Finally, Department of Education (DepEd) has issued the official Memorandum on the change in the passing score of the 2016 Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (ALS A&E) Test conducted in November 2017 from 75% to the generally accepted passing score of 60%.
The education department issued Memo no. 76 series of 2018 on April 19, announcing the lowering of passing score.
“This is in the interest of fairness for out-of-school youth and adult (OSYA) learners whose hopes and dreams for better opportunities are anchored on the Alternative Learning System (ALS),” the Memo stated.
It was no less than Secretary Leonor Briones who first announced the lowering of passing score after a very low turn out of the test results resulted to clamor of the test takers. Only 16.5% passed in the Elementary level and 15.6% for Secondary of the November 2017 test.
The decision was in consultation with DepEd officials, personnel, and other stakeholders, and after thorough evaluation of factors that contributed to the dismal result of the test, such as the change in language of assessment, difference in design between the previous and the present tests, and length of time between intervention and conduct of test, it added.
The Memo also directed all concerned officers and personnel to conduct a comprehensive review of the A&E examination standards, including alignment to the existing learning resources and instruction delivery.
Here’s the full text of the Memo, which you may print (or Download HERE) and show to those who still don’t believe that the passing scored was lowered to 60%.
For more information on this Memo, you may contact the Bureau of Education Assessment (BEA), 2nd Floor, Bonifacio Building, Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City at telephone nos. (02) 631-2591 or (02) 631-2589 or email at bea.ead@deped.gov.ph.
