The Performance of the National Achievement Test Result For Grade 6 S.Y. 2017 -2018 of Pinaripad National High School Aglipay, Quirino

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

To assess and monitor the quality of basic education in the Philippines, achievement tests are administered to elementary and secondary schools. The National Achievement Test (NAT) is a standardized test designed to determine the students’ achievement level, strengths, and weaknesses in the five key curricular subject areas: Mathematics, English, Filipino and HeKaSi (Heograpiya, Kasaysayan at Sibika) in elementary and Araling Panlipunan in the secondary level which is administered to grades three, six and ten. It is composed of 310 items classified into problem solving, information literacy plus critical thinking.

METHODS

This study employed quantitative and qualitative research methods. The quantitative part focused on the descriptive -correlational design to test the relationship between the level of academic performance on the core areas and skills assessed. For the qualitative aspect, open-ended questionnaire was utilized as main gathering tool in identifying issues and concerns. The consolidated answers served as support and validation of the quantitative findings of the study. Meanwhile, Mean and Standard Deviation were used to show the performance of the respondents in Filipino, Mathematics, English, Science, HEKASI. Pearson r in identifying relationship between variables was employed to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The level of academic performance in the National Achievement Test Grade 6 was average. Mastery of learning competencies in the different subjects have not been acquired or developed adequately. Decision making was necessary to increase the level of achievement in the core areas. Furthermore, development of information literacy and critical thinking skills were significantly related to increase the levelof academic achievement. The root cause of misconception and/or difficulty of the students in answering questions in the National Achievement Test (NAT) is retention of skills learned during instruction.

DISCUSSIONS

The results reveal that we educators are directly responsible for crucial development of learners. The teaching and learning tasks chosen must be those that are likely to realize the standard learning competencies. Moreover, teachers should enhance their teaching strategy to problem solving and inquiry-based approach. Integration of information literacy, numeracy skills, and critical thinking in teaching the core subjects should also be encouraged.