Extent of Implementation and Acceptability of Inclusive Education among Education Professionals

Abstract

This study examined the extent of inclusive education implementation, its acceptability, the significant differences among their components, the relationship between implementation and acceptability, and the factors influencing their effectiveness and sustainability in selected public elementary schools in Naga City. It also aimed to propose a sustainability program based on the findings.

The study employed a convergent-parallel mixed-methods design. The quantitative phase used a descriptive-evaluative-correlational approach involving 176 regular and Special Education (SPED) teachers from five public elementary schools. Data were collected through self-constructed questionnaires and analyzed using weighted mean, standard deviation, analysis of variance, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. The qualitative phase involved 15 purposively selected teachers interviewed through semi-structured interviews, with data analyzed thematically. Both sets of findings were integrated during interpretation.

Results revealed that inclusive education implementation was High (grand mean = 3.08), as was acceptability (grand mean = 3.10). Policy Awareness and Compliance received the highest implementation rating, while Parent and Community Engagement received the lowest. For acceptability, Attitudes and Beliefs ranked highest, while Skills and Competencies ranked lowest. No significant differences were found among implementation components (F = 0.744, p = 0.562) or acceptability aspects (F = 1.651, p = 0.159). The relationship between implementation and acceptability was weak and not significant (r = 0.093, p = 0.222). Qualitative findings identified challenges involving limited specialized training, inadequate resources, teacher readiness, workload, leadership support, collaboration, and parent and community engagement.

Based on these findings, the Inclusive Education Capacity and Support Program (IE-CASP) was proposed to strengthen teacher competencies, improve instructional resources, enhance leadership and collaboration, address workload concerns, and promote sustainable inclusive education practices in public elementary schools.