The Department of Education will be allowing the use of artificial intelligence as a support tool to improve the learning experience of millions of students who will go back to their respective schools starting June 8, Monday.

But DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the use of AI will only serve as a learning tool and stressed the need to preserve teacher judgment and the need to enforce accountability for improper and illicit use.

The use of AI is part of the DepEd's simplified lesson planning requirements through the ILAW Framework— Intentions, Learning Experience, Assessing Learning, and Ways Forward.

The policy also includes streamlining of documentation and prohibiting additional templates beyond prescribed standards.

ILAW is just one of the comprehensive packages of reforms and support measures for this school year, according to the DepEd.

There are more than 26 million learners enrolled for this school year and Angara said the reform programs will strengthen the delivery of education across over 45,000 public schools and provide greater support to nearly 900,000 teachers nationwide.

Earlier, Angara issued guidelines on the implementation of the Three-Term School Calendar, Learning Continuity in Emergencies, revised Lesson Planning and Learning Design, updated Assessment and Grading policy, and the nationwide rollout of the Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum.

“The reforms are meant to help schools focus on what matters most: better learning and stronger support for teachers,” said Angara.

“This is part of the efforts to improve the quality of education and ensure that schools, learners, and teachers are equipped for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world,” he added.

Among the key changes is the shift to a Three-Term School Calendar, which provides longer and more coherent learning periods, better pacing of lessons, and dedicated time for consolidation, remediation, and enrichment activities.

The Department is also implementing the Learning Continuity in Emergencies policy, which provides schools with clear protocols for sustaining learning during disruptions such as typhoons, floods, extreme heat, earthquakes, and other emergencies.

DepEd has likewise revised its assessment and grading guidelines to place greater emphasis on learner progress, meaningful feedback, and instructional support. The updated policy strengthens formative assessment practices, introduces phased descriptive grading in the early grades, and promotes the use of assessment results to guide remediation and enrichment interventions.

The Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum will be implemented nationwide beginning this school year. The curriculum offers more flexible learning pathways, strengthens foundational competencies, expands elective options, and better prepares graduates for higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.

Alongside learning reforms, DepEd is also strengthening support for teachers.

Public school teachers are set to receive a P10,000 Teaching Allowance in accordance with the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act or Republic Act No. 11997, increasing classroom support and helping defray out-of-pocket expenses for teaching supplies and learning materials. Angara was one of the authors of the measure during his tenure in the Senate.

“These reforms go hand in hand with our commitment to improve the welfare of our teachers,” Angara said.

The Department has conducted nationwide orientations for field offices, school leaders, and teachers to ensure smooth implementation of the new policies.

DepEd will continue providing technical assistance, learning resources, monitoring support, and feedback mechanisms throughout the school year.