Implementation of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program: Teachers' Readiness, Attitudes, Challenges, and Effectiveness

This study examined teachers' readiness, attitudes, challenges, lived experiences, and assessed effectiveness of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program in the Division of Bohol during School Year 2026–2027 as a basis for a comprehensive action plan. Anchored in program implementation, reading readiness, constructivist, and sociocultural learning perspectives, the study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-method design involving 277 Grade 7 ARAL teachers from 129 public secondary schools. Data were collected using a validated researcher-developed questionnaire and semi-structured interviews and analyzed through descriptive statistics, multiple regression, and thematic analysis. Findings revealed high teacher readiness (M = 3.16), highly favorable attitudes (M = 3.22), highly encountered challenges (M = 2.88), and highly assessed program effectiveness (M = 3.08). Regression analysis showed that readiness, attitudes, and challenges significantly predicted assessed effectiveness (R² = 0.643, p < .001), explaining 64.3% of its variance, with attitudes emerging as the strongest predictor. Teachers reported challenges involving limited instructional time, inadequate resources, additional workloads, irregular learner attendance, and insufficient parental support. Qualitative findings highlighted differentiated instruction, diagnostic assessment, collaboration, and adaptive teaching practices as coping mechanisms. The study concluded that teacher preparedness, positive attitudes, and effective challenge management were essential to ARAL implementation. It recommended continuous professional development, adequate resources, flexible scheduling, stronger stakeholder collaboration, and regular monitoring. The study supported Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by promoting equitable learning recovery and collaborative educational interventions. Its sustainability contribution emphasized institutional capacity building, educational continuity, and strengthened stakeholder participation for long-term program implementation.