New system in choosing honor students to take effect

THE Department of Education (DepEd) said the order issued last year setting new guidelines in choosing honor students from grades 1 to 10 will be implemented starting next school year.

The order was in virtue of the DepEd Order 74, series of 2012, which was issued after the department started implementing the K to 12 Basic Education curriculum.

Dr. Nestoria Limosnero, chief of EPS-Secondary Education Division, said the order will take effect in all state-run elementary and high school in Davao Region.

Based on the order, all candidates for honors in Grades 1 to 10 will be drawn from the top ten students at the advanced level. Students at the advance level are those students with final grades of 90 percent and above.

Candidates for honors must not have a final grade lower than 85 and they should have no grade at ranging from 75-79 in any quarter.

In order to determine the top ten, candidates will be ranked using the 7-3 point system. The seven points are for academic performance and the remaining three points are for co-curricular activities.

The 7-3 point system aims to harness not only the academic faculty and capabilities of the student but also encourage active participation in other aspects that are vital in the holistic development of the children.

All candidates for honors must be of good moral character and have not been subjected to any disciplinary action within the current school year.

Achievements in specific academic disciplines such as Math, Science, and English, as well as in curricular areas such as sports, arts and campus journalism shall also be given recognition.

Under the new grading system, based on the enhanced Basic Education Curriculum, students are assessed based on the level of proficiency starting with Beginning (whose numerical equivalent is 74 percent and below), Developing (75-79 percent), Approaching Proficiency (80-84 percent), Proficient (85-89 percent) and Advanced (90 percent and above).