DepEd to implement “transmutation formula” in grading students affected by class suspension

March 13, 2020

The Department of Education ( DepEd) will implement the transmutation formula in computing grades of students whose classes have been suspended due to the coronavirus disease outbreak.

In a press briefing on Friday in Malacanang, Education Undersecretary Alain Pascua said the formula would be implemented in Metro Manila where classes in all levels have been suspended until April 12.

"Under the transmutation formula, the grades of the children from first, second and third quarters will be computed and their remaining standing, less the fourth quarter (grade) and then we will be having their class standing. That's the transmutation formula that the department is fixing," he said.

A DepEd order or memorandum would be issued later regarding the formula, the official said.

Pascua said if the students would not be satisfied with their final grade they have the option to take online examinations.

"This will be done by DepEd here in Metro Manila on the assumption that Metro Manila has 98 to 99 percent penetration of cellphone and penetration of Wifi and internet," he explained.

"So we could administer online examination by introducing to our teachers and our learners what we call as DepEd commons. We have a DepEd commons where lesson for the remaining quarter, this last two weeks, could be accessed by the children and the teachers," he added.

As to public schools, which have no suspension of classes, such as those outside Metro Manila, Pascua said the final examination for the fourth quarter grading period would be conducted on a staggered basis.

He said students would only go to school to take the examination.

"This is one measure that we have made in consonance to the social distancing measures that we are implementing," he said.

As part of the precautionary measure against COVID-19, President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the suspension of classes in Metro Manila until April 12.

Classes in the National Capital Region where many cases of COVID-19 could be found were initially suspended from March 12 to 14. Celerina Monte/DMS