ABSTRACT
The National Achievement Test (NAT) is a standardized examination administered in the Philippines to students in Grades 3, 6, 10, and 12. It is designed to assess their academic proficiency, identify strengths and weaknesses, and evaluate the knowledge they have acquired in key subjects over the course of the year. Placido T. Amo Senior High School ranked 110th out of 120 public and private schools in the Division of Batangas Province. This study aimed to determine the factors that affect the school’s performance in NAT. The researchers analyzed the data through the use of frequency and count to determine such factors. The researchers utilized a qualitative research design where 6 subject group heads/coordinators participated in a Focus Group Discussion. The results revealed that the school got an overall rate of 35.63% in 7 learning areas. It has also been found that the main factor that affects the NAT result of students lies in comprehension and analysis. Other factors include the mindset and attitude of the students towards the test and the teaching strategies/approaches of the teachers. Moreover, retention is also emphasized as one of the identified factors. Based on the results gathered, the researchers propose a program entitled “UPGRADE: Upgrading NAT Performance through Goal-Setting, Recalibrated Approaches, and Developing Evaluation Materials” that aims to enhance the students’ performance in the NAT through innovative strategies such as crafting review materials aligned with NAT test constructions, review sessions, LAC session, test-taking drills, pre-assessment, and recognition.
Keywords: national achievement test, performance, comprehension, review
INTRODUCTION
Education is a transformative force that shapes individuals and societies and provides knowledge and skills necessary for personal and professional growth. High-quality education is an enormously the global and national educational systems main objective. Quality education is noticeably stated in the Global Goals or commonly known as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In the Philippines, the constitution puts emphasis on quality and access to education. Section 1, Article XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, specifies that “the State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.” In cognizance of this, the Department of Education is continually developing and enhancing the curriculum to adapt to the needs of 21st-century learners.
As part of the evaluation of the effectiveness of the curriculum and to assess and monitor the quality of basic education in the Philippines, the National Achievement Test or NAT assessment has been administered by the Department of Education for public schools, particularly for Grade 6, 10, and 12 students nationwide. The results of the National Achievement Test are utilized by DepEd to check and determine the students’ achievement level, strengths, and weaknesses in five key curricular subject areas specifically Math, Science, English, Araling Panlipunan, and Filipino (Philippines: The National Achievement Test, n.d.).
This standardized test serves several purposes, including assessing students' academic proficiency, guiding educational policies, and identifying areas for improvement in the educational system. By providing a comprehensive overview of student performance, the NAT helps to shape the future of education.
NAT assists educators and policymakers in determining how well students are mastering the curriculum. The findings can reveal whether educational goals are being met and highlight achievement disparities. By identifying strengths and weaknesses in student performance, the NAT serves as a diagnostic tool that can guide instructional improvements and adjustments.
Pursuant to the Department Memorandum No. 16, s. 2024, the Bureau of Education Assessment of DepEd Central Office, through the Schools Division Office, administered the National Achievement Test for Grade 12 last March 19-20, 2024. When the result came out recently, Placido T. Amo Senior High School ranked 110th out of 120 private and public schools in the Division of Batangas. This calls for immediate action to assess teaching styles and strategies and evaluate student performance to gear toward shaping the future of our students and the educational system as a whole.
Hence, this research seeks to determine the factors that affect the school’s performance in NAT and propose a solution through a program called “UPGRADE” which aims to enhance the students’ analysis and comprehension skills and at the same time improve the school’s overall rate and ranking in NAT for the current school year.
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