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The Knowledge and Perceptions on Learning Disabilities In The Cities of Region XI of The Philippines And A Region of New York City, N.Y., U.S.A.

Abstract Learning disability (LD) is incurable neurological disorder. It affects the brain’s ability to receive process, store and respond to information. These skills are essential for success at school, work, and for coping with life in general. This study aimed to find out the level of knowledge and awareness (KA) on LD as well as the degree of agreement on perceptions of remediation program and treatment services for children with LD purposely to establish evidence to support a claim of the existence of the problem besetting the Philippine educational system. The study used the descriptive-survey method in its baseline data, to determine the general perspective of 1,097 parents, educators and members of the local school board in the cities of Region XI of the Philippines and a region of New York City, N.Y., U.S.A. from November 2005 to October 2006. In the cities of Region XI, Filipino parents registered slight KA on LD while the educators and the members of the local school board showed partial KA. In a region of New York City, N.Y., U.S.A., parents exhibited partial KA while the educators showed moderate KA about LD. However, all the respondents expressed strong agreement on the remediation programs and treatment services for children with LD. It must be concluded that all groups regardless of their level of knowledge and awareness desire the need to help persons afflicted with LD. Key words: Knowledge and perceptions, Learning disabilities, Region XI of the Philippines, Region in New York City, N.Y., U. S. A.

HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines THE KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS ON LEARNING DISABILITIES IN THE CITIES OF REGION XI OF THE PHILIPPINES AND A REGION OF NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., U.S.A. A Thesis Presented To The Faculty of the Graduate School Holy Cross of Davao College Davao City In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Education Major in Special Education by Artenita Palijo Dante Marlyn Cuenca Saludes October 2006 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A ii HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. An a Ave n u e , D avao City, Ph ilip p in e s APPROVAL SHEET This thesis entitled, “The Knowledge and Perceptions on Learning Disabilities in the Cities of Region XI of the Philippines and a Region in New York City, N.Y., U.S.A.” prepared and submitted by Artenita P. Dante and Marlyn C. Saludes in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Education, Major in Special Education has been examined and recommended for ORAL EXAMINATION, ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL. THESIS COMMITTEE DOROTEO O. AMORA, Ed. D. Chairperson MA. IRIS A. MELLIZA, Ed. D. Member NIEVES A. CAMUS Member DANILO L. MEJICA, Ph. D. HERMINIA A. UGAY, Ph. D. Member Adviser PANEL OF EXAMINERS Approved by the Committee on Oral Examination with a grade of PASSED. DOROTEO O. AMORA, Ed. D. Chairperson MA. IRIS A. MELLIZA, Ed. D. Member NIEVES A. CAMUS Member DANILO L. MEJICA, Ph. D. HERMINIA A. UGAY, Ph. D. Member Adviser Accept and approved in partial fulfillment for the degree of Master of Arts in Education major in Special Education. DOROTEO O. AMORA, Ed. D. Dean, Graduate School Comprehensive Examination Written and Oral: Passed Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A iii HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. An a Ave n u e , D avao City, Ph ilip p in e s Abstract This descriptive study of knowledge and awareness on Learning Disabilities (LD) as well as the perception of remediation program and treatment services for children with LD aimed to establish evidence to support a claim of the existence of the problem besetting our society. The investigators used the descriptive-survey method in its baseline data, to determine the general perspective of 1,097 parents, educators and members of the local school board in the cities of Region XI of the Philippines and a region of New York City, NY, U.S.A. from November 2005 to October 2006. In the cities of Region XI, Filipino parents registered slight knowledge and awareness on learning disabilities while the educators and the members of the local school board showed partial knowledge and awareness. In a region of New York, U.S.A., parents exhibited partial knowledge and awareness while the educators showed moderate knowledge and awareness about learning disabilities. Knowledge and awareness is the key element. Short of this, it jeopardizes the necessary changes required of the situation. It is a welcome relief, however, that despite the respondents’ partial knowledge and awareness, people showed compassion as they expressed strong agreement on the remediation programs and treatment services for children learning disabilities. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A iv HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. An a Ave n u e , D avao City, Ph ilip p in e s Based on the foregoing, the researchers hereafter recommend importantly the need to promptly increase everyone’s knowledge and awareness of the issue at hand. There is a seed to transform the positive perception into action so these problems are appropriately answered in the sense that every respondent of this study virtually represents each sector of the society. Finally, the researchers strongly believe that further studies of the subject be conducted to open the eyes of people who have the capacity to help in the changes the researchers sought after. