DepEd sets 2 state tests for SHS in April, May

Even after graduation, Senior High School (SHS) completers will likely to have a “busy summer” as the Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed the administration of two assessment tests tentatively scheduled this April and in May.

DepEd key officials, led by Education Secretary Leonor Briones, underscored the importance of conducting these assessment tests for SHS graduates in a recent press conference. DepEd announced that there will be two assessment tests for Grade 12 completers this summer: the National Achievement Test (NAT 12) to be administered starting April 12 onwards and the Basic Education Exit Assessment (BEEA) scheduled in May.

DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Lorna Dino said that there will be a “random sampling” of schools for NAT 12 while the BEEA will be “mandatory to all SHS graduates” in both public and private schools.

As defined, NAT is a set of examinations “designed to determine the academic levels, strength and weaknesses of students.” The BEEA, on the other hand, is an exam which aims to determine the learning progress and attainment of learning standards of the Grade 12 students.

Briones said that the administration of the BEEA was in response to the suggestion of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). At the time when the free tuition law was announced, she said that the DepEd was advised by DBM that it “might be a good idea” to establish a system of assessment for SHS graduates but not with a “pass or fail” standard.

“It will be the school who will determine their cut off score but we will make the results of the assessment available,” Briones said. The BEEA also aims to “provide empirical information as basis for the improvement of the curriculum, learning delivery, assessment, and for policy review and formulation.”