Effectiveness of ARAL-Reading Tool on Learners’ Reading Fluency and Comprehension

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the ARAL-Reading Tool in improving reading fluency and comprehension among Grade Six learners in the Third District of Bohol during School Year 2025–2026. Anchored on Automaticity Theory, Schema Theory, and Sociocultural Theory, the study employed a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control-group design involving 15 purposively selected learners. Seven learners received the eight-week ARAL-Reading Plus intervention, while eight received regular reading instruction. Data were gathered using the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (Phil-IRI) and the Division of Bohol District Reading Assessment Template. Descriptive statistics and paired-samples and independent-samples t-tests were employed. Before the intervention, both groups demonstrated Frustration-level performance in reading fluency and comprehension. Following the intervention, the experimental group achieved 98.48% in fluency and 85.71% in comprehension, while the control group obtained 96.21% and 57.14%, respectively. Both groups demonstrated significant pretest-posttest improvements. However, between-group comparisons revealed a significant difference in comprehension (p = .019), but not in fluency (p = .185). The findings indicate that the ARAL-Reading Tool supported reading development, particularly comprehension. Strengthening structured reading interventions, instructional resources, teacher support, parental involvement, and continuous assessment was recommended. The study aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by addressing foundational literacy gaps and promoting equitable learning opportunities. Its contribution to educational and institutional sustainability emphasizes evidence-based reading interventions, stakeholder collaboration, and continued support for improving elementary learners' literacy outcomes and strengthening school-based educational recovery initiatives. The findings also provide a basis for school heads and education officials to refine implementation, allocate resources, and monitor reading progress.