Experiences of alternative learning system (ALS) completers at SHS in schools division of Bataan: [manuscript] basis for counseling program development / Donita Sherina R. Reyes

This study assessed the struggles experienced by ALS completers who enrolled in various senior high schools of SDO-Bataan. A sequential explanatory research design was employed to gather quantitative data from 200 ALS completers who continued their senior high school education and also collective qualitative data from the selected ALS completers experienced problems related to study, self-development, family relationships, and special social needs. However, the findings showed that the guidance office addressed only a few issues that made the ALS completers minimally satisfied with the overall performance of guidance office in dealing with the problems encountered by the ALS students (mean=2.29). On the other hand, Crippling Needs and Fight or Flight were the themes derived based on the difficulties faced by the ALS completers. In contrast, Positivity Over Difficulties was the theme that unveiled how they reacted and overcame their ordeals. The study recommended that guidance counselors/designated be capacitated with new strategies to handle troubled ALS completers and for DepEd to create bridging programs to help ALS completers adjust and be on par with the challenges of formal education.