Reading Level of Learners Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study was conducted to find the reading level of the learners before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in the District of Quezon II, Division of Bukidnon. Specifically, it tried to describe the demographic profile of the learners in terms of sex, reading resources at home, and ethnic group. It determined the reading level of the learners before the COVID-19 Pandemic. It also determined the reading level of the learners after the COVID-19 Pandemic. It looked into the significant difference in the reading level of the learners before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic. It also looked for the significant difference in the reading level of the learners when they were grouped according to their demographic profile in terms of sex, reading resources at home, and ethnic group. It applied the descriptive-correlational research design. It was conducted in all the public elementary schools in the District of Quezon II, Division of Bukidnon, SY 2023-2024. The respondents were all Grade IV learners in the District of Quezon II, Division of Bukidnon, for the School Year 2023-2024. The instrument used in this study was a researcher-made questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency count, percentage, and t-test of significant difference. The result revealed that the majority of the learners were females. Most respondents have other sources, such as Comics and the Bible, as their reading resources at home. The most significant proportion of learners were identified as Cebuano. Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, most learners were categorized as experiencing frustration levels in their reading ability. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the reading levels reveal the frustration reading level. or frustrations among learners. Independent-level readers indicated a modest improvement in self-sufficiency in reading comprehension. The instructional readers also slightly increased. The difference in reading levels before and after the pandemic is not statistically significant. Despite the occurrence of COVID-19, there are signs of advancement in learners' reading skills. Based on the findings and conclusions, parents and teachers may jointly provide reading materials to the children, and monitor and if possible, coach them in their reading.