Title: IMPLEMENTATION OF MAINSTREAM EDUCATION IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN REGION V: BASIS FOR POLICY FORMULATION
Author:
Jeremy A. Cruz, EdD., Ph.D
Abstract:
DepEd Order No. 44, s. 2021, the Policy Guidelines on the Provision of Educational Programs and Services for Learners with Disabilities in the K to 12 Basic Education Program highlights mainstreaming in regular schools. This study, which used the mixed method design, determined the implementation of mainstream education in the public schools in Region V with mainstream programs included in the School Improvement Plans, including the opportunities it provides to regular and mainstreamed learners, administrators, receiving teachers, parents, community, and stakeholders. The findings revealed that the implementation of mainstream education in the public schools in Region V needs to be improved, having a significantly inadequate number of implementing schools, mainstreamed learners, and receiving teachers. Visual impairment is the disability that registered the highest percentage among mainstreamed learners because the blind can see, hear, and write. These findings mean that mainstreamed learners need more support to succeed in school. If addressed, this can have a positive impact on their academic achievement, as well as their emotional and social well-being. Implementing mainstream education provides extensive opportunities for school heads, teachers, administrators, families, communities, and stakeholders to provide an inclusive learning environment for all learners. By embracing inclusive practices, schools can offer social advantages to learners with special needs, enhance their self-esteem, and teach regular education learners how to work with those different from them. The proposed Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of Mainstream Education by the Department of Education, possible enactment of a Compulsory Free Assessment Among All Children Before Admission to Schools Law and the National Child Find Week Law, and other recommendations aim to improve the implementation of mainstreaming in the country.
Keywords: Mainstream education, child find, assessment, program options, curriculum modification, parental involvement.
PDF Download