ABSTRACT
Reading is a fundamental skill and a pillar of literacy for learners. This study investigated the level of Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) and academic performance in the Mother Tongue Based-Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) among Grade 1 learners in Kinoguitan District, Division of Misamis Oriental during the School Year 2022-2023. Specifically, it determined the respondents’ reading performance, their academic performance in MTB-MLE, and the significant relationship between their reading skills and academic performance in MTB-MLE. Descriptive-correlational method and document analysis were used based on the EGRA results and the learners’ average grades in MTB-MLE. Frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to describe the variables and Pearson Moment Correlation r was used to determine the significant relationship between the variables.
The data revealed that most of the respondents had correct response in orientation to print; had spent 51-100 seconds for letter name and letter sound knowledge; had correct response in initial sound identification; and spent 26-50 seconds in familiar words reading. In terms of their academic performance in MTB-MLE subject, majority got a Satisfactory rating in the first Quarter while Very Satisfactory in the second Quarter. Further, it was found that there is a significant relationship between the respondents’ reading performance and academic performance in MTB-MLE during the First and Second quarters.
In addition, the learners’ reading skills has a bearing to their academic performance in MTB-MLE. It was recommended that teachers may use ICT equipment for the learners to learn the letter sounds and the alphabet more effectively to improve their reading speed. The Action Plan on the Implementation of Reading Program should also be updated and utilized.
Keywords: Reading Performance, Academic Performance
INTRODUCTION
Reading is a fundamental skill and pillar of literacy for learners. It unlocks other basic learning skills. Reading is important since it is a prerequisite skill to acquire another skill. It is essential for young learners. However, reading is found to be the major problem concerning the learners that needs to be addressed, be given time and attention to encourage pupils learn to love reading. It paves the way for them to gain self-confidence and grow independently in the community and to the world where they live in.
The importance of literacy cannot be overemphasized. If learners fail to learn how to read, they will find it difficult to study other disciplines. Truly, the ability to read is the foundation of academic learning. Literacy is a fundamental skill that unlocks learning and provides individuals with the means to pursue knowledge and enjoyment independently. Thus, literacy skills need to grow and mature over the course of a person’s life, giving each individual the reading, writing and thinking skills needed for success in academic, workforce and personal situations (American Institute of Research, 2015).
In order to continue the learning of every Filipino child and ensure that no child will be left behind, the Department of Education (DepEd) implemented the learning delivery starting School Year 2020-2021. In Kinoguitan District, Division of Misamis Oriental, modular distance learning is used as the learning modality. Teaching reading in this set up is difficult, thus problem in reading emerges up to this present in face-to-face classes knowing that pandemic has lasted for more than 2 years.
In consonance with DepEd Order 12, s. 2015, the DepEd Memorandum No. 439 s. 2021 which is Utilization of the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) and Early Grade Math Assessment (EGMA) Tools for system assessment, one of the major curriculum reforms of the K-12 Basic Education Program is the use of the Mother Tongue (MT) as the medium of teaching and learning (MOTL) through MTB-MLE to improve learning in Kindergarten to Grade 3 (K-3). The MTB-MLE program was piloted in 921 schools all over the country in School Year 2011-2012. It was implemented nationwide in Grade 1 starting School Year 2012-2013 and was rolled out in the succeeding grade levels in the subsequent school years.
Since the initial implementation of MTB-MLE, there have been efforts to gather data on reading competencies in the early grades through EGRA. These initiatives were performed by independent service providers. DepEd, however, recognizes the need to build its own capacity for collection and analysis of assessment data. EGRA is an assessment tool in the early grades, designed to diagnose the literacy skill of the pupils. Likewise, it measures the pupil’s progress toward learning to read. With EGRA tool and its administration, it enables to stimulate the proper administration and scoring/recording of EGRA data, and it enhances knowledge and skills on varied and appropriate reading interventions to address specific literacy problem and difficulty.
Lastly, the researcher utilized reading materials through the use of EGRA-ARATA Assessment and wants to see how it will affect academic performance in Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE).
Health Enews (2016) stated that reading to children helps develop cognitive ability, language and literacy skills, as well as social-emotional growth, but it also creates a stronger nurturing relationship between the child and parent. Parents also benefit from reading aloud as it creates a closer bond with their child. According to Children’s Bureau (2017), reading is the key for lifelong learning, and if one instills a love of reading at an early age, then a commitment to lifelong learning is sure to follow. Reading aloud presents books as sources of pleasant, valuable, and exciting experiences. Children who value books are motivated to read on their own, and will likely continue to practice independent reading throughout the rest of their lives.
When it comes to reading to children, the benefits of the child’s life range far beyond the development of a close bond with them, although that is certainly one of them. Reading aloud to children is truly the single-most important activity for building these understanding and skills essential for reading success that the child will carry with them all throughout their life.
Llego (2016) states that EGRA is an assessment tool in the early grades designed to diagnose the literacy skills of the pupils. Likewise, it measures the pupil’s progress toward learning to read.
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