DepEd Eyes Shift to Descriptive Grading for Lower Grade Levels

The Department of Education (DepEd) is preparing to reform the country’s grading system, with changes that aim to better reflect how children actually learn and grow in school.

In an interview with DZBB Super Radyo, Education Undersecretary Dr. Carmela Oracion shared that DepEd is moving toward a non-transmutation grading system, starting with lower grade levels. This means grades will gradually shift from numeric scales to descriptive ratings.

“Ang grading system na binabago ay magkakaroon ng characteristic na para sa lower grades ay non-numeric tayo. Descriptive ang grades natin,” Oracion explained.

According to her, the shift is meant to remove fear and judgment that children often associate with grades. “Inaalis natin ang kabataan sa isang scenario na ang grades ay nakakatakot, nanunukat, o nagja-judge sa kanila,” she said.

Descriptive grading also supports the idea of a growth mindset. Oracion stressed that learning should not be reduced to who gets the highest number on a report card. “Itong descriptive rating ay magpo-promote ng growth mindset, na hindi fixed mindset na ang mga 90 na grade ay sila lang ang magaling,” she said.

Instead, the new approach helps children and parents understand both strengths and gaps. “Ipinapaalam natin at ine-emphasize natin sa mga bata at kanilang magulang na may kaya at hindi kaya, may pagkukulang,” Oracion added. She emphasized that these gaps are not permanent. “Dahil naniniwala tayo sa growth mindset, puwedeng malagpasan ang mga pagkukulang na iyan.”

Also read: EDCOM 2’s 10-Year Plan Seeks to End Mass Promotion in Philippine Schools

This direction aligns with recommendations from the Second Congressional Commission on Education, or EDCOM 2. In its final report, the commission urged a review of the current DepEd grading policy, particularly the transmutation system under DepEd Order No. 8, series of 2015.

In the current system, a student who scores 60 out of 100 on an exam may still receive a passing mark after the score is adjusted using the transmutation table.

EDCOM 2 pointed out that converting very low raw scores into passing grades “obscures learning gaps and contributes to widespread perceptions of automatic promotion.” Because weaknesses are masked, students may move to the next level without fully mastering key skills.

To address this, the commission recommended phasing out the transmutation table and adopting a more descriptive or criterion-referenced grading approach. It also stressed the need to realign performance systems so teachers and school heads are not pressured to minimize failures or inflate grades.

The report further emphasized protecting teachers’ professional autonomy. Promotion decisions, it said, should be based on demonstrated learning and appropriate interventions, free from coercion or unrealistic expectations.

For parents, this shift encourages a more meaningful way of reading report cards. Instead of asking how high the grade is, families can ask what their child has learned, where they are struggling, and how they can be supported next. In the long run, DepEd hopes this approach will help children view grades not as a verdict but as a guide to steady, achievable growth.

Click here for tips to help your child bounce back from a low grade.