The Department of Education (DepEd) is mobilizing teachers, tutors, and parents nationwide to strengthen mathematics learning recovery through the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Mathematics Program, with schools preparing to provide targeted interventions for learners who need additional support in mathematics.
Under DepEd Memorandum No. 060, s. 2026, ARAL Mathematics is being implemented in public elementary and secondary schools for Grade 1 through 10 beginning School Year 2026-2027. The program uses assessment results to identify learners requiring support and provides structured, practice-based, and self-paced tutoring to help them progress toward grade-level mathematics proficiency.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that mathematics learning recovery requires identifying each learner’s difficulties and providing appropriate support at their own pace.
“Hindi pare-pareho ang hirap ng mga bata sa Mathematics. May nahihirapan pa sa basic counting, mayroon sa arithmetic operations, at mayroon din sa mas komplikadong concepts. Kaya mahalagang matukoy natin kung saan sila nangangailangan ng tulong at bigyan sila ng pagkakataong matuto sa sarili nilang bilis, nang may sapat na gabay at suporta,” Angara said.
To support the implementation, DepEd conducted a nationwide online seminar on October 19 to orient teachers, tutors, school heads, and ARAL focal persons on implementation guidelines, tutoring sessions, and learning materials. The webinar drew more than 26,000 live viewers nationwide.
“Mahalaga na hindi mawalan ng kumpiyansa ang mga batang nahihirapan sa Math.”
Learners are identified through the Rapid Mathematics Assessment (RMA), with priority given to those assessed as “Not Proficient” or “Low Proficient.” Schools may group learners according to their identified needs and adjust interventions as their skills improve.
Based on the beginning-of-school-year assessment results, more than 11 million learners nationwide were identified as requiring additional support in mathematics, underscoring the importance of targeted intervention in numeracy and coordinated support from schools and families.
ARAL Mathematics uses structured worksheets that build mathematical skills through manageable, progressively challenging activities. Sessions are designed for small groups, with a recommended tutor-to-learner ratio of 1:10 or a maximum of 1:15, ensuring more focused and personalized support.
Tutors serve as facilitators, guiding learners through questions, hints, and feedback rather than relying on conventional lectures. The program also uses Individual Mathematics Intervention Plans to monitor learner progress and adjust support according to identified learning needs.
Schools may conduct ARAL Mathematics through face-to-face, online, or blended sessions, depending on their resources and local conditions. Sessions may also be scheduled during class hours, before or after classes, or through other arrangements approved at the division level, subject to the guidelines.
Based on the beginning-of-school-year assessment results, more than 11 million learners nationwide were identified as requiring additional support in mathematics, underscoring the importance of targeted intervention in numeracy and coordinated support from schools and families.
DepEd is also encouraging schools to engage parents in monitoring learner progress and reinforcing positive learning habits at home. Through school orientations and regular communication, families can better understand the support their children need and work with teachers and tutors throughout the intervention.
DepEd said it will continue supporting schools and field offices in implementing ARAL Mathematics through learner assessment, appropriate learning resources, tutor guidance, and progress monitoring, consistent with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen foundational learning.
“Mahalaga na hindi mawalan ng kumpiyansa ang mga batang nahihirapan sa Math. Sa tulong ng teachers, tutors, at parents, mabibigyan natin sila ng mas maraming pagkakataong magsanay, magtanong, at matutong hindi matakot sa mahihirap na tanong. Bawat maliit na improvement ay mahalagang hakbang tungo sa mas matibay na foundation sa pagkatuto,” Angara stressed.
