In
view of the reporting of learners’ academic performance in the 3rd
quarter of the current School Year and the number of learner-participants in
the various sporting events and academic contests, this office issues the
following clarification on grading these learners:
1.
There is no specific DepEd policy on how
athletes and contestants should be rated during periods of nonparticipation in
classes due to trainings and actual competition.
2.
As a matter of general principle,
Education Act of 1982 Rule III, Section 3 (e) mandates that teachers shall:
"...refrain from making deductions in the scholastic rating of learners,
for any act that is clearly not a manifestation of poor scholarship."
Being part of athletic events or contests is clearly not a manifestation of
poor scholarship. On the contrary, Section 19 Article 14 of the Philippine
Constitution mandates "all educational institutions" to encourage it
(sports) among learners.
3.
Further, as a matter of tradition and to
simplify the embodiment of the principle above, it has been the practice of
teachers to either retain or increase the grades of student-athletes who
represent the school in sporting events and contests, regardless if they win or
lose, provided they have complied with the required outputs and performances.
4.
During the periods of training and
actual competition, athletes and contestants are deemed excused from their
classes. With careful consideration of the objectives and competencies required
for a class activity, their performance in the sporting event or contest may be
graded in lieu of the class activity, may be given another activity that they
can perform some other time, or extend the deadline to a reasonable period.
5.
As far as assessment standards are
concerned, coaches are expected to work closely with subject teachers to ensure
that students under their care are able to comply with all academic
requirements in all subjects. Students joining co/extracurricular activities
are also expected to exert extra efforts to balance all forms of achievement
activities, in or out of the classroom. Coaches are also expected to instill
these values to them and to assist students under their care to be holistically
developed.
6.
Teachers who decide to divert from the
tradition shall prove that sufficient "special assistance" has been
extended to the learner to make sure that he/she catches up with the academic
requirements before giving the final rating. The teacher may opt to provide
"other forms of incentive" to the student-athlete/contestant in lieu
of or aside from a favorable academic rating.
7. For information and guidance of all concerned.
ALLAN M. BENOYO
School Principal I
