The Special Education Program in Ilocos Sur: An Assessment

Abstract

Learners with various exceptionalities keep increasing in number. Many come from families that cannot afford to enrol in private SpEd Centers, hence, they throng to DepEd schools with SpEd centers. This study was conducted to assess the compliance of Special Education Program of selected public elementary schools with Special Education Centers in the Division of Ilocos Sur. It was conducted during the School Year 2013 -2014 with policies and standards in terms of management and supervision, objectives, curriculum, physical facilities and equipment, linkages and networking, and special services. The respondents of the study are the school administrators and teachers. A questionnaire was used to gather data and information about the Special Education Program in the Division of Ilocos Sur. The data were treated using frequency, percentage, and mean. Results revealed that the management and supervision of the Special Education Program is very satisfactory, the objectives are highly attained; curriculum is outstanding, physical facilities and equipment are very satisfactory, linkages and networking are very satisfactory, and special services are satisfactory. Based on the findings, it was recommended that there should be better provisions for supplementary aids and services since these are barely available in the center. Likewise, there should be more linkages and networking with the LGOs, NGOs, private institutions and hospitals as service providers for children with exceptionalities who need further formal assessment. Also, a multidisciplinary team should be created in every center with the strong partnership of all stakeholders.