Assessment of Variance in Learning Competencies among Seven Elementary Schools: Implications for NAT Results and Academic Performance

Abstract

Understanding the variance in learning competencies among elementary schools is crucial for informing teaching practices and educational policies. Preserving national standards while supplementing them with a comprehensive framework, including 21st-century learning skills, supports students' holistic development. This study aims to identify key factors influencing academic performance, informing targeted interventions to ensure a high-quality education for all students. This research analyzes Grade Six students' learning competencies in Baclayon District for the School Years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, focusing on NAT results in Filipino. Seven elementary schools participated, and statistical analysis assesses the correlation between teaching materials, methods, and language used in teaching and students' academic performance in Filipino. The study analyzes the performance of Grade Six students in the National Achievement Test (NAT) in Filipino over two school years across seven elementary schools in Baclayon District. Significant differences between students' proficiency in Filipino and their NAT results were found in most schools, indicating a decline in performance from 2013-2014 to 2014-2015. However, no significant variances in learning competencies were observed across schools and years, despite variations in mean scores. The mean scores decreased across all low-performing schools in Baclayon District in the School Year 2014-2015, with six out of seven schools scoring below the 75% passing rate. This decline highlights the need for curriculum review and teacher training, particularly in comprehension and critical thinking. Targeted interventions are urgently required to address the decline in academic outcomes, especially in the Filipino subject.