If you’re a teacher, this will surely make your day.

The Department of Education (DepEd) just released a memorandum allowing more time for your first classroom observation. Instead of rushing to complete it before the Second Quarter ends, you now have until the Third Quarter!

Let’s talk about what this means and why it’s good news for teachers across the country.

What Did DepEd Announce?

DepEd issued Memorandum DM-OUHROD-2025-231 on October 9, 2025, to explain changes in the Classroom Observation Schedule under the Multi-Year Performance Management and Evaluation System (PMES) for SY 2025–2026.

Why the update?

The original memo (DM No. 089, s. 2025) was released just as the Second Quarter was ending. That made it hard for teachers to adjust. So, this new memo gives flexibility and clear rules to make sure everything is fair.

Observation	When It Can Be Done
1st Full Observation	Anytime during 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Quarter
2nd Full Observation	Anytime during 3rd or 4th Quarter

This means you don’t have to panic if your first observation hasn’t happened yet in Q1 or Q2. You have more time — up to the end of Q3.

You’re Covered if Your Observation Was Done Earlier

Did your first observation already happen before the memo came out?

You’re still good — as long as:

• It was a full-period session.
• The Observation Notes Form was filled out and signed.
• Both you and the observer agreed to it.

If all that’s done, your observation is valid and accepted under the new rules.

What About the Indicators (COIs)?

The Classroom Observable Indicators (COIs) are still part of your evaluation. But here’s what changed:

✅ If you missed showing some COIs in the 1st or 2nd Quarter, you can still show them in Q3 or Q4.
✅ If you already demonstrated your COIs before this memo, no need to repeat them.
✅ You can choose to repeat COIs voluntarily if you want to improve your performance.

But there are some COIs that must be shown twice, in both observation periods. These are:

• Indicator 1.1.2
• Indicator 1.4.2
• Indicator 1.5.2

So make sure to include these in both sessions.

No More Timeliness Rating This School Year

Another win for teachers: the Timeliness measure will not be rated this school year.

This means:

• If you had delays in your classroom observation,
• Or if your COIs were not completed “on time”,

You won’t be penalized for it in SY 2025–2026. 🎉

Quick Recap for Busy Teachers

• ✅ 1st classroom observation deadline extended to 3rd Quarter
• ✅ No need to rush this Q2
• ✅ COIs can be demonstrated later
• ✅ Timeliness will not be rated
• ✅ Memo is effective immediately
• ✅ Only applies to SY 2025–2026

Why This Matters

As a teacher myself, I know how stressful it can be when new rules come out mid-year. Many of us are already juggling lesson plans, paperwork, and everything else that comes with the job.

This DepEd memo gives us breathing room — more time to prepare, perform well, and avoid burnout.

It shows that DepEd is listening and adjusting based on real challenges in schools.

Who to Contact for Questions

If you need clarification, you can contact:

Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development (BHROD)
📍 4th Floor, Mabini Building, DepEd Central Office, Pasig City
📧 [email protected]
📞 (02) 8470-6630

FAQs

This memo brings relief, especially for those feeling the pressure this Quarter 2. With the new classroom observation schedule, we now have the space to breathe, prepare better, and focus more on our students.

So take this as your sign to stop rushing. You have time — and that’s good news worth celebrating.