DepEd: No more final exams in public schools covered by community quarantine

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 16) — Public schools covered by class suspensions due to the novel coronavirus pandemic will no longer be allowed to hold final examinations for students, the Department of Education said.

New guidelines issued by Secretary Leonor Briones on Sunday said exams for the fourth quarter, scheduled from March 16-20, “will no longer be administered” in areas with suspended classes.

Classes in Metro Manila have been suspended until April 14, while other provinces and towns have followed suit.

The academic calendar for school year 2019-2020 requires the conduct of quarterly exams for Grades 6 and 12 on March 12-13, while other grade levels are scheduled to take their tests from March 19-20.

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DepEd said schools which continue to hold classes must conduct the exams this week, but on a “staggered basis.” Students should only come to school in varying schedules to take the tests, in keeping with the social distancing protocol to prevent the spread of the disease known as COVID-19.

“Further academic requirements, if any, shall be done as home-based assignments,” the DepEd memorandum read.

Instead, the existing class standings of students will be used as basis in computing their final grades. A sample computation is provided here. 

Teachers are also not required to report to schools unless ordered by the Schools Division Superintendent. They are also encouraged to use online portals identified by DepEd to continue lectures with students and perform their tasks while the suspensions are in place.

The school year ends April 3. DepEd said graduation or moving-up ceremonies set between April 13-17 should follow social distancing rules. It added that schools may also choose to postpone or cancel these events in light of the public health crisis.

DepEd said private schools are “highly encouraged” to follow the new guidelines.