Given the temporary suspension of face-to-face learning and with the implementation of different learning modalities, teachers/ advisers may choose an applicable Learner Attendance Conversion Tool (LACT) that can be considered in checking learner attendance.
The chosen norm of attendance checking should be explained to parents/learners for awareness and transparency. Teachers are highly encouraged to exercise due consideration and to reach out to learners.
A learner can only be considered a drop-out or No Longer Participating in learning Activities (NLPA) if he/she and his/her parent voluntarily withdraw from schooling or if he/ she incurs absences of more than 20% of the prescribed number of class or laboratory periods during the school year or semester as per DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2015.
This is equivalent to seven weeks of non-attendance in his/her online classes or non-submission of modules/activity sheets without any communication/contact efforts being made by the learner or parent/guardian with the teacher.
Note that contact/communication efforts may vary depending on the distance learning modality and may include but are not limited to electronic/digital communication, using of designated drop/pick up kiosk /middleman for printed modules, phone calls, text messaging, handheld CB radio, letter correspondence or attending classes/meetings, and/or physical interactions between parent/guardian and adviser within the parameters of the existing local/national health safety protocols of Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for COVID-19.