The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) has issued a call for the Department of Education (DepEd) to halt “mass promotion” practices, citing a correlation between the policy and declining academic performance among Filipino students.
Declining Proficiency Levels
EDCOM II’s final report, released on January 26, indicates that national assessments reveal many learners are being advanced to the next grade despite not demonstrating mastery of essential literacy and numeracy skills. The commission recommends that DepEd end these practices “without delay” and focus on supporting struggling students.
Data from the National Achievement Test (NAT) and other standardized assessments show a sharp decline in proficiency as students progress through school. By Grade 6, only 19.56 percent of learners meet proficiency standards. This decline continues into secondary school, with proficiency rates falling to 0.74 percent in Grade 10 and 0.4 percent in Grade 12.
Reading Difficulties Highlighted
The report also highlighted widespread reading difficulties. Assessments conducted at the start of School Year 2024–2025 revealed that 88 percent of students across all grade levels were not “grade-level ready” in reading. Among junior high school students, 40–52 percent are reading at least two grade levels below their current grade, according to the Phil-IRI assessment.
EDCOM II warns that continuing “mass promotion” weakens incentives for early intervention and hinders teachers’ ability to address learning gaps. The commission stated that the current system sends “contradictory signals” by advancing students despite low mastery levels.
Potential Next Steps
EDCOM II recommends that DepEd urgently review its policies regarding grade progression and retention. A possible next step could involve revising targets that inadvertently encourage “mass promotion.” It is also likely that the Department will consider adjustments to its policy on grade transmutation and retention. Analysts expect further discussion on how to best support vulnerable learners and address literacy gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “mass promotion”?
According to EDCOM II, “mass promotion” refers to the practice of routinely advancing learners to the next grade level despite failing to master foundational competencies in literacy and numeracy.
What does DepEd consider “minimum skills”?
DepEd considers students as meeting the “minimum skills” for a key stage if they are deemed “nearly proficient.”
What data supports the commission’s findings?
EDCOM II cited results from the National Achievement Test (NAT), other standardized assessments, and beginning-of-school-year assessments conducted in School Year 2024–2025.
How might changes to promotion policies impact Filipino students in the long term?
