- ALS Teachers are entitled to promotion to the next higher levels based on CSC qualification standards.
- The DepEd shall ensure equal opportunities and standard implementation on the promotion and compensation of ALS Teachers.

ALS Teachers Education and Training (Section 12)
- The DepEd shall develop and conduct regular training programs and workshops for ALS Teachers, Community ALS Implementors and Learning Facilitators.
- The same benefits and professional development packages awarded to regular teachers shall also be given to ALS Teachers.

Provision of an ALS CLC (Section 13)
- The DepEd or LGUs shall provide at least one ALS CLC in every municipality and city, prioritizing areas with limited access to formal basic education or higher concentration of out-of-school children/adults.
- Facilities of all DepEd schools shall also be used as learning centers during no class days and after regular class hours.
- Each ALS CLC shall be constructed in accordance with DepEd specifications and in consultation with LGU representatives.
- Every CLC shall be open and operational 7 days a week and be provided with adequate learning resources and facilities, including a space for childcare.

Recognition of ALS Providers, Standards of ALS Service Delivery, and System of Rewards and Incentives (Section 14)
- The DepEd shall encourage partnerships with the private sector and create a system of recognition and monitoring of service providers.
- The DepEd shall formulate and adopt a set of standards of service delivery, including qualification, deployment, training, remuneration, and system of rewards and incentives for implementors/facilitators.

Partnership with Government Agencies (Section 15)
- The DepEd shall partner with various government agencies, such as CHED, TESDA, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, DILG, Department of Justice, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Department of Health, for the effective delivery of quality ALS programs.

Partnership with LGUs (Section 16)
- The DepEd shall partner with LGUs in the delivery of ALS programs, including identifying and mobilizing prospective learners, providing access to conducive learning environments, contributing resources, promoting post-program activities, and introducing local innovations.

Local School Board (Section 17)
- The Local School Board shall coordinate ALS implementation with the DepEd, determine annual supplementary budgetary needs for ALS programs, ensure the implementation of community literacy mapping activities, and coordinate with the DepEd regarding the provision, operation and maintenance of ALS CLCs.

Special Education Fund Authorization (Section 18)
- Local School Boards are authorized to set aside a portion of the Special Education Fund proceeds for the delivery of ALS programs within their areas of jurisdiction, including hiring additional Community ALS Implementors.

Mandatory Annual Review and Impact Assessment of the ALS Program (Section 19)
- The DepEd, in partnership with LGUs and the private sector, shall conduct a mandatory annual review of the ALS program and submit an annual report to Congress.
- An evaluation system shall be established to assess the impact of the ALS program and the progress of learners who have completed the program.

Prohibition from Collection of Fees (Section 20)
- All DepEd ALS programs are free of charge, and collection of any fees, costs or charges is prohibited.
- ALS Teachers, Community ALS Implementors, and officers of DepEd-administered CLCs found violating this provision shall be held administratively liable.

Tax Incentives (Section 21)
- Any donation, contribution, or grant, in cash or services, for the promotion of the ALS program shall be exempt from the donor's tax and considered as an allowable deduction from the gross income in the computation of the income tax of the donor.

Transportation and Teaching Aid Allowance for ALS Teachers and Community ALS Implementors (Section 22)
- ALS Teachers and Community ALS Implementors shall be entitled to their corresponding transportation and teaching aid allowances, subject to guidelines issued by the DepEd.

Appropriations (Section 23)
- The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the DepEd.
- Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continued implementation, including the construction or provision of ALS CLCs and the payment of transportation and teaching aid allowance, shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Implementing Rules and Regulations (Section 24)
- Within 90 days from the effectivity of this Act, the DepEd, in consultation with concerned government agencies and other education stakeholders, shall formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
- The IRR shall take effect 30 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Transitory Provision (Section 25)
- All existing ALS programs and centers established pursuant to Republic Act No. 9155 shall continue to operate pursuant to, and be regulated by, the provisions of this Act and its IRR.

Separability Clause (Section 26)
- If any provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not so declared shall remain in force and effect.

Repealing Clause (Section 27)
- All laws, orders, and rules and regulations contrary to, or inconsistent with, the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

Effectivity (Section 28)
- This Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation, notwithstanding the non-issuance of the IRR.