DepEd to phase out grade transmutation in public schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) will gradually phase out the use of grade transmutation in public schools as part of a new assessment and grading policy aimed at making grades more reflective of students’ actual performance.

Under DepEd Order No. 015, series of 2026, the agency said it is transitioning to a more transparent and standards-based grading system in response to concerns about grade inflation, inconsistent promotion standards, and the need for more accurate learner assessment data.

The policy introduces the gradual removal of grade transmutation, a system that adjusts raw scores into higher final grades.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the move is intended to ensure that grades more accurately reflect what learners know and can do.

“Dapat nakabatay sa tunay na pagkatuto ang pag-akyat ng bata sa susunod na grade level. Sa pagtanggal ng transmutation, mas pinapalakas natin ang accountability sa buong sistema — mula sa curriculum implementation at classroom instruction hanggang sa assessment at academic support para sa learners,” Angara said.

(A learner’s promotion to the next grade level should be based on actual learning. By removing transmutation, we are strengthening accountability throughout the system—from curriculum implementation and classroom instruction to assessment and academic support for learners.)

Under DepEd Order No. 8, s.2015, the transmutation table converts a learner’s raw score into a higher grade that appears on the report card. EDCOM II previously noted that an initial grade of 60, for example, could be converted into a passing grade of 75 under the existing system.

EDCOM II said the practice may contribute to what it described as “mass promotion,” in which learners advance to the next grade level without fully mastering the required competencies.

The commission earlier recommended reviewing and gradually phasing out the transmutation policy to ensure that grades more accurately reflect learners’ actual proficiency and learning outcomes.

For School Year 2026-2027, DepEd said transmutation will still be used through an adjusted conversion table, under which a raw grade of 70 will correspond to a transmuted passing grade of 75.

Beginning School Year 2027-2028, transmutation will be removed for Grades 4 to 12. Under the new system, a raw grade of 75 will directly correspond to a final grade of 75 without any mathematical adjustment.

DepEd emphasized that the policy is not intended to make grading more difficult or increase failure rates.

Rather, the agency said the change seeks to provide teachers, parents, and learners with a more accurate picture of academic progress so that interventions and support can be provided when needed.

“Hindi sapat na maipasa lang ang bata mula sa isang grade level papunta sa susunod. Ang mahalaga, umuusad siya na dala ang kaalaman, kakayahan, at values na kailangan niya para magtagumpay sa paaralan at sa buhay,” Angara said.

(It is not enough for a learner to simply move from one grade level to the next. What matters is that the learner progresses with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to succeed in school and in life.)

The revised guidelines also introduce a phased shift to descriptive grading for younger learners.

Beginning School Year 2026-2027, Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners will receive descriptive assessments instead of numerical grades. The system will expand to Grade 2 in School Year 2027-2028 and to Grade 3 by School Year 2028-2029.

For Grades 4 to 12, numerical grades will remain in place, accompanied by qualitative descriptions intended to provide a clearer picture of a learner’s level of proficiency.DepEd said it will continue conducting teacher training, technical assistance, and monitoring activities to support the implementation of the revised grading policy. –NB, GMA News