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A v HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. An a Ave n u e , D avao City, Ph ilip p in e s Acknowledgment There were a few great people who deserved our gratitude. To the panel of examiners namely: Dr. Doroteo O. Amora (Chair), Dr. Ma. Iris A. Melliza, Holy Cross of Davao College President; Dr. Danilo L. Mejica, HCDC Planning Officer; and Mrs. Nieves A. Camus, College Professor for their invaluable contribution during the appraisal of this book. To Dr. Herminia A. Ugay, adviser, for her wisdom and proficiency in special education. To Dr. Henry Solomon, chair of Proposal Review Committee in New York City, Department of Education for his suggestions to improve the research tool. To Lawrence Pendergast, principal of Urban Assembly for Construction and Design in Manhattan, New York City; and Program Director; Anna Tuazon for their support during the distribution of the questionnaire. To Marsha Bernstein, Director of Regional Recruitment Managers in the New York City Department of Education for granting the permit to conduct study in the schools in a region in New York City. To Terencio T. Naparan for the help extended during the consolidation and refinement of the data. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A vi HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. An a Ave n u e , D avao City, Ph ilip p in e s To Julina S. Audan (Philippines), Engr. Winston Suaybaguio (New Jersey) and Ma. Arlyn A. Aquino (New York City) for their technical assistance during the process of the teleconferencing. To Mrs. Doris Giron, Dr. Cristina Pendor, Mrs. Nelia B. Aga for their expertise in editing the manuscript. Furthermore, to our respondents: parents, teachers, principals, supervisors, superintendents, friends of the different cities in Region XI of the Philippines as well as In New York City, Mayor Rey Gavina of Panabo City, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City, Mayor Rey Uy of Tagum City, Mayor Rogelio P. Antalan of IGACOS, and members of the local school board for their kindness and compassion during the survey. Above all, to God Almighty for making all avenues achievable. Our deepest thanks! The Researchers Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A vii HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. An a Ave n u e , D avao City, Ph ilip p in e s Special Acknowledgment The writer owes a debt of gratitude to her family, her husband, Rey Mateo; her children: Anjeli and Gianne Andrea, her mother, and her only brother for the untiring assistance during the process of writing. MCS Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A viii HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. An a Ave n u e , D avao City, Ph ilip p in e s Special Acknowledgment A deep gratitude to the writer’s children: Rennix and wife Leah; Ritchie, Muppet, Boodz, Junjun, her grandchildren Lexi and Louise, to her parents and her siblings, to CARE Schoolhouse Foundation’s Staff for all their gentle nature and unconditional support. APD Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A ix HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. An a Ave n u e , D avao City, Ph ilip p in e s Table of Contents Page Approval Sheet ii Abstract iii Acknowledgment v Special Acknowledgment vii Table of Contents ix List of Tables xi List of Figures xiii List of Maps xv CHAPTER 1 The Problem And A Review Of Related Literature 2 Introduction 1 Review of Related Literature 2 Theoretical and Conceptual Framework 60 Statement of the Problem 66 Research Design 68 Selection of Respondents 69 Sampling Procedure 73 Validity and Reliability of Instrument 82 Method Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A x HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. An a Ave n u e , D avao City, Ph ilip p in e s Data Gathering Procedure 84 Data Analysis 90 3 Results and Discussions 4 Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations References 91 116 121 Appendices Appendix A A Letter to New York City Department Of Education Asking Permission to Conduct Study Appendix B 129 Letter from New York City Department of Education Granting the Researchers to Conduct Study 130 Letter to the DepEd Regional Director, Region XI, Philippines 131 Letter to the Dean of Graduate School Requesting Teleconferencing 132 Letter sent to the Principal of the Schools of New York City, Likewise to the Head of the School in the Philippines 133 Letter to the Mayor of Davao City, Panabo City, Digos City, IGACOS and Tagum City 134 Appendix G The Cover Letter of the Research Tool 135 Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix H Appendix I Letter Sent to the Thesis Review Panel Submitting the Edited Title Proposal 136 Map Exhibiting the Areas of Study in Region XI, Philippines 137 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A xi HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. An a Ave n u e , D avao City, Ph ilip p in e s Appendix J Map of Instructional Divisions of New York 138 Appendix K Sampling Procedure 139 Appendix L Distribution of Respondents 142 Appendix M A Copy of the Reliability Test Result Of the Research Tool Conducted by The Holy Cross of Davao College Research Department 147 Appendix N The Research Tool 148 Curriculum Vitae 153 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A xii HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. An a Ave n u e , D avao City, Ph ilip p in e s List of Tables Table Page 1 Disabled Person by Type of Disability and Sex 57 2 Distribution of Respondents 71 3 The Summary of Respondents in the Cities of Region XI, Philippines 72 4 Distribution of Teacher-Respondents in Region XI, Philippines 145 Distribution of Parent-Respondents of Region XI, Philippines 145 Distribution of Teacher-Respondents in New York City, USA 144 Distribution of Parent-Respondents in a Region, New York City 144 8 Distribution of Respondents in Panabo City 146 9 Distribution of Respondents in Tagum City 146 10 Distribution of Respondents in Digos City 147 11 Distribution of Parent-Respondents in Davao City 147 12 The Scale, Mean Range and Interpretations on Knowledge and Awareness 88 13 The Intensity of Agreement 89 14 Knowledge and Awareness on LD among Parents, Educators, Members