Previous marks won't affect honor selection

The grades in the previous curriculum level will not be considered anymore in the ranking of honors for the graduating students, according to the Department of Education.

DepEd regional director Carolino Mordeno told The Freeman that DepEd has adopted a new scheme wherein the average in the past academic year will not matter anymore in the selection of honors.

Mordeno added that in the past years, the grades in the two past academic years have affected the selection of honors.

"The grades obtained by the students when he or she is in Grade 5 or third year in high school will not be considered anymore when he will graduate," he said.

He further added that the ranking of the top ten will be ranked using the 7-3 point scheme wherein 7 points will be for the academic performance and 3 points will be for the leadership in co-curricular activities.

For academic excellence, it will be based on the general average of the five learning areas in the curriculum year namely: Filipino, English, Science, Math and Makabayan.

Performance in the co-curricular activities covers the achievement of candidates in all activities and in his active participation in authorized student organizations or clubs.

In case of a tie, candidates may both be declared for the honor ranking and candidates for honors must have done the entire work of the grade and year level in the school where they are candidates for honors, thus those who will transfer during the school year will not be eligible for that curriculum year.

A pupil or student who has been suspended for serious disciplinary infractions will also be disqualified for honors for the curriculum or grade level during the imposition of the suspension.

A selection committee will be tasked to do the selection, however, any teacher also who is related within the second degree of affinity to any candidate for honors will not be allowed to sit as members in the selection committee.

The head of the school will be the head of the selection committee and will make the announcements in the selection of honor students.