• As early as 1925, studies have observed the inadequacy of the basic education curriculum. As one of the most well studied reforms, recommendations of either adding or restoring 7th grade or adding an extra year to basic education have been put forward. 

1. Monroe Survey (1925): Secondary education did not prepare for life and recommended training in agriculture, commerce, and industry. 
2. Prosser Survey (1930): Recommended to improve phases of vocational education such as 7th grade shopwork, provincial schools, practical arts training in the regular high schools, home economics, placement work, gardening, and agricultural education. 
3. UNESCO Mission Survey (1949): recommended the restoration of Grade 7. 
4. Education Act. of 1953: under Section 3, mandates that 

The primary course shall be composed of four grades (Grades I to IV) and the intermediate course of three grades (Grade V to VII).

1. Swanson Survey (1960): Recommended the restoration of Grade 7. 
2. Presidential Commission to Survey Philippine education (PCSPE) (1970): High priority be given to the implementation of an 11-year program; Recommended program consists of 6 years of compulsory elementary education and 5 years of secondary education. 
3. Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM) Report (1991): If one year is to be added in the education program, it recommends one of two alternatives: Seven years of elementary education or Five years of secondary education 
4. Presidential Commission on Educational Reforms (2000): Reform proposals include the establishment of a one-year pre-baccalaureate system that would also bring the Philippines at par with other countries.

Graduates of Enhanced K to 12 Basic Education Program will: 

• Acquire mastery of basic competencies. 
• Be more emotionally mature. 
• Be socially aware, pro-active, involve in public and civic affairs. 
• Be adequately prepared for the word of work or entrepreneurship or higher education. 
• Be legally employable with potential for better earnings.
• Be globally competitive.
• Every graduate of the Enhanced K to 12 Basic Education program is an empowered individual who has learned, through a program that is rooted on sound educational principles and geared towards excellence, the foundations for learning throughout life, the competence to engage in work and be productive, the ability to coexist in fruitful harmony with local and global communities, the capability to engage in autonomous critical thinking, and the capacity to transform others and one’s self.

The model that is currently being proposed by DepEd is the K-6-4-2 Model. This model involves Kindergarten, six years of elementary education, four years of junior high school (Grades 7 to 10) and two years of senior high (Grades 11 to 12). The two years of senior high school intend to provide time for students to consolidate acquired academic skills and competence.

K-6-4-2 MODEL

• Decongest and enhance the basic education curriculum.
• Better quality education for all.
• Philippines is the only remaining country in Asia with a 10-year basic education program. 
• K to12 is not new. The proposal to expand the basic education dates back to 1925 
• Studies in the Philippines have shown that an additional year of schooling increases earnings by 7.5%. 
• Studies validate that improvements in the quality of education will increase GDP growth by 2% to 2.2% .
• Minus 2 instead of plus 2 for those families who cannot afford a college education but still wish to have their children find a good paying job. Right now, parents spend for at least 4 years of college to have an employable child. In our model, parents will not pay for 2 years of basic education that will give them an employable child. In effect, we are saving parents 2 years of expenses. The plan is not “Plus 2 years before graduation” but “ Minus 2 years before work. 
• Inspire a shift in attitude that completion of high school education is more than just preparation for college but can be sufficient for a gainful employment or career.

• K to 12 will facilitate an accelerated economic growth. 
• K to 12 will facilitate mutual recognition of Filipino graduates and professionals in other countries. 
• A better educated society provides a sound foundation for long-term socio-economic development . 
• Several studies have shown that the improvements in the quality of education will increase GDP growth by as much as 2%. Studies in the UK, India and US show that additional years of schooling also have positive overall impact on society.

• An enhanced curriculum will decongest academic workload.
• Graduates will possess competencies and skills relevant to the job market. 
• Graduates will be prepared for higher education. 
• Graduates will be able to earn higher wages and/or better prepared to start their own business. 
• Graduates could now be recognized abroad.

• Stakeholder Consultations 
• Curriculum Review and Enhancement 
• Financial Study 
• Teacher Training 
• Legislation 
• K to 12 IEC Campaign