PROFILE AND PERFORMANCE LEVEL IN MATHEMATICS OF THE A E TEST PASSERS IN THE PROVINCE OF SORSOGON, PHILIPPINES
INTRODUCTION:The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides for the recognition and promotion of non formal, informal and indigenous learning system as well as self learning, independent and out of school study programs particularly those that respond to community needs (Article XIV, Section 2, paragraph (4) Republic Act 9155, otherwise known as the Governance Act for Basic Education stipulates the establishment of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to provide out of school children, youth and adults with basic education. The Government established ALS to provide Filipinos, the chance to have access to basic education and complete it in a mode that fits their distinct situations and needs.The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines recognized ALS non formal education program which is conducted outside the classroom usually at community learning centers, barangay multi purpose hall, libraries or at home. This system is managed by ALS learning facilitators, such as mobile teachers, ALS district coordinators, instructional managers at an agreed schedule and venue between the learners and facilitators. The ALS curriculum reflects the set of knowledge, skills and competencies that the learners should develop to meet the minimum requirements of the Philippines basic education. The target learners of ALS are those people usually located in far flung communities with no or limited access to formal schools. A test passer of either the elementary or secondary level gets a certificate which bears the signature of the Secretary of DepEd. This allows a passer to mainstream in the educational system of the country.LITERATURE REVIEW:To attain better academic performance has always been noted as the general goal not only of the students but also of every educational institution. Mathematics as one of the tool subjects from primary schools to high school level can be considered as the language of science and technology and early foundation of mathematics skills is necessary in order to attain high academic performance. This provides background to a growing body of research which supports the implementation of curricular resources and program standards for mathematics for early childhood learners (Richardson, 2000).Some of the causes of poor academic performance for some students are simply poor school elementary base. ALS learners may not be able to focus on tasks easily. Another possible issue could be personal or financial issues which prohibit them from focusing on their studies. There are also other factors that affect students' performance such as home life, health, motivation, learning problems, psychological problems, and family social status. Boado(2013) emphasized that factors affecting academic performance of the students were correlated to family, peers, school and teachers are some of the most influential predictors that significantly relates to academic performance.Moreover, Kumar Karimi (2010) posits that quality of students' academic performance is influenced by a wide range of environmental factors rather simply teacher factors and psychological factors within the learners such as motivation and the self, rather than simply by ability. Ball Cohen (1999) explained that the effectiveness of professional programs merging from the mathematics content, methodology, knowledge to child growth and development and family relationships is a good foundation in mathematics programs as well as enhancing education professionally.These studies relate to the present study along profile. The former treated socio demographic profile of parents in relation to students' level of performance in the secondary level were most of these students belong to the group of very low income families. The present study deals on the profile of A& E test passers in the Province of Sorsogon during the Fiscal Years 2012 to 2014 in relation to their performance level in the test along the area of mathematics.