To: Bureau Directors
Regional Directors
Schools Superintendents
Directors of Services/Centers and Heads of Units
Presidents, State Colleges and Universities
Heads of Private Elementary and High Schools

1. This Office recognizes the successful implementation of the “Palistahan 1995” project which resulted in a significant increase in enrollment at the elementary grades due to the admission of six year olds in Grade I Despite concerns over classrooms and teachers shortages, “Palistahan 1995” helped achieve the goal of increasing national participation rate by “bringing almost all our children aged 6 years and above to school. It is now our task to ensure that our Grade I pupils stay in school long enough to complete at least six years of basic education.
2. Unfortunately, studies show that the highest drop-out rate is registered as pupils move from Grade I to II with one of the principal reasons cited being the pupil’s lack of interest in schooling. It is suggested that improving the teachers’ “holding power” especially over Grade I pupils will be greatly enhanced when the teacher himself/herself is conscientious, competent and committed.
3. For this purpose, it is hereby declared a policy to assign the best teachers in school to handle Grade I classes. This will correct the present practice of assigning newly hired teachers or temporary and substitute teachers to the Grade I classes. The school principal shall be guided by the quality and length of teaching experience, the appropriateness of education and training as well as the sense of dedication and love of work manifested by the teachers.
4. A report showing compliance with this Order is to be submitted to the Office of the Secretary (Attention: Undersecretary Erlinda C. Pefianco) not later than September 1, 1995.
5. For strict and immediate compliance.

Reference: DECS Memorandum: No. 65, s. 1994
Allotment: 1-2-3-4—(M.O. 1-87)

To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:
CLASSES
POLICY
PUPILS
SCHOOLS

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