DepEd sets new system to select honor students

In recognition of the leadership skills and co-curricular performance of pupils and students, points in the area of co-curricular activities shall be granted to the graduates and students vying for honors in the elementary and secondary levels.

This is one of the changes to the guidelines in the selection of honor students in public elementary and secondary schools set by the Department of Education.

Undersecretary and officer-in-charge Fe Hidalgo approved the Order after consultations with DepEd regional directors and other key officials to clear matters about the previous guidelines.

Officers of Pupils Governments and Supreme Student Governments vying for honors in the elementary and secondary levels shall get extra co-curricular points in the following positions: president, five points; vice president, four points; secretary or treasurer, three points; auditor or peace officer or PIO, two points; and others, one point. Winners in international contests get 10 points, while participants get six.

Students who serve as officers in the district, division, regional and national organizations recognized by DepED shall get points in the area of co-curricular activities.

Candidates for honors, at any grade or year level, shall be drawn from the top ten students of the school. They must not have a final grade lower than 80 percent in any subject.

In case of a tie, candidates may both be declared for the honor ranking.

The issuance stated that candidates for honors at any level must have done the entire work of the grade or year level in the school where they are candidates for honors.

A student who has been suspended for serious disciplinary infractions shall be disqualified for honors for the curriculum year during which the suspension is imposed.

A separate set of honor students may be declared for schools with special curricular programs and annexes of secondary schools.

The issuance stated that any teacher who is related within the second degree of affinity or consanguinity to any candidate for honors, shall not be allowed to sit as a member of the selection committee.

The head of school, as chair of the selection committee, shall make the final announcement of honor students. The announcement for the graduating students shall be made not later than 15 working days before the recognition rites or commencement exercises. - Jasmin R. Uy