29/05/2026
SDO Pangasinan II conducts Training on Early Reading Strategies
Educators from the Schools Division Office of Pangasinan II gathered at JM Bugayong Resort, Sitio Casubiduan, Binalonan, Pangasinan on May 27-29, 2026, for the training titled “Teaching Early Readers: Strategies for Success in Key Stage 1”, conducted under the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program. The activity aimed to strengthen teachers’ competence in literacy instruction and equip them with effective tools to improve learning outcomes for young learners.
The training officially commenced on Day 1 with the registration of participants, facilitated by the Program Management Team led by Dr. Juliet A. Estrada, Education Program Supervisor (EPS) in charge of English, followed by a formal opening program. The first learning session focused on “Evidence-Based Practices in Teaching Reading”, delivered by Bro. Roderick M. Aguirre — a religious brother and seasoned educator with decades of service to the Church and the community through education. Bro. Aguirre shared valuable techniques and fundamental principles of language teaching, providing practical tools that participants can directly apply in facilitating reading instruction for ARAL learners. The day’s activities were further energized and inspired by the visit of Dr. Russel Jim V. Tamayo, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, who expressed full support for the initiative and emphasized the critical role of reading in academic recovery.
On Day 2, Dr. Leah S. Corpuz led the sessions, starting in the morning with “Engagement Techniques: Implementing Multisensory Activities”, where she demonstrated creative, sensory-based approaches designed to make reading lessons more interactive and meaningful for young learners. In the afternoon, she passionately discussed “Family Partnership: Equipping Teachers with Ways to Help Parents Support Literacy at Home”, highlighting that learning does not end in the classroom. She guided teachers on how to effectively engage parents as active partners in their children’s reading development and academic growth. The smooth flow and success of the second day were ensured through the close monitoring and guidance of Dr. Estrada and her team.
The final day of the training featured Dr. Ryan Jayson Delos Reyes, Dean of the College of Education at Urdaneta City University, who tackled two essential topics: “Data-Driven Instruction / Assessing Early Readers” and “Differentiated Reading Instruction”. He emphasized the importance of using assessment results to deeply understand learners’ needs and designing instruction that matches different learning abilities, reinforcing the principle that no child should be left behind in the reading program. Drawing from his expertise in teacher education, he provided valuable insights that will guide participants in delivering quality and inclusive literacy instruction.
The event was carried out under the guidance and endorsement of Dr. Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan, CESO VI, Schools Division Superintendent. The organizers, resource speakers, and participants expressed their deepest gratitude to Dr. Pagatpatan for her unwavering trust, constant encouragement, and consistent support for programs that uplift the competence of teachers and improve learning outcomes for the learners. Her leadership remains the driving force behind the division’s efforts to ensure quality education and the successful implementation of the ARAL Program.
The three-day capacity-building activity formally concluded with a closing program. Equipped with evidence-based strategies, innovative engagement techniques, and data-informed approaches, the teachers are now ready to implement more effective reading instruction. Their new competencies will contribute significantly to the goals of the ARAL Program and ensure that every early reader achieves success in Key Stage 1.
(By: Eliza C. Bautista, Mabilao NHS, San Fabian)
