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Aral Program Deped 2026

Aral Program Deped 2026

ARAL Program DepEd: The Ultimate Guide to RA 12028 (Free Download Materials)

In the wake of global shifts in education, the Department of Education (DepEd) has taken a monumental leap to ensure no Filipino student is left behind. Enter the ARAL Program—a national initiative officially codified by Republic Act No. 12028, also known as the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act.

Whether you are a parent worried about your child’s reading skills, a teacher looking for implementation guidelines, or a student-teacher wanting to volunteer, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the ARAL Program for 2024–2026.

Table of Contents

What is the ARAL Program DepEd?

The ARAL Program is a free, national learning intervention program designed to bridge learning gaps and address the “learning poverty” exacerbated by pandemic-era school closures. Unlike previous temporary remediation efforts, the ARAL Program is now a permanent law signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in October 2024.

The program specifically targets learners from Kindergarten to Grade 10, focusing on the core foundations of literacy and numeracy.

Key Objectives of RA 12028

  • Recover Learning Loss: Regain the academic momentum lost during the 2020–2022 period.

  • Ensure Mastery: Focus on Essential Learning Competencies (ELCs) in Reading, Mathematics, and Science.

  • Accessibility: Provide free tutorial sessions via face-to-face, online, or blended modes.

Download here ARAL Program Materials!

Who is Eligible for the ARAL Program?

The program is not just for students who are “failing.” It is a tiered intervention system designed for specific groups of learners who need the most support.

Priority Groups

  1. The “Non-Enrollees”: Students who did not enroll during the 2020–2021 School Year.

  2. The “Lagging” Learners: Students who are currently struggling to meet the minimum proficiency levels for their grade.

  3. The “Marginal” Learners: Students who are at or slightly above the minimum level but still require reinforcement to master complex concepts.

  4. Balik-Aral Students: Those returning to school after dropping out for a year or more.

Important Note: While the program primarily serves public school students, private school learners can also avail of these interventions under certain conditions, specifically those under the Educational Service Contracting (ESC) scheme.

Subject Areas and Grade Focus

The ARAL Program doesn’t try to teach everything at once. It focuses on the “gatekeeper” subjects—the ones that, if mastered, allow a student to succeed in all other areas.

Grade LevelCore Subjects Covered
KindergartenFoundational Literacy & Numeracy (Building Blocks)
Grades 1 to 10Reading and Mathematics
Grades 3 to 10Science (Integrated with Literacy/Numeracy)

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How the Tutorials Work: 3 Flexible Modes

DepEd understands that every Filipino family has a different situation. To make the ARAL Program truly “accessible,” it offers three delivery modes:

  • Face-to-Face Tutorials: Conducted in schools or community learning centers, ideal for students who need direct supervision.

  • Online Tutorials: Using DepEd-approved platforms. A major win for parents: access to DepEd learning apps is data-free for ARAL participants.

  • Blended Learning: A mix of in-person and digital sessions to accommodate busy schedules.

The Role of Tutors

The program isn’t just on the shoulders of regular teachers. Tutors include:

  1. DepEd Teachers: Who receive incentives/credits for their service.

  2. Para-teachers: Licensed teachers who are not yet employed by DepEd.

  3. Pre-service Teachers: Education students in their 3rd or 4th year of college (who must be in the top 75% of their class).

Why the ARAL Program is a Game Changer

In the past, remediation was often seen as a “punishment” or a summer-only activity (like the National Learning Camp). The ARAL Program changes the narrative by making intervention a year-round, well-funded, and legally protected right.

Benefits for Tutors and Teachers

According to DepEd Order No. 18, s. 2025, tutors are not just volunteers; they are valued partners:

  • Service Credits: Teachers get service credits for hours spent tutoring.

  • Incentives: Financial stipends are allocated for para-teachers and student-tutors.

  • Career Growth: Experience in the ARAL program counts toward “Points” for future DepEd ranking and promotion.

Disclaimer:

Some educational materials may be inspired by or aligned with DepEd curriculum standards.
However:

  • All materials uploaded or created are intended to support teachers and students.

  • If any copyrighted content is unintentionally shared, please contact us here depedlibre@gmail.com immediately for removal or proper attribution.

We respect intellectual property rights and respond promptly to valid copyright concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the ARAL Program mandatory for all students?

No. It is targeted at students identified through the Learner Information System (LIS) and initial assessments (like the CRLA or RMA) as needing additional support. However, parents are highly encouraged to enroll their children if they qualify.

 

2. Is there a fee to join?

No. The law (RA 12028) explicitly states that the program is free of charge for all eligible learners.

 

3. How are students assessed?

The program uses a “Midline” and “Endline” assessment. Students stay in the program until they reach Grade-Level Proficiency. Once they “exit,” they are monitored to ensure they don’t slide back.

 

4. Can college students really teach?

Yes, but only those in Education programs (Pre-service teachers). They must pass a “mock tutoring session” and meet academic requirements to ensure the quality of instruction.

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