of the LSB (Philippines only) in the cities off Region XI, Philippines and New York City, N.Y., U.S.A. 91 5 6 7 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A xiii HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. An a Ave n u e , D avao City, Ph ilip p in e s 15 16 The Perception on Remediation Programs among Parents, Educators, Members of the LSB (Philippines only) in the cities of Region XI, Philippines and New York City, N.Y., U.S.A. 104 Perception on the Treatment Services among Parents, Educators and LSB Members in the cities of Region XI of the Philippines & a Region of New York City, N.Y., U.S.A. 110 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A xiv HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. An a Ave n u e , D avao City, Ph ilip p in e s List of Figures Figure Page 1 IDEA Part B Grants to States 32 2 Increasing Enrollment Trends in Florida Learning Disability Classes 46 3 Age First Diagnosed 48 4 Postsecondary Education 48 5 Income Distribution 49 6 Job Satisfaction 49 7 8 9 Areas of Difficulty 49 Distribution of Population by Type of Disability Philippines 2000 56 Conceptual Paradigm of the Study 65 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A xv HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. An a Ave n u e , D avao City, Ph ilip p in e s List of Maps Map 1 2 Page Map Exhibiting the Areas of Study in Region XI Philippines 137 Map of Instructional Divisions in New York 138 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines CHAPTER I The Problem and a Review of Related Literature The problem in education besetting persons with special needs seems unsolvable. Nevertheless, the insatiable desire of civilization for perfection and comfort always seek to provide total if not partial answers to whatever problem – including Special Education. It is of great gratitude that the advanced societies of the western world continue to pave the way to new realities; providing greater understanding and support to the less fortunate members of society. In the United States, almost 2.9 million school-aged children are classified as having specific learning disabilities and receive some kind of special education support (Garfinkel, 2005). In the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepED) has recorded 136,523 children with various disabilities both in public and private schools for elementary and secondary levels combined (Committee Affairs Department, 2005). The report is not conclusive as to the inclusion of learning disabilities (LD) because a conservative estimate of between 5 to 7% of any given population has LD, which means there are about 49,000 students with learning disabilities alone representing 6% or 6 in every 100 students of the total 817,339 enrollees in Region XI (DepED Regional Office Bulletin, 2005). Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 2 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines In Davao City, a particular school in Buhangin District assessed and evaluated the students and found out that there were about 150 students categorized as having learning disabilities out of the 2,500 student population – representing 6% (BDCNHS Annual Progress Report, 2004). Reasonably, knowledge and awareness of this situation is still in its early stage in the Philippines and the rest of Asia, including the advanced country of Japan. This investigation is desired to benefit the principal groups whose lives or career are directly involved – the children special needs, the educators, the educational institutions, and the steward of our government – the Department of Education. These conditions prompted the researchers to zero-in on learning disability. The study proposed to find out the extent of perception regarding learning disabilities among parents, teachers and other constituent of the society. Through this study, the awareness of the parents, the education professionals both in private and public schools, as well as the local school board in Region XI of the Philippines will be amplified. Review of Related Literature This section explored relative studies and other researches with similar objectives to guide people with concern for LD towards realistic perspective. Studies from abroad may likewise be true in the Philippines. Unknowingly, the problem might be given less regard by sectors in our society; hence it was Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 3 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines worth the investigation. This research study opened the door to a new perspective in education to positively address the ills of our society. Just like a cancer, learning disabilities have phases of treatment. Phase 1 is the knowledge and awareness of the medical condition and outlying background that must be known first. Phase 2 is the remediation where any or all alternative programs must be applied to abate the condition, since, the real cure is still not known. Phase 3 is the treatment. Treatment may not be the complete eradication of the disease but it provides necessary solutions to compensate and sustain life. It is apparent that the United States and United Kingdom have substantial remedial programs and available resource materials including websites to answer this pressing social problem, except for human resources, which the researchers assume to be critical since they have to outsource from other countries including the Philippines. Learning Disabilities SPED and Children with Special Needs. Special education refers to the education of students who have academic, behavioral, or physical needs that cannot be adequately met in a regular classroom. This may include students with disabilities, students with serious health problems, students with behavioral disorders, and more. Gifted Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 4 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines students are also sometimes classified as special education students, but the more common term