DepEd reviews classroom observation guidelines

The Department of Education (DepEd) is reviewing its classroom observation policies following the death of a public school teacher during a scheduled evaluation in Muntinlupa City earlier this week.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara confirmed the move Friday during an interview at San Francisco High School, stating the agency recognizes teachers’ concerns regarding the high-pressure environment of these evaluations.

The review follows the Wednesday death of Agnes Buenaflor, a teacher at Pedro E. Diaz High School, who died while being observed in her classroom and prompted renewed calls from the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers to suspend the practice and improve teacher welfare.

“We are changing the system from high-stakes to more humane and supportive approaches,” Angara said. “The President’s instruction is clear — take care of our teachers.”

Angara cited that DepEd has already begun relaxing observation rules. Previously, observations were often unannounced and served as the sole basis for performance reviews.

Under current adjustments, observations are scheduled in coordination with teachers and represent only one of several factors in promotion and evaluation.

The agency is also drafting new guidelines to replace traditional, high-stakes sessions with teacher-centered alternatives. These include shorter 5- to 10-minute “walkthroughs,” instructional rounds, and reflective feedback mechanisms designed to reduce stress.

Despite calls for a blanket suspension, DepEd maintained that observations will continue in some form, arguing they are essential for maintaining teaching quality and student outcomes.