Republic Act No. 12028: The Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act

Republic Act No. 12028, known as the 'Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act', aims to protect and promote the right to quality education. Its objective is to establish a free and effective national learning intervention program for struggling learners, particularly in reading, mathematics, and science, to help them attain Department of Education (DepEd) competencies.

The ARAL Program covers Kindergarten to Grade 10 learners in public basic education who are returning to school after a furlough, are below minimum proficiency levels, or are failing examinations. Qualified private basic education institutions may also receive interventions. The program is built on well-systematized tutorial sessions, organized intervention plans, effective delivery modes, careful learner assessment, trained tutors, and alignment with DepEd policies for holistic well-being support. It will focus on essential learning competencies in reading, mathematics (Grades 1-10), and science (Grades 3-10), with foundational skills for Kindergarten.

Learners are identified through the DepEd's Learner Information System (LIS) for returnees, pre-program assessments for proficiency levels, and classroom-based assessments for failing students, prioritizing Kindergarten to Grade 6. Tutors can be teachers, para-teachers (those who passed LET but did not qualify, holding special permits), or pre-service teachers. Teachers cannot tutor their own learners. The DepEd may also engage other qualified individuals. Tutors will receive training in effective pedagogies, interpersonal skills, social-emotional learning, and cultural competency.

Public Telecommunications Entities (PTEs) must provide free access to DepEd-exclusively hosted learning management systems applications, without data charges for use or downloads. DepEd will identify financially needy learners and tutors for subsidized data plans. Additionally, broadcasting networks are mandated to allot airtime for supplemental tutorial video materials covering essential competencies in reading, mathematics, and science, as a public service responsibility.

Teachers serving as tutors will be compensated if they have rendered their prescribed six hours of classroom teaching, with compensation not exceeding two hours based on the Prime Hourly Teaching Rate. Para-teachers will be compensated from the DepEd budget or the Local School Board's Special Education Fund. Services rendered by pre-service teachers will be considered relevant teaching experience for DepEd plantilla positions. Tutorial sessions can be conducted face-to-face, online, or through blended learning, considering accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and health safety. Public schools are preferred venues, ensuring safety.

Local Government Units (LGUs) will collaborate with DepEd for safe learning environments and program promotion, with LGU initiatives contributing to their Seal of Good Local Governance performance indicators. Schools and tutors will maintain communication with parents and parent-substitutes, encouraging them to assist in home learning. Implementing agencies include DepEd, CHED, DICT, DILG, and other stakeholders. Donations to the ARAL Program are exempt from donor's tax and are deductible from gross income. An annual impact evaluation report will be submitted to Congress. Funds will be charged against current DepEd appropriations and included in future General Appropriations Acts, with LGUs potentially using their Special Education Fund.