ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM. Department of Education personnel distribute the modules for students enrolled under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in this undated photo. A total of 1,722 ALS students recently started their classes in 23 public high schools in Central Luzon. (Photo courtesy of DepEd-3) CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga - A total of 23 public high schools in Central Luzon have piloted the Alternative Learning System (ALS) with some 1,722 senior high school (SHS) students starting to attend their classes. Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Director May Eclar said in a social media post on Tuesday the schools opened the program through a blended learning system on the last week of November. Through the DepEd Order 13, series 2019 (Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of Enhanced Alternative Learning System 2.0), the department mandated the inclusion of the SHS level in the ALS program, which is equivalent to Grades 11 and 12 in the formal education system. "