AI penetrates the classroom

The Department of Education and Microsoft Philippines are expanding their partnership to improve national literacy by rolling out AI-powered learning tools that support students and ease teachers’ workloads.

Central to the collaboration is Microsoft’s Reading Progress, an AI-driven tool that automates reading fluency assessments and provides teachers with real-time insights to identify learning gaps and personalize interventions.

The tool has already been piloted successfully in several areas, including Bais and Dumaguete, where more than 14,000 learners across 61 schools were assessed, and in Cabanatuan City, where all learners in three school districts showed improved literacy levels.

“Literacy remains one of our biggest national challenges, with many learners still not meeting expected proficiency levels. Reading Progress gives us a clear starting point to understand where our students are today,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

Angara said the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Five-Point Education Agenda, which prioritizes learning recovery, teacher support, digitalization, and strong governance.

As part of DepEd’s ARAL (Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning) program launched in September 2025, Microsoft has begun enabling educators in 25 school districts and aims to reach 3,000 teachers across 1,500 schools this year.

The partnership also supports AGAP.AI, DepEd’s nationwide program launched on 9 January, which aims to train 1.5 million students, teachers, and parents in responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence.

During the AGAP.AI launch at Quezon City Science High School, President Marcos tested Microsoft Reading Progress and scored 98 percent.

“This initiative reflects our belief that education must evolve in tandem with the changes in our world,” Marcos said, stressing the need to prepare students for the growing role of AI.

Microsoft Philippines country general manager Jonathan Que said the company aims to help elevate national literacy by empowering educators and learners through technology.