Introduction
Education plays an essential role in developing learners' knowledge, competencies, values, and capacity to participate meaningfully in society. At the elementary level, the quality of learning experiences significantly influences the development of foundational literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Key Stage 2 learners, generally covering Grades 4 to 6 in the Philippine K–12 system, are at an important stage in which foundational competencies are strengthened and more complex academic tasks are introduced.
These considerations are particularly relevant when studying schools officially identified by the Schools Division of Isabela as least miles schools. For this manuscript, the term is retained from the proposed title. The researcher should obtain the division's official definition and list of eligible schools rather than assume that the term refers to a particular geographic distance or school classification.
Understanding learner performance requires examining not only grades and assessment results but also the conditions under which learning takes place. A learner who experiences difficulty in reading, for example, may also encounter limited access to learning materials, irregular attendance, language-related barriers, or insufficient opportunities for individualized instruction. Similarly, a learner who performs well may benefit from supportive family relationships, effective teaching practices, regular attendance, and positive motivation.
The responses of learners to selected learning-related factors also deserve attention. These responses may include their reported experiences of classroom instruction, availability of resources, motivation, study habits, participation, and perceived difficulties in completing schoolwork.
The Department of Education has established research management guidelines to strengthen evidence-based decision-making and the use of research in educational planning and program development. DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017 provides a policy basis for managing research initiatives across different levels of the education system.
DOI https://zenodo.org/records/23664513