SECONDARY EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SEDP)
It developed a new high school curriculum to upgrade secondary education which had
been considered the weakest link in the school system.
It aims to strengthen students’ preparation for work and for tertiary education.
This program was implemented nationwide beginning SY 1989 – 1990 with the New
Secondary Education Curriculum (NSEC) as a major component.
Why there’s a need to change the 1973 Revised Secondary Education?
The multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches which were good features of the
1973 revised curriculum were not reflected in the instructional materials or in the
classroom processes.
The desire to develop among students good work attitudes fell short of expectations. The
conceptual approach to problem solving in the social sciences proved ineffective for
learning the content of social science subjects, etc.
Legal and Other Bases of 1989 SEDP
The 1987 Constitution in Article XIV Sec. 1 states that “The State shall protect and
promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take
appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.”
Decree No. 6-A and Batas Pambansa Blg. 232 otherwise known as Education Act of
1982 clearly spells the need for the kind of the education that will continue general
education stared in the elementary grades; prepare learners for college and prepare
learners for the world of work.
Main Components of Secondary Education Development Program
1. Provision of Students’ Textbooks and Teacher’s Manual in ratio 1:1
2. Staff Development (Short and Long Term)
3. Provision of Science and Work Education Equipment
4. Assistance to Private Education
5. Research Studies on NCEE, barangay high schools, career guidance, etc.
6. Curriculum Reform
To effect efficiency in the system, the SEDP will also focus on:
Research studies on school location and distribution, financing schemes, teachers
'salaries and benefits, etc.
Training of administrators
Strengthening of management and evaluation system
In addition to this, SEDP will also undertake or expand the school building program,
service contracting scheme and other alternative delivery system.
Develop an enlightened commitment to the national ideals by cherishing, preserving,
and developing moral, spiritual and socio-cultural values.
Obtain knowledge and form desirable attitudes for understanding the nature and
purpose of man and therefore, of one’s self, one’ s own people, and other races,
places and times.
Develop skills in higher intellectual operations and more complex comprehension
and expression activities and in thinking, intelligently and critically and creatively in
life situation.
Acquiring works skills, knowledge and information and work ethic essential for
making an intelligent choice of an occupation or career.
Broaden and heighten their abilities in and appreciation for the arts, science and
technology as a means for maximizing their potentials for self fulfillment and for
promoting the welfare of others.
Scope and Sequence of the Curriculum
There are eight subjects from first year to fourth year. These are:
1. English
2. Pilipino
3. Mathematics
4. Science and Technology
5. Araling Panlipunan
6. Edukasyon, Pangkatawan, Kalusugan at Musika
7. Technology and Home Economics
8. Education sa Pagpapahalaga (Values Education)
Subject Area Description
The subject areas Filipino and English shall place a strong emphasis on the development of
critical thinking skills and communication competence.
Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies) shall be taught from the Philippines perspective. The
area of study for the first year is Philippine History, Asian History in the second year.
Economics in the third year and World History in the fourth year.
Mathematics will include higher level of competencies in preparation for technology course
introduced at the tertiary level.
In Science, the focus in the first year shall be General Science, Biology in the second year,
Chemistry in the third year and Physics in the fourth year.
Arts will be added in the third and fourth years to Physical Education, Health and Music.
The implementation of Technology and Home Economics as a new subject area will be
deferred. The teaching of Practical Arts as currently practice will continue except in the try-
out and leader schools.
Curriculum, Validity, Relevance and Effectiveness
This new curriculum was tried out in 80 pilot schools representing seven (7) types of
secondary schools, namely: Barangay, Municipal, Provincial, City-Vocational, Private
secretary, Private non-sectarian.
Studies to determine the effectiveness of teaching and learning were conducted.
These studies included surveys of students’, teachers’, and administrators perceptions on
the new textbooks, medium of instruction, time allotment and new subject areas.
To be prepared for the effective implementation of the New Curriculum
Staff development programs were undertaken, including the training by selected
centers of public and private school regional trainers; leadership training for
secondary school principals/administrators for both public and private schools; and
there will be mass training of first year teachers for both public and private schools
in April and May, 1989.
References:Secondary Education Development Program. Retrieved on August 31, 2018 from
www.academia.edu/secondary_education_development_program
