The Department of Education (DepEd) is reviewing long-standing grading and promotion practices to better support students who struggle with basic skills. While some parents and educators have raised concerns about “mass promotion,” DepEd emphasizes that the priority is not punishment but helping learners succeed before advancing to the next grade.
What is Mass Promotion?
Mass promotion refers to the practice of advancing students to the next grade level regardless of whether they have fully mastered the required skills. Critics argue that it can create learning gaps, particularly in foundational subjects like reading, writing, and mathematics. While DepEd has no formal policy enforcing automatic promotion, practices such as grade transmutation, where failing scores are adjusted upward, have sometimes given the impression of mass promotion. The review aims to ensure that students are promoted based on competency rather than simply completing a grade.
Helping Struggling Students Catch Up
To address learning gaps, DepEd is expanding programs such as the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) initiative. The program provides extra tutoring and focused support in reading, math, and science for learners who are behind. “We want every student to build the skills they need to succeed,” said DepEd Undersecretary Carmela Oracion. “Promotion should reflect real learning, but our focus is on helping students get there.”
Reviewing Grade Transmutation
Part of the review involves the grade transmutation system, which adjusts failing scores upward to passing marks. While the system was intended to help students progress, critics say it sometimes allowed learners to advance without mastering essential competencies. Education Secretary Sonny Angara confirmed that DepEd will gradually phase out transmutation and other practices that may give the impression of automatic promotion.
Balancing Support and Competency
DepEd officials say the review is part of a broader effort to provide remedial support while maintaining academic standards. The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) highlighted declining literacy and numeracy, prompting calls for policies that ensure students gain real skills. By pairing policy review with tutoring programs, DepEd hopes to strike a balance between student welfare and quality education.
With these reforms, struggling learners are given a chance to succeed, while advancement is based on competence — ensuring that no student is left behind.
