THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) has issued guidelines for the implementation of the Three-Term School Calendar, Learning Continuity in Emergencies policy, revised Lesson Planning and Learning Design framework, updated Assessment and Grading Policy, and the nationwide rollout of the Strengthened Senior High School (SHS) Curriculum.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the reforms are designed to help schools focus on improving student learning outcomes while providing stronger support for teachers.

“Mas titiyakin natin na maayos ang pagkatuto ng mga bata at mas suportado ang ating mga guro. Ginawa natin ang mga repormang ito upang gawing mas malinaw ang sistema, mas epektibo ang pagtuturo, at mas nakatuon sa pangangailangan ng mga mag-aaral,” he said.

Among the key reforms is the transition to a Three-Term School Calendar, which aims to provide longer and more coherent learning periods, improve the pacing of lessons, and allocate dedicated time for consolidation, remediation, and enrichment activities.

DepEd is also rolling out the Learning Continuity in Emergencies policy, which establishes clear protocols to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of education during disruptions caused by typhoons, floods, extreme heat, earthquakes, and other emergencies.

To enable teachers to focus more on classroom instruction, the department has simplified lesson planning requirements through the ILAW Framework—Intentions, Learning Experience, Assessing Learning, and Ways Forward.

Under the policy, documentation requirements have been streamlined, additional templates beyond prescribed standards are prohibited, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence is allowed as a support tool while maintaining teacher judgment and accountability.

DepEd has likewise revised its assessment and grading guidelines to place greater emphasis on learner progress, meaningful feedback, and instructional support. The updated policy strengthens formative assessment practices, introduces phased descriptive grading in the early grades, and encourages the use of assessment results to guide remediation and enrichment interventions.

Meanwhile, the Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum will be implemented nationwide starting this school year. The enhanced curriculum offers more flexible learning pathways, strengthens foundational competencies, expands elective options, and aims to better prepare graduates for higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.