ARAL law helps aid Philippines learning gaps

CEBU, Philippines — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. signed yesterday, October 18, 2024, the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) law, which Cebu City Representative Edu Rama Jr. is eager for Cebuano students to benefit from as the program provides learners additional support on subjects that they have a hard time catching up on, especially after the pandemic.

Rama, one of the law's principal authors, expressed eagerness on the implementation of Republic Act 12028 or the ARAL Law that aims to address the learning gaps in the country, particularly for K-12 students.

"Malipayon kaayo kita tungod kay dako kini og tabang sa atong mga estudyante sa Kindergarten hangtod sa Grade 10 kon gikinahanglan nila og dugang nga pagtuon sa mga nag-unang subject sama sa reading, mathematics, ug science (We are happy because this legislation will greatly help our students from Kindergarten to Grade 10, who need additional support in core subjects of reading, mathematics, and science)," said Rep. Rama.

Under this newly signed law, students that are struggling in certain subjects can seek support from the government through a free and effective national learning intervention program, Rama said.

This ensures that all learners struggling in reading, mathematics, and science achieve the competencies set by the Department of Education (DepEd) as the program covers K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum, including reading and mathematics for Grades 1 to 10, and science for Grades 3 to 10.

The ARAL Program Act applies to learners from kindergarten to Grade 10 in public basic education institutions under the DepEd who have returned or are returning to school after a break and are below the minimum proficiency levels required in reading, mathematics, and sciences.

It can also be availed by students who are failing examinations and tests as assessed and evaluated by teachers during the school year.

Learners who meet the minimum proficiency levels may be allowed to enroll in supplemental classes under the ARAL Program during summer breaks.

Section 5 of the law states, "Reading and Mathematics shall be prioritized in the ARAL Program to develop the critical and analytical thinking skills of learners. For Kindergarten learners, it will focus on building foundational skills aimed at strengthening their literacy and numeracy competencies."

All learners to be enrolled in the program will be determined by the Learner Information System (LIS) of DepEd.

Under the law, all teachers and para-teachers who serve as tutors in the program will be compensated.

Para-teachers are those who have taken the Licensure Examination for Teachers, but were unable to qualify and have been issued by the Board for Professional Teachers a special permit indicating their area of assignment.

Sessions in this program can be conducted through face-to-face instruction, online tutorials, or blended learning approaches.

"Our goal is to support Kindergarten to Grade 10 students who need extra help in math, science, and reading. This law aims to address learning gaps in these subjects, by empowering young learners through access to tutors who will guide their improvement. By the time they graduate from K to 12, we want our students to be well-equipped for the future, and the ARAL Program is here to provide that support, at no cost to the parents or students),” Cong.Rama said.

President Marcos on Friday called on stakeholders in the academic sector, the local government units (LGUs), government agencies and the national government to actively participate in the successful implementation of the ARAL Law.

“The success of the ARAL Program hinges upon the active participation of the teachers, the tutors, the parents and guardians, local government units, national government agencies, and, of course, the private sector,” President Marcos said in his speech during the signing of the ARAL Law at the Malacañan Palace yesterday.

“To our LGUs, I call on you to help cultivate a safe and conducive environment for in-person tutorials. Collaborate with the national government in promoting this program by engaging potential tutors, referring qualified candidates, and motivating parents to involve their children in this endeavor,” he added.

The President also urged the teachers and program tutors to approach the students with understanding, teach them without bias, and to guide them with compassion as they carry the hope for a better future that everyone strives for while employing teaching methods that resonate with each students’ unique needs, dreams and aspirations.

 “To parents and guardians, I encourage you to maintain open lines of communication with your children’s tutors. Monitor your child’s progress and extend to them the support they need to succeed in life,” President Marcos said. (CEBU NEWS)