Philippine E-Journals

Challenges Encountered by Special Educators: Inputs for the Improvement of the Individualized Education Program

Frenesi Anne Asuncion Mangonon

Discipline: Educational Management

 

Abstract:

Education believes everyone has the potential to contribute toward positive results for learners with disability in which the individualized education program has become a cornerstone for its quality services. This study supports the 1975 adoption of the Educa- tion for All Handicapped Children Act (EHCA). Thus, this study aimed to determine the problems and challenges encountered by educators toward IEP development and will be valuable in crafting intervention procedures that could help teachers improve their individual IEPs. The study was conducted in 10 schools offering special education in Sarangani, Philippines. The study utilized purposive sampling with 40 special educa- tion teachers as the respondents of the study. The findings revealed that the teachers have the right attitude towards IEP. The teachers recognized they have difficulty with the IEP process though they know its importance and its impact on learners’ development. From the interview, it was found that teachers have sentiments on the improvement of IEP. They testified that they need instructional support and adequate training and highlighted that parent mentoring is of great priority. The study concludes that despite the challenges, teachers have the right attitude toward IEP development, and they work towards the development of all learners with disability.