Level of Readiness of Teachers in Sarangani on the Implementation of Inclusive Education: Basis for Teachers' Development Plan

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Inclusion is the process by which a school attempts to respond to all pupils as individuals by reconsidering its curricular organization and provision. Inclusive education preferably takes place in a regular class, in the student's nearest regular school, as defined by The Handbook on Inclusive Education. It recognizes and responds to the diversity of children's needs and abilities, including differences in their ways and paces of learning. In the Division of Sarangani, there are two (2) primary schools, 200 complete elementary schools, and 84 integrated schools. From among this 286 schools, six (6) schools are recognized as SPED Centers which is just 2.1% of the total number of schools. 280 schools or 97. 9 % are regular schools that are knowingly or unknowingly catering Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSENs). Thus, conducting this action research entitled, Level of Readiness of Teachers in Sarangani on the Implementation of Inclusive Education: Basis for Teachers' Development Plan.

METHODS

The researcher used a combination of the quantitative and qualitative method of research by administering survey questionnaires to 95 teacher-respondents of the study coming from 7 central schools, 3 of which is recognized as SPED Center and 2 non-central schools of the Division of Sarangani. The researcher distributed the Survey questionnaires to the 9 sample schools of Sarangani. For the data analysis, the frequency count and percentage were used. Qualitative analysis was used to interpret the open-ended questions.

RESULTS

There were 95 respondents of the study. They were randomly selected from 9 Central and non-central schools of Sarangani Division. Based on the data analysis of the study, there is a pressing need for the teachers to be oriented and trained on Inclusive Education, especially on Special Education.

DISCUSSIONS

The result will be a baseline of the Division of Sarangani on the level of readiness of the teachers on the implementation of Inclusive Education and the basis for the conduct of Teachers' Development Program for the full implementation of inclusive education in the schools of Sarangani Division.