Reflection on Special Education vs. Inclusive Education in the Philippines
Distinguish Inclusive Education from Special Education.
| Inclusive Education | Special Education |
|---|---|
| It is a way of addressing and responding to the diversity of needs of all learners. It is a type of education designed to cater to the needs of children with disabilities. | It is a type of education designed to cater to the needs of children with disabilities. |
| It addresses the physical, intellectual, psychosocial, and cultural needs of learners. | It considers the physical and mental capability of the learner. |
| This includes children belonging to a minority or indigenous groups, varying languages, religions, traditions, and geographic locations, different socioeconomic statuses, and children with varying abilities and disabilities. | It is primarily designed for children with disabilities such as hearing impairment, visual impairment, mental retardation, physically challenged children, and other physical and mental conditions. |
Make further readings on the current state of special education in the Philippines from other sources. Make a reflection on the current state of SPED in so far as the Vision for Children with Special Learning Needs is concerned.
As of the moment, the vision for children with special learning needs in the Philippines is still far from sight. However, with the efforts extended by the government, we are slowly moving forward in making these visions materialize.
The government and other institutions are doing their best in devising laws and programs to address the issues faced by persons with learning needs. Some programs give assistance to financially challenged families to let their children with special needs be able to study. Curriculums are also improved and designed to cater to the varying needs of the students. There are also programs like home-schooling and modular learning for persons with special needs.
However, despite the efforts of the government and other institutions, other factors affect the institutionalization of these special education programs. First, the funds of the government are only limited to cover all persons with special needs. There are only limited special education centers around the country. Though regular schools also can accept persons with special needs, I have observed in our municipality that many schools do not have the proper materials and equipment needed in teaching them. Moreover, some teachers are not fully equipped with the skills and knowledge in dealing with persons with special needs. Additionally, acceptance and respect of the general public for persons with special needs affect the success of the programs for special education.
In summary, there is progress in the institutionalization of special education in the country. However, there are still hindrances that obstruct the implementation of the visions for children with special learning needs. I believe that the most important step is to accept and embrace these children and not let them feel excluded in the community.
What is the meaning of attitudinal barriers toward the institutionalization and sustainability of special education programs and services? Give examples.
Attitudinal barriers are external barriers that disable the effective delivery of special education programs and services. This means that these barriers are beyond the control of the learner with special needs. Attitudinal refers to the way how people in their environment communicate, interact and conceive them as persons with special needs. Examples of these attitudinal barriers are inconsiderate and insensitive rules and standards of the school, lack of attention by the administrators in addressing the needs of learners with special needs, and exclusion of persons with special needs in school activities. Moreover, others schools neglect and do not accept students with special needs.
What is the meaning of attitudinal barriers in relation to Inclusive Education?
In relation to Inclusive Education, the attitudinal barrier refers to the negative way of interaction and communication of the community toward other children with unique characteristics. Attitudinal barriers are often manifested in the forms of bullying, discrimination, and segregation.
Leave a Comment