VISION, POLICY, GOAL AND

OBJECTIVES OF SPECIAL

EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Ma. Maria Manette Apostol Madrid, Ed.D.Professor

Institute of Graduate StudiesPanpacific University North PhilippinesUrdaneta City, Pangasinan, Philippines

martzmonette@yahoo.com

VISION FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

The Department of Education clearly states its vision for children with special needs in consonance with the philosophy of inclusive education, thus:

“The State, community and family hold a common vision for the Filipino child with special needs. By the 21st century, it is envisioned that he/she could be adequately provided with basic education. This education should fully realize his/her own potentials for development and productivity as well as being capable of self-expression of his/her rights in society. More importantly, he/she is God-loving and proud of being a Filipino.

POLICY OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

The policy on Inclusive Education for All is adopted in the Philippines to accelerate access to education among children and youth with special needs.

It is also envisioned that the child with special needs will get full parental and community support for his/her education w/o discrimination of any kind. This special child should also be provided with a healthy environment along with leisure and recreation and social security measures” (Department of Education Handbook on Inclusive Education, 2000).

Inclusive education forms an integral component of the overall educational system that is committed to an appropriate education for all children and youth with special needs.

GOAL OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

The goal of the special education programs of the Department of Education all over the country is to provide children with special needs appropriate educational services within the mainstream of basic education.

The two-pronged goal includes the development of key strategies on legislation, human resource development, family involvement and active participation of government and non-government organizations.

Likewise, there are major issues to address on attitudinal barriers of the general public and effort towards the institutionalization and sustainability of special education programs and services.

Provide support services, vocational programs and work training, employment opportunities for efficient community participation and independent living,

OBJECTIVES OF SPECIAL

EDUCATION Provide a flexible and individualized support system for children and youth with special needs in a regular class environment in schools nearest the students’ home.

Implement a life-long curriculum to include early intervention and parent education, basic education and transition programs on vocational training or preparation for college, and

Make available an array educational programs and services: the Special Education Center built on “a school within a school concept” as the resource center for children and youth with special needs; inclusive education in regular schools, special and residential schools, homebound instruction, hospital instruction and community-based programs; alternative modes of service delivery to reach the advantaged children in far-flung towns, depressed areas and underserved barangays.

REFERENCE:

Inciong, Teresita G., Quijano, Yolanda S. and Capulong, Yolanda T. Introduction to Special Education. Manila, Philippines: Rex Bookstore, 2007.

THANK YOU!!!