The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that the National Achievement Test (NAT) scores for this year showed an improvement over the previous years' result.

This year's mean percentage score (MPS) for public school students who took NAT is 66.33, from 64.81 percent in 2008 and 54.66 in 2006. Private school students, who were mandated to take the NAT only this year, posted a 52.47 MPS.

The NAT topnotcher, Precious Ivy Bangis of Silang Central Elementary School, got a score of 95.55 percent.

Education secretary Jesli Lapus credits this improvement to the numerous programs launched by the DepEd such as the Teachers Mentoring Program that expanded teacher training; Every Child a Reader Program and Project TURN for literacy, especially in English proficiency; and the Adopt-A-School program, which has now enlisted P12 billion worth of assistance from the private sector for the improvement of public schools.

However, Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raymond “Mong” Palatino said that the slight improvement cannot be a huge cause for celebration, as the 66.33 MPS is still off the passing grade of 75 MPS. Palatino notes that the the still below passing grade was a marker of the government's lack of funding for the education sector, forcing students to learn in bad conditions such as makeshift classrooms, erroneous textbooks and underpaid teachers.

The 2009 NAT was taken by 1.76 million pupils from 31,196 public and 2,386 private elementary schools nationwide. The exam covers five subject areas--English, Science, Math, Filipino and HEKASI--allotting 40 test items for each.

References:
* http://www.deped.gov.ph/cpanel/uploads/issuanceImg/nov15-english.pdf   DepEd cites gains in English teaching and learning

* http://www.deped-davaocity.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=... Public school students' NAT scores up - DepEd Davao

* http://kabataanpartylist.com/blog/low-educ-spending-to-blame-for-poor-na... Low educ spending to blame for 'poor' NAT scores, youth solon says - Kabataan Partylist website