Extent of Implementation and the Level of Participation in the Income-Generating Projects of Special Education Students as Perceived by the Teachers and the Parents: Basis for Monitoring and Evaluation

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Equal opportunity is the bedrock of the growth of special education. It advocates access to education and helps students lead successful and personally fulfilling lives now and in the future. The curriculum was designed to prepare students to function as independently as possible in an integrated society. This curriculum includes the development of skills in participating in an income-generating activity. This study looked into the extent of implementation of the project and level of participation of the parents and the students in the project with the end goal of assessing the project and to ascertain future directions.

METHODS

The study utilized the descriptive method of research through the survey technique. The respondents of the study were teachers and parents of SPED Transition class in San Juan East Central School. Purposive sampling was used to identify the population. The major instrument which was the questionnaire was designed to survey the profile and perceptions with regard to the extent of implementation and level of participation in the income-generating project. Weighted mean was computed to characterize the number of responses and its position within the distribution of data collected and discussed.

RESULTS

Most of the respondents agree that the making of business plans, promotion, marketing, selling, and financial monitoring and assessment of business plans are highly implemented. The students were perceived to be dependent on their parents and teachers in the formation of self-help groups. Strengthening of the self-help groups and the assessment of the business plans rely heavily on the teachers. The actual selling and buying of products are a collaborative task of the parents, students, and teachers. The respondent groups were perceived to be highly engaged in varying levels of financial monitoring. Aimed at ensuring sustainable success and attainment of the goals of the income generating projects of the SPED, a monitoring and evaluation plan was drafted.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the findings, the following recommendations are put forward: the administration of the participating school must consider the issues and gaps identified by the study for its policy-making and goal setting. The administration must consider the adoption of the monitoring and evaluation plan to ensure maximum gains from the income generating project for all stakeholders. Future researchers must look into other aspects of the project like impact assessment and effects on achievement and behavior of the students.