DepEd slates National Achievement Test in March

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) will administer the National Achievement Test (NAT) for Grade 3, Grade 6 and second year high school students this March in its annual effort to assess the level of competencies in core subjects.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said the National   Education Testing and Research Center (NETRC) would administer the NAT to students, hoping to see improved results.

The annual NAT is used to determine what the students know, understand and can do at their level.

The NAT for Grade 3 in public elementary schools includes grammar and reading comprehension in English and Filipino, Science and Mathematics. 

The NAT for Grade 6 and second year high school students would be administered in both public and private schools nationwide. NAT for Grade 6 focuses on five basic subjects - Mathematics, English, Science, Filipino and HEKASI.

On the other hand, NAT for second year high school includes Mathematics, English, Science, Filipino and Araling Panlipunan.  

“By measuring our students’ strengths, weaknesses and achievement levels, we can devise ways on how the present education system can be further improved,” Lapus said.

He said the DepEd will conduct the NAT for Grade 3 on March 3; for Grade 6 on March 5 and for second year high school on March 11.

“From 2006-2009, the percentage increase of 21.36 percent was achieved. This only indicates a steady improvement in primary education in the country’s public school system,” Lapus said.

In the 2009 NAT, the Mean Percentage Score (MPS) showed a mark improvement of 11.67 points or 66.33 percent, from 54.66 percent in 2006. 

The NAT results guide decision makers in formulating policies relative to progression and promotion of students, especially in the public school system. These will also determine the deficiencies of students that need further intervention.

“NAT is just a part of the report card of DepEd and the whole education system. Results of this indicator will help us formulate appropriate interventions aimed at improving the education system. We have to keep the commitment and hard work we put to education,” Lapus explained.