1. Delivery Mode:
* DepEd: Employs a traditional classroom-based approach with a structured curriculum, timetable, and regular teacher-student interaction. Students attend school daily or on a regular schedule.
* ALS: Offers flexible and diverse learning modalities. It caters to learners who cannot access or benefit from regular schooling due to various circumstances. This includes home-based learning, community-based learning centers, and modular distance learning. The pace and schedule are often individualized.
2. Curriculum and Assessment:
* DepEd: Follows a standardized national curriculum with prescribed subjects, learning competencies, and assessment methods (exams, projects, etc.) aligned with specific grade levels. Progression is strictly grade-based.
* ALS: Uses a competency-based curriculum. Learners focus on acquiring specific skills and knowledge, regardless of age or prior learning. Assessment is usually competency-based, focusing on what learners can actually do rather than just completing grades. Learners can progress through the program at their own pace.
3. Target Learners:
* DepEd: Targets all children and youth of school age (typically 5-18 years old) and aims for universal access to basic education.
* ALS: Primarily serves out-of-school youth (OSY), adults, and individuals who were unable to complete basic education through formal schooling due to factors like poverty, distance from school, disability, work commitments, or other personal circumstances.
4. Accreditation and Certification:
* DepEd: Graduation from DepEd schools results in official diplomas or certificates recognized nationwide and often required for higher education or employment.
* ALS: Upon successful completion of the ALS program, learners receive a certificate of completion that is also nationally recognized and can be used for continuing education or employment opportunities. The certificate might indicate the equivalent level achieved (e.g., equivalent to elementary or high school completion).
5. Resources and Support:
* DepEd: Generally has more established infrastructure, resources, and funding compared to ALS. Schools have dedicated classrooms, teachers, and support staff.
* ALS: Relies on a network of community-based learning centers, mobile teachers, and other partnerships. Resources and support may vary depending on location and available funding.
In summary: DepEd's formal education is a structured, age-graded system aiming for universal access. ALS, in contrast, is a flexible, competency-based system designed to offer a second chance at education for those who missed out on or couldn't access formal schooling. While both systems lead to nationally recognized credentials, their approach and target populations differ significantly.