Last Updated: August 12, 2025. For Grade 9 learners in the Philippines, assessment is much more than a tool for grading. It’s a compass that guides instruction, learning strategies and student growth. At this stage of junior high school, students are preparing for more advanced academic challenges while refining skills that will serve them in higher education and beyond. In the Department of Education’s (DepEd) framework, assessments such as the Grade 9 MELC 1st Periodical Tests for School Year 2025–2026 play an important role in measuring educational progress and ensuring quality teaching and learning. These are designed under the MATATAG Curriculum, closely aligned with the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) to make sure teaching goals match testing objectives.

Inside the classroom, assessments take many forms: written tests, projects, group work, discussions and observations. These activities are not just about assigning grades. They aim to understand how students think, feel, and apply what they’ve learned. Importantly, they cover the three core domains identified by Benjamin Bloom: Cognitive – knowledge and thinking skills, Affective – attitudes and values, Psychomotor – physical or motor skills.

When used effectively, these assessments do more than report results. They guide teaching decisions, shape learning strategies and encourage deeper, more meaningful understanding.

What is the DepEd Grade 9 MELC 1st Periodical Test?

The Grade 9 MELC-aligned 1st Periodical Test is a criterion-referenced tool that evaluates a student’s mastery of knowledge, skills and values across subjects like Math, Science, English, Filipino, Araling Panlipunan, MAPEH, TLE, and ESP.

These tests are standardized for fairness but flexible enough to adapt to specific class needs. Teachers are encouraged to combine test results with informal assessments for a complete picture of student performance.

Even the most reluctant learners value feedback—if it’s given thoughtfully. Effective feedback focuses on the quality of the work, not the learner’s personality. For example, saying “You are lazy” is unhelpful and demotivating. Instead, constructive comments should highlight what was done well, point out specific areas for improvement and offer actionable suggestions. Feedback should also: follow the assessment criteria set in the task instructions, avoid penalizing students for requirements not originally stated, use standardized feedback sheets for fairness and consistency, be clear, legible, and level-appropriate so students can easily understand.

Summary and Key Points

• The DepEd Grade 9 1st Periodical Test is a MELC-based, criterion-referenced tool that assesses knowledge, skills, and values.
• Classroom assessments should evaluate cognitive, affective and psychomotor development.
• These tests guide instructional decisions and encourage deeper, more meaningful learning.
• Teachers should combine test data with informal assessments for a complete picture of student performance.

Download Grade 9 MELC 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).

• More versions to be uploaded SOON!
• Download ARALING PANLIPUNAN 9 – 1st Periodical Test with TOS and Answer Key
• Download ENGLISH 9 – 1st Periodical Test with TOS and Answer Key v1
• Download ENGLISH 9 – 1st Periodical Test with TOS and Answer Key v2
• Download MAPEH 9 – 1st Periodical Test with TOS and Answer Key v1
• Download MAPEH 9 – 1st Periodical Test with TOS and Answer Key v2
• Download MATHEMATICS 9 – 1st Periodical Test with TOS and Answer Key v1
• Download MATHEMATICS 9 – 1st Periodical Test with TOS and Answer Key v2
• Download SCIENCE 9 – 1st Periodical Test with TOS and Answer Key v1
• Download SCIENCE 9 – 1st Periodical Test with TOS and Answer Key v2
• Download TLE 9 – 1st Periodical Test with TOS and Answer Key
• Need a Quick Review with Questions, Answers and Explanations / Solutions?
  • Click HERE

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

• Teachers and parents can maximize the effectiveness of these assessments by:
  • Reviewing previous test results to identify strengths and weaknesses
  • Using tests as study tools, not just final grades
  • Encouraging reflective learning, where students analyze what they got wrong and why
  • Focusing on skill application, not just memorization
  • Linking test content to real-world contexts for better engagement
    

Answer Keys and Notes

Each of the updated Grade 9 Periodical Test includes a reliable answer key, closely aligned with MELCs. These keys help:

• Validate correct answers with clear rationales
• Highlight common misconceptions
• Provide lesson references to support remediation
• Facilitate feedback sessions and learning dialogues

Parents and educators are encouraged to treat answer keys as tools for improvement, not just grading. Encourage learners to revisit incorrect answers and engage in feedback-driven learning.

Stay Updated

• Whether you’re a teacher preparing lessons, a student aiming to do better, or a parent supporting your child, remember that assessments are not the end goal. They’re tools to promote understanding, reflection and growth.
• Download your Grade 9 MELC-based 1st Quarter Periodical Tests with TOS and Answer Key today and give your learners a strong start this school year!

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• Bookmark our website for regular updates, free test sets, learning resources and DepEd-aligned tools to help your child or classroom succeed in SY 2025–2026 and beyond.