Level of Readiness of the 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. In the Division of Sarangani, there are two (2) primary schools, 200 complete elementary schools, and 84 integrated schools. From among these 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 to Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSENs). Thus, we conducted 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 methods of research by administering survey questionnaires to 95 teacher-respondents coming from 7 central schools, 3 of which are recognized as SPED Centers and 2 are non-central schools. The researcher distributed the Survey questionnaires to 9 sample schools of Sarangani. For data analysis, the frequency count and percentage were used. Qualitative analysis was used to interpret the open-ended questions.

RESULTS

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

DISCUSSIONS

The result will serve as baseline information on the level of readiness of 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.