Schools are not required to conduct make-up classes for every class suspension
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| DepEd Rules on Make-up Classes |
Schools are not required to conduct make-up classes for every class suspension
This article addresses the numerous queries and mounting concerns we have received recently regarding how schools are managing several class suspensions. We hear your frustration: many schools have delayed their 1st-term examinations and are now repurposing the crucial end-of-term block for mandatory make-up classes.
While the pressure to catch up is understandable, it is essential to ground our expectations in the official guidelines established by DepEd Order No. 014, s. 2026.
The 90% Rule for Make-Up Classes
The most common misconception is that every single suspended day must be replaced. This is legally incorrect. The policy explicitly defines when make-up classes are triggered:
"Makeup classes shall be required if the number of actual class days, considering class suspensions and holidays, falls below 90% of the mandatory contact days outlined in the school calendar."
Because distance learning and check-ins during minor to moderate disruptions (Hinay and Hinga levels) count as half a class day, schools properly utilizing alternative modalities preserve their active learning days. This makes it highly unlikely to breach the 90% threshold.
How Suspensions are Counted Under the Framework
Not all class suspensions count as a full day missed. Under the Learning Continuity Framework (DO 14, s. 2026), suspensions are categorized by levels depending on the severity of the emergency and whether distance learning/check-ins continue:
| Learning Continuity Level | Description / Status | Impact on Class Days |
|---|---|---|
| HAYO (Continue) | Normal in-person classroom learning. | 0 days missed |
| HINAY (Ease-in) | Structured distance learning; pacing is slowed down. | 1/2 class day missed |
| HINGA (Check-in) | Reduced academic demand; focus on psychosocial check-ins & basic activities. | 1/2 class day missed |
| HINTO (Stop) | All forms of learning are completely suspended due to severe danger. | 1 full class day missed[ |
The Mandate to Mitigate Learning Loss
To prevent severe calendar disruptions, the Department of Education requires every school to proactively manage emergencies through a Learning and Service Continuity Plan (LSCP).
"The LSCP ensures safety and outlines the interventions for uninterrupted education... This plan is to be developed annually before the beginning of each school year, and shall be updated every term..."
What Extensive Make-Up Classes Signify
To be straightforward: if a school is forced to conduct extensive make-up classes and sacrifice the intended activities of the end-of-term block, it strongly signifies that their LSCP failed to serve its purpose.
Falling below the 90% threshold indicates the school's emergency response was either unimplemented, inaccessible, or highly ineffective. This situation necessitates immediate assessment.
- The policy mandates that schools evaluate their incident management reports.
- Interventions that result in "unintended strain on learners or teachers" are officially classified as needing "substantial revision" for future emergencies.
Handling Delayed Examinations
Cramming delayed tests and make-up classes into the end-of-term block contradicts the core well-being principles of the policy. The guidelines are clear regarding assessments:
"If a periodical exam is affected by a class suspension, the school shall reschedule the exam. Before giving the periodical exam, teachers shall give their learners enough time to adjust to in-person classes."
- Periodical exams must only occur during normal, in-person days (Hayo level).
- Schools are explicitly barred from rushing students into tests immediately upon their return to campus.
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