DepED: Automatic passing of learners not an option
Published Mar 12, 2020 12:00 am
By Merlina Hernando-Malipot
Despite the escalating threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) maintained that mass promotion and automatic passing of learners will not be allowed or tolerated.
DepEd Sec. Leonor Briones (FEDERICO CRUZ / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Education Secretary Leonor Briones said that DepEd will not allow mass promotion or giving automatic passing grades to learners “because this is not the policy of the Duterte administration.”
Earlier, various stakeholders have urged DepEd to give automatic passing grades to learners amid the continued threat of the COVID-19. Classes in Metro Manila and other areas where COVID-19 cases are confirmed have been suspended. Since the current school year is already about to end, DepEd was asked to consider the possibility of giving passing grades to learners - especially those who have missed out lessons in school.
Read more: Navotas mayor asks DepEd to just grant all students passing grades for current school year
However, Briones said that DepEd “strongly opposes” any move to allow mass promotion of students because the “the law is clear as to the number of days of face-to-face contact between teachers and students.” DepEd “might be held liable” if the number of school days mandated by law is violated, she said.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary and Spokesperson Nepomuceno Malaluan said since the suspension of classes were declared when the current school year is almost over, teachers “have enough grades even in the absence of final grades.”
DepEd has rescheduled the final examination dates of learners as required in the curriculum. “We’re still hoping that the tests will be done but we have already outlined our plans in extreme cases or situation,” he added.
Malaluan said that protocols related to COVID-19 “in all situations that will happen” are already in place. Under extreme situation like the Department of Health (DOH) declaring a higher alert public health status, he noted that the schools have “already a base to rate the students.” He added depending in the circumstances of the learners, providing remedial measures will also be arranged.
DepEd Sec. Leonor Briones (FEDERICO CRUZ / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Education Secretary Leonor Briones said that DepEd will not allow mass promotion or giving automatic passing grades to learners “because this is not the policy of the Duterte administration.”
Earlier, various stakeholders have urged DepEd to give automatic passing grades to learners amid the continued threat of the COVID-19. Classes in Metro Manila and other areas where COVID-19 cases are confirmed have been suspended. Since the current school year is already about to end, DepEd was asked to consider the possibility of giving passing grades to learners - especially those who have missed out lessons in school.
Read more: Navotas mayor asks DepEd to just grant all students passing grades for current school year
However, Briones said that DepEd “strongly opposes” any move to allow mass promotion of students because the “the law is clear as to the number of days of face-to-face contact between teachers and students.” DepEd “might be held liable” if the number of school days mandated by law is violated, she said.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary and Spokesperson Nepomuceno Malaluan said since the suspension of classes were declared when the current school year is almost over, teachers “have enough grades even in the absence of final grades.”
DepEd has rescheduled the final examination dates of learners as required in the curriculum. “We’re still hoping that the tests will be done but we have already outlined our plans in extreme cases or situation,” he added.
Malaluan said that protocols related to COVID-19 “in all situations that will happen” are already in place. Under extreme situation like the Department of Health (DOH) declaring a higher alert public health status, he noted that the schools have “already a base to rate the students.” He added depending in the circumstances of the learners, providing remedial measures will also be arranged.