Queries as regards assessing and grading learning in the new normal can now be addressed in the guidelines stipulated in DepEd Order (D.O.) No. 31, s. 2020.

To get down to the nitty- gritty of the guidelines,   the Curriculum Implementation Division (CID) of the Schools Division of Paraňaque City conducted a Division Conference on Interim Guidelines for Assessment and Grading in the Light of Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) on October 19 for Schoolheads (SHs) and Assistant Principals, and October 20-23, 2020 for Department Heads, Master Teachers, and Subject Coordinators across Learning Areas.

According to CID Chief Bernardo N. Mascariňa, the conference was designed for the participants to understand the salient points of the interim guidelines on grading and promotion in the light of BE-LCP, ensure that the provisions in the Order is clearly communicated to all concerned stakeholders of the school community, and develop a school-based action plan to implement the guidelines.

Education Program Supervisors and Public Schools District Supervisors served as discussants and facilitators of the topics which made up of the following: Roles of Teachers, Parents and Learners in the Distance Learning; Planning the Assessment, Designing Formative and Summative Assessments, Assessment through Portfolio, Rubrics at Work, ALS Assessment Procedures,  Conducting Assessment Remotely, Feedback and Remediation, Grading and Promotion (Weight Distribution per Area from Grades 1-12 and Use of Transmutation), Role of Technology; and Monitoring and Evaluation.

During the break-out sessions, the participants were grouped to work on their action plans. The PSDSs guided the SHs as they crafted the matrix of activities for school roll-out, while the EPSs supervised the group of teacher participants according to learning areas concerned.

In her message, Schools Division Superintendent Evangeline P. Ladines hoped that the participants, especially the SHs and assistant principals will continue to perform all undertakings for the interest of the learners. “The SDO cannot do it alone. Be the champions of the new guidelines released to the field. Be able to answer with confidence and credibility as to how the learners are assessed in this online learning environment,” she said.

Superintendent Ladines added that with the new Order, the basic issues on assessment in the previous months would be given a test smoothly and clarity to remove the doubts of the parents. She reiterated though that D.O. 8, s. 2015 (Policy Guidelines on Classroom Assessment for the K to 12 Basic Education Program) is still in effect but the provisions which are inconsistent with the new guidelines are suspended in the current school year.

The superintendent stressed that the second day of the conference had the department heads, master teachers, and subject area coordinators participate considering their vital roles in the implementation of the D.O. No 31, s 2020. (by Reena G. Orquina)