The Philippine Department of Education plans to phase out grade transmutation starting from the 2027-2028 school year to ensure grading reflects true student learning.
The Department of Education (DepEd) of the Philippines announced a phased removal of grade transmutation in public schools, starting with Grades 4 to 12 in the 2027-2028 school year. Grade transmutation, a system that adjusts raw scores upward, has been criticized for contributing to grade inflation and promoting students without ensuring mastery of competencies.
Under the new policy outlined in DepEd Order No. 015, series of 2026, a raw score will correspond directly to the final grade without mathematical adjustments. For example, a raw score of 75 will now equal a final grade of 75, removing previous grade boosting practices.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the goal is to provide a more transparent, accurate grading system that reflects actual learner performance. The change aims to increase accountability from curriculum implementation, classroom instruction, and learner assessment to academic support.
Transmutation will still be used during the 2026-2027 school year with adjusted conversion tables but will be removed the following year for Grades 4 to 12. The policy does not intend to make passing harder but to ensure students progress with necessary knowledge, skills, and values.
Additionally, starting in the 2026-2027 school year, descriptive assessments will replace numerical grades for Kindergarten and Grade 1, expanding to Grades 2 and 3 in subsequent years. Grades 4 to 12 will retain numerical grades supplemented by qualitative descriptions for clarity.
DepEd will continue teacher training and provide technical support to ensure smooth policy implementation. This reform seeks to provide clear and accurate academic progress reports that identify areas where students may need additional support.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/992328/deped-phase-out-grade-transmutation-schools/story/
