Deped Periodical Tests

To truly understand periodical tests, you need to see how they fit into the larger assessment picture established by DepEd.

The Three-Component System

The K-12 grading system divides assessment into three major components:

Subject-Specific Weightings

The exact percentages vary depending on the subject area:

For Core Subjects (Filipino, English, Mathematics, Science)

• Written Work: 30%
• Performance Tasks: 50%
• Quarterly Assessment: 20%

For MAPEH and TLE/EPP

• Written Work: 20%
• Performance Tasks: 60%
• Quarterly Assessment: 20%

This means that while periodical tests represent only 20% of your quarterly grade, they remain significant enough to impact your overall academic standing considerably.

The History and Evolution of Periodical Tests in the Philippines

Periodical tests haven’t always looked the way they do today. Understanding their evolution helps explain current practices.

Pre-K-12 Era (Before 2013)

Before the K-12 program implementation, periodical tests were often given disproportionate importance. According to DepEd Order No. 79, s. 2003, the old system calculated final grades as:

“The final grade in each subject, for both elementary and secondary levels, shall be computed as the average of the four periodical grades.”

This meant each quarter’s grade—heavily influenced by the periodical test—directly determined the final grade. The system often emphasized memorization over actual understanding.

The K-12 Reform (2013-Present)

With the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10533) and the subsequent DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2015, the Philippine education system underwent significant reform. The new framework:

• Reduced the weight of written assessments (including periodical tests)
• Emphasized performance-based evaluation
• Promoted formative assessment throughout the learning process
• Aligned assessments with 21st-century skills development

The MATATAG Curriculum (2024-Present)

The most recent evolution is the MATATAG Curriculum, which maintains the K-12 assessment framework while refining content standards and learning competencies. Periodical tests under MATATAG are designed to be more contextualized and competency-based, moving away from pure memorization.

How Are Periodical Tests Designed? The 60-30-10 Rule

One of the most important things students and teachers need to understand is how periodical tests are structured. According to DepEd Order No. 79, s. 2003, which remains a guideline for test construction, periodical tests should follow this distribution:

Test Item Difficulty Distribution

• 60% Easy Items: Focus on basic content and skills expected at each grade level
• 30% Medium-Level Items: Test higher-level thinking skills and application
• 10% Difficult Items: Designed to distinguish fast learners and assess advanced competencies

Important Note: “Easy” doesn’t mean simple recall questions. Even basic items should test understanding, not just memory.

What This Means for Students

Understanding this distribution can transform your study strategy:

1. Master the fundamentals first: Since 60% tests basic competencies, ensure you thoroughly understand core concepts
2. Practice application: The 30% medium-level questions require you to apply knowledge to new situations
3. Challenge yourself: The 10% difficult items reward those who go beyond minimum requirements

The Four Quarters: A School Year Journey

The typical Filipino school year is divided into four quarters, each culminating in a periodical test:

Each quarter typically spans 8-10 weeks of instruction, followed by the periodical test administration during the last week of the quarter.