Assistant Secretaries

Regional, Bureaus and Center Directors

Schools Division/City Superintendents

Head of Public/Private Schools

1.  The DECS Bureau of Non formal Education is pleased to announce the pilot implementation of the expansion and strengthening of the Non formal Education Accreditation and Equivalency (NFE A&E) Assessment and Certification System, This pilot research and development effort is made possible by the extension of the ADB-assisted Philippines Non formal Education Project to 30 June 2001.

2.  The Bureau of Non formal Education (BNFE), in partnership with the Northern Territory University (NTU) Australia and the Center for Educational Measurement (CEM), has developed authentic assessment methodologies to provide a more comprehensive coverage of the competencies reflected in the NFE A&E Curriculum Framework, and has thereby expanded the NFE A&E Assessment and Certification Process.

3.  The expanded NFE A&E Assessment and Certification System  provides viable and valid approaches to the assessment of learner competence or individual learning achievement. It seeks to establish the value of portfolio-based assessment as a means of assessing learner application and demonstration of skills as a summative assessment measure that complements the national standardized multiple-choice paper and pencil NFE A&E tests in both elementary and secondary levels.

4.  Consistent with the validity, reliability, and integrity of assessment processes, appropriate assessment criteria and authentic assessment methodologies have been developed. These include Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Portfolio Assessment, Performance-based Assessment, and other non formal authentic assessment methodologies as part of the NFE A&E Assessment and Certification Process.

5.  The initial implementation of the NFE A&E Assessment and Certification Process is part of a research and development effort and will be tested in selected Philippines Non Formal Education Project (PNFEP) sites of the National Capital Region (Manila, Quezon City and Muntinlupa), Region VII (Mandaue and Lapu-lapu Cities) and Region XII (Kabacan, North Cotabato and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat). The development phase, which includes the development of instruments, forms, information booklets, guidelines and policies, was conducted from 1 March – 30 May 2001, while the pilot implementation phase is scheduled for June 2001 and the actual assessment of learner presentation portfolios is scheduled on July 2001. Upon completion of the pilot limited trials, the assessment instruments, processes, guidelines, and policies will be reviewed and revised. If the pilot test is found to be successful, valid, and reliable the expanded NFE A&E Assessment and Certification System will be institutionalized in all School Divisions implementing the NFE A&E System.

6.  The NFE A&E Learning Support Delivery System (LSDS) learners who are participating in the pilot implementation and whose learning goal is to gain an Elementary or Secondary Level Certificate are encouraged to submit a presentation portfolio. This presentation portfolio contains formal records that document learners’ background and experiences and the learning process they have followed as well as work samples selected by learners to show what they know and can do. The Instructional Manager is responsible for certifying these formal records, documents, and work samples. Verification of the formal records, documents, and work samples is also required from either the District Supervisor or the District NFE Coordinator.

7.  Any breach of security and violation of policies governing the use of portfolio assessment as part of the NFE A&E assessment and certification process such as falsification of documents, misrepresentation of accomplishment, plagiarism of portfolio, and other related acts by learners will render their test results invalid and bar them from taking the NFE A&E tests for at least three years. If the same offense is committed by the Instructional Manager, he/she will be barred from participating in the NFE A&E LSDS for at least three years, and if a teacher, will merit a suspension.

8.  To ensure uniform action and awareness of all stakeholders, the general policies and guidelines regarding the expansion of the NFE A&E Assessment and Certification System are attached. Comments and suggestions regarding the guidelines for this research and development pilot phase, may be forwarded to the Director IV, Bureau of Non formal Education, 3^rd Floor, Mabini Bldg. DECS Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City.

9.  Immediate and wide dissemination of this Order to all concerned is desired.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Undersecretary for Programs and Projects