Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act

This Act is officially named the 'Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act.' Its core policy is to protect and promote the right to quality education for all citizens, making it accessible through an effective national learning intervention program. The aim is to help learners who are struggling, particularly in reading, mathematics, and science, to achieve the competency levels set by the Department of Education (DepEd).

The program applies to Kindergarten to Grade 10 learners in public basic education institutions. This includes students returning to school after a furlough, those below minimum proficiency in reading, mathematics, and science, and those failing examinations as assessed by teachers. Learners meeting proficiency levels can join supplemental classes during summer. Private school students can also receive interventions upon request, with priority given to beneficiaries of the Educational Service Contracting Scheme.

The ARAL Program is established as a national learning intervention grounded on systematized tutorial sessions, well-organized intervention plans aligned with a learner-centered approach, effective and accessible delivery modes, careful learner assessment, and well-chosen and trained tutors. It also integrates existing DepEd policies for holistic well-being, ensuring mastery of essential competencies and addressing learning loss.

The ARAL Program focuses on essential learning competencies in reading and mathematics for Grades 1 to 10, and science for Grades 3 to 10, as part of the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum. Reading and mathematics are prioritized to develop critical and analytical thinking. For Kindergarten learners, the program builds foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

The DepEd's Learner Information System (LIS) will identify returning students. Other learners will be identified through pre-program assessments and classroom-based assessments like examinations and tests. Regular assessments will track learner progress, with priority given to students from Kindergarten to Grade 6.

Eligible tutors include teachers (excluding their own learners) and para-teachers (LET passers who didn't qualify, holding special permits). Pre-service teachers, as defined by the 'Excellence in Teacher Education Act', are also eligible. The DepEd may also engage other qualified individuals. Tutors will receive training in effective pedagogies, interpersonal skills, social-emotional learning, and cultural competency.

The ARAL Program includes mass awareness campaigns to encourage re-enrollment. The DepEd will update its LIS to include tutor and learner academic information and performance. Public Telecommunications Entities (PTEs) must provide free access to DepEd's learning management systems, with subsidized data plans for needy learners and tutors. Broadcasting networks must allot air time for supplemental tutorial video materials covering essential learning competencies.

Teachers serving as tutors will be compensated if they have completed their prescribed classroom teaching hours, with compensation not exceeding two hours based on DBM guidelines. Para-teachers will be compensated from the DepEd budget or the Local School Board's Special Education Fund (SEF). Services rendered by pre-service teachers will count as relevant teaching experience for DepEd plantilla positions.

Tutorial sessions can be conducted face-to-face, online, or through blended learning, prioritizing accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and health safety. Public schools are preferred venues, ensuring security and safety. The DepEd will collaborate with Local Government Units (LGUs) to provide safe learning environments, promote the program, identify tutors, and encourage parental involvement. LGU initiatives in learning recovery can be performance indicators for the Seal of Good Local Governance.

Schools and tutors will maintain regular communication with parents and parent-substitutes, who are encouraged to support home learning activities. The DepEd will coordinate with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other stakeholders for implementation.

Donations, contributions, or grants to the ARAL Program are exempt from donor's tax and are considered allowable deductions from gross income. An annual evaluation will be conducted to assess the program's impact, with reports submitted to Congress. Funding will be charged against current DepEd appropriations and subsequently included in the annual General Appropriations Act, with LGUs potentially providing funds from their SEF.

Within sixty days of the Act's effectivity, DepEd, in consultation with relevant agencies and stakeholders, will issue implementing rules and regulations. These rules will take effect thirty days after publication. The Act includes separability and repealing clauses for other inconsistent laws. It takes effect fifteen days after publication in the Official Gazette or a general circulation newspaper.