Multi Grade Classes in Philippine Education

A multi grade class is defined as a class composed of two or more grades less than one teacher in a
complete or incomplete elementary school. But when was this system introduced in the Philippines
setting?
The Multi Grade System has been implemented since 1920s. it has always been covered by policies on
monograde class organization which resulted in multi grade classes. The multi grade system has been
with us for quite sometime but it is very obvious that we have not regarded it as a very viable alternative
delivery system to provide access to basic education as well as quality education by providing complete
grade levels in all public elementary schools.
While DECS (now DepEd) officials then had always recognized the existence of multi grade classes, it was
only under the leadership of Secretary Armand Fabella (1993-1994) that the multi grade program was
launched as a systematic and viable means of meeting the goal and providing education for all.
The existence of the multi grade classes in our country is also embodied under the provision of the
Philippine Constitution. Considering the present thrusts of the government to make at least elementary
education truly accessible to all particularly to children in remote barangays, a policy has been made and
declared to build a school in all school-less barangays where enrolment and population growth trends
warrant the establishment of a new school, and develop and /or implement the Multi grade System of
Delivery, so as to enable children to complete their elementary schooling particularly in areas where it is
uneconomical to put up a six-classroom building.
From then on, multi grade classes became truly a part of our educational system. at present, some of
these multi grade classes were already converted to monograde classes due to increase of enrolment
while other areas of the country are just starting to put up multi grade classes.

FACTS

1. Multigrade teachers must be trained to give different lessons at the same time to pupils at different
grade levels.

2. Children sit in grade-groups facing their own blackboard (BB)

3. If there are two grade groups in the class the BB are placed either end of the classroom with
children facing opposite directions.

4. During the lessons the teacher moves frequently between the different groups.

5. Give reading instructions to one grade; give dictation to the other grade.

6. One grade is copying handwriting math exercises from the BB, the other grade will be instructed on
a new math item
7. The extra work involved in multigrade teaching must be recognized by giving teachers 50%
additional salary for two grades and 75% for three or more grades.

8. Teachers in multigrade classrooms must receive a lot of support and must meet regularly with
teachers from other multigrade schools.

Multi-grade Challenges

Multi-grade Opportunities

Curriculum Provision: Extended Time Frame:

In multi-grade situations teachers have increased
curricular responsibility. They are accountable for
curriculum mandates and student learning
outcomes for a greater number of courses over
several grade levels. They must be knowledgable
of the curriculum for each grade level and
develop strategies for its provision.
The extended time frame provides both teachers
and students with a number of potential
advantages. The teacher has the opportunity to
get to know the students extremely well. S/he is,
therefore, in a position to plan for and monitor
each student's learning and development in a
continuous and more responsive fashion over a
two or three year period.

Broad Range of Curriculum:

Responding to Student Needs:

Students have the opportunity to experience

It is generally acknowledge that in a multi-grade
situation there may be a greater range in student
ability and attainment. Meeting the needs of this
broader range of students may be quite
demanding.
and participate in a much wider range of
educational experiences. Opportunities are
there for students to encounter academic
challenges that stretch their abilities and to
review and revisit work that may not have been
mastered. They can do both without leaving their
classroom.