Alternative Learning System Act

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of the Alternative Learning System Act

Objectives and Policy (Sections 2-3):
- Provide quality basic education opportunities to out-of-school children and adults through nonformal and indigenous education programs tailored to their needs.
- Ensure equitable access to alternative learning programs, especially in underserved areas.
- Promote lifelong learning anchored on the K-12 curriculum, allowing learners to pursue further education or employment.
- Develop specialized programs for learners with disabilities.

Definition of Terms (Section 4):
- Defines key terms such as "Alternative Learning System," "out-of-school children in special cases," "adults," "accreditation and equivalency," and "indigenous peoples."

Institutionalizing the ALS (Sections 5-7):
- Establishes the Alternative Learning System (ALS) as a parallel learning system to formal education.
- Creates the Bureau of Alternative Education (BAE) within DepEd to oversee ALS implementation.
- BAE's functions include curriculum development, program delivery, learner assessment, and partnerships with stakeholders.

ALS Programs (Sections 8-10):
- Mandates DepEd to implement various nonformal education programs, including:
- Basic Literacy Program (Section 8)
- Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Programs (Section 8)
- Indigenous Peoples Education Program (Section 8)
- Academic-Focused Bridging Programs (Section 8)
- Functional Education and Literacy Programs (Section 8)
- Allows for various learning modalities like modular instruction, online learning, and face-to-face sessions (Section 8).
- Requires DepEd to conduct A&E assessments and certifications for elementary, junior high, and senior high school levels, with passers qualifying for further education or employment (Section 10).

ALS Teachers and Community Learning Centers (Sections 11-13):
- Expands the ALS Teachers program and creates teaching positions with corresponding salary grades (Section 11).
- Provides for the hiring of Community ALS Implementors, with a transition to hiring only ALS Teachers after 3 years (Section 11).
- Mandates DepEd and LGUs to provide at least one Community Learning Center (CLC) per municipality/city, with facilities open 7 days a week and equipped with learning resources (Section 13).

Partnerships and Incentives (Sections 14-18, 21-22):
- Encourages partnerships with the private sector, with DepEd setting standards for service delivery and a system of recognition (Section 14).
- Mandates coordination with various government agencies for skills development, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, and other support services (Section 15).
- Authorizes LGUs to use the Special Education Fund for ALS program delivery, including hiring Community ALS Implementors (Section 18).
- Provides tax incentives for donations and contributions to the ALS program (Section 21).
- Entitles ALS Teachers and Community ALS Implementors to transportation and teaching aid allowances (Section 22).

Implementation and Monitoring (Sections 19-20, 23-28):
- Requires an annual review and impact assessment of the ALS program, with a report submitted to Congress (Section 19).
- Prohibits the collection of fees for DepEd ALS programs (Section 20).
- Appropriates funds for the implementation of the Act, including the construction of CLCs and payment of allowances (Section 23).
- Mandates the issuance of Implementing Rules and Regulations within 90 days (Section 24).
- Provides for a transitory period for existing ALS programs to comply with the new law (Section 25).
- Includes separability and repealing clauses (Sections 26-27).
- Sets the effectivity date 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation (Section 28).