BALER, Aurora – Learners in Aurora are set to benefit from targeted tutorial interventions as the Department of Education (DepEd) rolls out the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program in the province.
The initiative aims to address learning gaps—many of which were brought about by the pandemic and other disasters—by deploying trained tutors and implementing focused catch-up sessions, ensuring that struggling students receive the necessary academic support to improve proficiency in key subject areas.
DepEd Aurora Chief Education Supervisor – Curriculum Implementation Division Edelwinda Casballido said the program will provide free tutorials in reading, mathematics, and science for identified learners from Kindergarten to Grade 10.
“Students who will undergo the program are selected through assessments such as the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment for Grades 1–3 to measure literacy levels and the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory for Grades 4–10 to evaluate reading comprehension and skills,” she added.
The coverage includes essential learning competencies in reading and mathematics for Grades 1–10, with additional science for Grades 3–10, while Kindergarten learners will receive foundational support in literacy and numeracy.
Tutorials may be conducted before or after regular classes, during vacant periods, or even on weekends to accommodate students’ needs.
“This program aims to help learners recover from the learning gaps caused by the pandemic and other disasters. For the second quarter of this school year, ARAL – Reading will be the focus of the implementation, strengthening the skills of Grades 2 to 10,” she said.
Meanwhile, she assured teachers that the program includes measures to manage the additional workload and provide fair compensation so they can focus on helping learners achieve better academic outcomes.
“Aside from hiring teachers, we also partnered with private institutions and state colleges to provide additional support for the program’s implementation,” she said.
During his 4th State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the education system by prioritizing programs that address learning gaps and raise the quality of instruction nationwide.
“Puspusan nating inaayos at pinapaganda ang ating sistema ng edukasyon. Sa lahat ng mga pinahahalagahan ng Administrasyon, ito pa rin ang nasa rurok,” the Chief Executive assured.
DepEd continues to work closely with local government units, schools, and community partners to ensure the successful implementation of ARAL, aiming to equip every learner in Aurora with the skills and confidence needed for lifelong learning. (CLJD/MAT, PIA Region 3)