DepEd: Classroom Observation no longer sole rating basis

DepEd: Classroom Observation no longer sole rating basis

In an official statement announced today, January 8, 2026, the Department of Education (DepEd) declared that classroom observation will no longer serve as the "sole basis" for assessing teacher performance.

The announcement was made within an official statement extending condolences for the passing of Teacher Agnes Buenaflor of Pedro E. Diaz High School. This tragedy has reignited discussions regarding the intense pressures faced by public school educators.

Addressing "long-standing concerns from teacher groups," DepEd emphasized that the evaluation process must evolve. Effective immediately, classroom observations will be:
• No longer the sole metric: Performance will now be assessed alongside "other factors" to provide a more holistic view of a teacher's contribution.
•  Support-oriented: The Department clarified that observations are intended for "teacher growth and shared learning," rather than being a source of fear.
• Reflective of reality: Observations should reflect "day-to-day teaching" rather than staged, high-pressure demonstrations.

"Classroom observation should be conducted in a supportive, respectful manner not as a source of undue pressure," stated in ofdicial statement.

The policy clarification comes amidst the Department’s mourning of Teacher Agnes Buenaflor. While the official statement did not explicitly detail the cause of her passing, the immediate pivot to addressing "undue pressure" suggests a response to calls for better welfare protection for teachers.

DepEd is currently coordinating with the Schools Division Office and Pedro E. Diaz High School to provide psychosocial support to colleagues and learners affected by the loss.

The Department vowed to continue reviewing these policies and explicitly welcomed "constructive input" from teachers on the ground.

"The Department remains committed to compassion, transparency, and doing everything we can to support the welfare of our teachers and learners," the statement concluded.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

8 January 2026:  The Department of Education extends its deepest condolences to the family, colleagues, and learners of Teacher Agnes Buenaflor of Pedro E. Diaz High School in Muntinlupa City. We mourn the loss of a dedicated educator and stand in solidarity with the school community during this difficult time.

Through the Schools Division Office, we are coordinating with the school and the family to provide immediate assistance, including psychosocial support for affected learners and personnel.

Classroom observation is meant to support teacher growth and shared learning and should be conducted in a supportive, respectful manner that reflects day to day teaching, not as a source of undue pressure. In response to long standing concerns from teacher groups, classroom observation no longer serves as the sole basis for assessing teacher performance and is now considered alongside other factors. The Department will continue reviewing these policies and welcomes constructive input, especially from our teachers.

We honor the service of Teacher Agnes and express our gratitude to her,as well asd to all our hardworking teachers who give so much of themselves every day. The Department remains committed to compassion, transparency, and doing everything we can to support the welfare of our teachers and learners.