Last Updated: July 11, 2025. Classroom assessment has taken center stage especially under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) MATATAG curriculum for junior high school learners. GRADE 8 Matatag 1st Periodical Tests with TOS & Key is more than just a routine quarterly exam. It represents a structured tool used to monitor academic progress, align learning outcomes with the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) and ultimately shape student success.
Classroom assessment goes beyond grading written answers. It includes assessing a student’s critical thinking, communication skills, motivation and even attitude towards learning. These evaluations happen both inside and outside the classroom through activities like discussions, performance tasks, oral assessments and standardized tests such as the DepEd Grade 8 MATATAG Periodical Tests with Table of Specifications (TOS).
What is the Grade 8 MATATAG 1st Periodical Test?
The Grade 8 MATATAG 1st Periodical Test is a standardized quarterly assessment designed by DepEd to measure student mastery of MELC-based competencies. This exam includes subjects such as English,, Math, Science, Filipino, EsP, MAPEH, TLE and Araling Panlipunan and it follows a Table of Specifications (TOS) to ensure coverage and fairness.
While formal testing plays a relatively minor role in early education, its impact becomes more significant in Grade 8, where foundational academic skills are strengthened and assessed. Yet, even today, traditional grading methods remain controversial. Many educators and researchers argue that they often fail to reflect a student’s true abilities especially when assessments prioritize conformity over independent thinking.
This is where DepEd’s periodical testing structure can bridge the gap by providing fair, well-aligned, and meaningful assessments. When teachers understand the core of classroom assessment, they can deliver evaluations that guide student learning, foster curiosity and ensure accountability for educational outcomes.
DepEd 1st Periodical Tests Schedule
AUGUST 20 & 22, 2025
( Wednesday & Friday)
DepEd 1st Quarter Examination Schedule School Year 2025 – 2026
SOURCE: DepEd School Calendar and Activities for School Year 2025-2026
Summary and Key Points
- The MATATAG 1st Periodical Test evaluates Grade 7 learners using competency-aligned tools.
- Tests are based on MELCs, ensuring national consistency in educational standards.
- These assessments provide insights into student learning, helping teachers adjust instruction.
- Periodical tests are part of a larger framework of classroom evaluation, including oral tasks, projects, and formative checks.
- Teacher understanding of assessment is key to making tests meaningful, not just mandatory.

Download Grade 8 Matatag 1st Periodical Tests with TOS and KEY | SY 2025 – 2026
Get the latest DepEd Club FREE Files below. These are updated for MATATAG Curriculum | With Answer Key and Table of Specifications (TOS)
- Updated Files Coming Soon!
- GRADE 8 Matatag 1st Periodical Test in ARALING PANLIPUNAN 8 with TOS and KEY
- GRADE 8 Matatag 1st Periodical Test in ENGLISH 8 with TOS and KEY
- GRADE 8 Matatag 1st Periodical Test in EPP 8 with TOS and KEY
- GRADE 8 Matatag 1st Periodical Test in FILIPINO 8 with TOS and KEY
- GRADE 8 Matatag 1st Periodical Test in GMRC 8 with TOS and KEY
- GRADE 8 Matatag 1st Periodical Test in MAPEH 8 with TOS and KEY
- GRADE 8 Matatag 1st Periodical Test in MATHEMATICS 8 with TOS and KEY
- GRADE 8 Matatag 1st Periodical Test in SCIENCE 8 with TOS and KEY
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR QUARTER 1
Looking for more FREE DepEd teaching resources? The following DepEd files are also updated weekly:
- Daily Lesson Logs
- Summative Tests
- PowerPoint Presentations
- Lesson Exemplars (LE)
- Learning Activity Sheets (LAS) / Worksheets
- and many more!
How to Use These Tests Effectively
- Pre-Test Preparation: Encourage students to review past lessons and practice with sample items or mock tests.
- During the Test: Remind learners to manage their time, read questions carefully and show their process where applicable.
- Post-Test Reflection: Use results to identify learning gaps. Review difficult questions as a class and provide actionable feedback.
- Use Data to Improve Instruction: Don’t stop at scores—analyze patterns and re-teach misunderstood concepts.
Answer Keys and Notes
- Each Grade 7 MATATAG 1st Periodical Test with TOS comes with a reliable answer key aligned with MELCs. These keys are not just grading tools—they’re learning aids. Teachers and parents should use them to:
- Provide rationales for correct answers
- Highlight common misconceptions
- Support self-review and guided remediation
- Reinforce lesson connections to test items
- Encourage learners to revisit incorrect answers and learn from mistakes—this builds mastery and confidence.
Stay Updated
- Download the Grade 8 1st Periodical Test with TOS and Answer Keys now and enhance your teaching strategies with data-driven, competency-based insights.
- Make sure you don’t miss out!
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