NEAT, NSAT scrapped

The Department of Education (DepEd) announced yesterday the abolition of the National Elementary Achievement Test (NEAT) and the National Secondary Achievement Test (NSAT), which were intended to help gauge abilities of graduating elementary and high school students, respectively.

Education Secretary Raul Roco said the purpose for which the NEAT and NSAT were introduced in 1994 has not been achieved, "so we decided to modify these tests."

"There has been no policy made based on NEAT and NSAT. The results cannot be really used to improve instruction," Roco said.

In 1994, NEAT and NSAT replaced the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE), which was abolished by Congress the year before.

Roco pointed out that to better gauge the country’s education system, a new diagnostic examination will be conducted among a representative sample of students beginning next year.

"The scores in the diagnostic test will not be reflected in their final grades so there will be no pressure on students to cheat just to pass. Also, the test will not be given to all schools," he said.

Under the proposal, the test will be given to randomly selected students in Grade 3. The same students will take another test when they reach Grade 6.

"Through this, we will have an idea if the learning competence of a student has improved. It will help tell us if they can read with comprehension after Grade 3," Roco explained.

For those in high school, the exam will be given to first year students. They will take another test after two years.

"Diagnostic tests will be more useful than the NEAT and NSAT. They would help analyze the aptitude of students and teachers’ instruction methods," Roco said.