Recognizing the Status, Needs, and Challenges of Alternative Learning System Students in a Rural District

Abstract

The act of dropping out of school has significant implications for students, limiting their opportunities for further education and job prospects, often resulting in low-skilled employment and reduced wages. To address this issue, the Philippine government has established the Philippine Alternative Learning System (ALS), a parallel learning system aimed at providing a second chance for out-of-school youth and adults. However, despite recent progress, the ALS continues to face persistent challenges that are further complicated by the diverse settings of its learners. This study adopts a descriptive qualitative research design to explore the current conditions of ALS students by determining their status, needs, and challenges, with the objective of addressing their unique circumstances. The study includes a voluntary survey questionnaire administered to learner respondents, supplemented by in-depth interview with key informants such as school district supervisors, school principals, and ALS teachers. By objectively describing the participants' experiences, this research provides valuable insights into the prevailing issues and concerns, serving as a foundation for the development of an effective support system to empower ALS learners.