is gifted education. Special education shall aim to develop the maximum potential of the child with special needs to enable him to become self-reliant and shall be geared towards providing him with the opportunities for a full and happy life (Policies and Guidelines for Special Education, 1997). Learning Disabilities Defined. The term “learning disabilities” was first used in the United States in the early 1960’s and first appeared in print in Educating Exceptional Children (Kirk, 1972). Kirk defined Learning Disabilities (LD) as children with specific disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using spoken and written language. These may be manifested in disorders of listening, thinking, talking, reading, writing, spelling, or arithmetic. Learning disabilities include conditions that have been referred to as perceptual handicaps, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia and developmental aphasia. They do not include learning problems that are due primarily to visual, hearing or motor handicaps, to mental retardation, emotional disturbance, or to environmental disadvantage. A learning disability is a neurological disorder. It affects the brain’s ability to receive, process, store and respond to information. The researchers also, use the term learning disability to describe the seeming unexplained difficulty of a person of at least average intelligence in acquiring basic Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 5 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines academic skills. These skills are essential for success at school and work, and for coping with life in general. LD is not a single disorder. It is a term that refers to a group disorder – dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dypraxia, dysmapia and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Causes and Origin of Learning Disabilities About 2-10% of learning disabilities is likely hereditary in many cases. Perinatal injuries, medical disorders, lead poisoning, fetal alcohol syndrome and chromosomal abnormalities have also been identified as causes of learning disabilities. Dyslexia is frequently found in families, and is often accompanied by left-handedness somewhere in the family. This does not mean to say that a dyslexic parent will automatically have a dyslexic child, or that a left-handed child will necessarily be dyslexic. But of the children and adults diagnosed dyslexia, more than 80% percent has history of learning difficulties in their family, and more than 60% percent have a family member who is left-handed (Dyslexia On-line Magazine, 2005). Types of Learning Disabilities Dyslexia. Dyslexia is a developmental language disorder whose defining characteristic is a life-long difficulty in processing phonological information (Quivey, 2002). It refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia may experience difficulties in other language skills such as spelling, writing, and speaking. Dyslexia is a life-long status; Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 6 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment. Dyslexia was introduced in 1884 by a German ophthalmologist, R. Berlin. He coined it from the Greek words “dys” meaning “ill or difficult” and “lexis”, meaning words or language (Opp, 1994). As more cases were described and studied a myriad of terms were coined to describe reading and writing difficulties. Agraphia is the loss of the ability to write. Alexia is the loss of the ability to read. Aphasia is the absence or impairment of the ability to communicate through speech, written or sign language due to the dysfunction of brain centers (Quivey, 2002). Distinct Characteristics of Dyslexia Word/Letter Reversal. One of the most obvious and a common telltale signs is reversal. People with this kind of problem often confuse letters like b and d, either when reading or when writing or they sometimes read or write words like “rat” for “tar” or “won” for “now”. Elision or Omission. Another sure sign, which needs no confirmation by means of any form of testing, is elisions when a person sometimes reads or writes “cat” when the word is actually “cart.” Absence of Fluency. The person who reads very slowly and hesitantly, who reads without fluency, word by word, or who constantly loses Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 7 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines his place, leaving out whole chunks or reading the same passage twice, has a reading problem. Substitution. The person may try to sound out the letters of the word, but then he is unable to say the correct word. For example, he may sound the letters “c-a-t” but then say “cold.” Confusion over Left or Right. He may read or write the letters of a word in the wrong order, like “left” for “felt” or the syllables in the wrong order, like “emeny” for “enemy” or words in the wrong order, like “are there” for “there are.” Poor in Spelling. The person may have a poor spelling, or may be slow in spelling. He may spell words as the sound, for example “rite” for “right”. But, if the person cannot really spell nor has difficulty in gathering letters to form a word, then, he may have dysorthographia. Poor Comprehension. He may read with poor comprehension or he remembers little of what he reads. Dyssymbolia or Dyslogia is inability to comprehend (Selikowitz, 1993). Sub-Classification of Dyslexia Dysphonetia. This is a condition of a person who has difficulty in recognizing symbol and sound association. Dyseidetia. This is a condition of a person who has poor visual recognition. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 8 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Linear Dyslexia. This is a condition of a person who has poor visual tracking skills. Surface Dyslexia. This is inability to read words by sight, reading words only by sounding them out phonologically. Phonological Dyslexia. This is inability to pronounce a written word that has never been seen, even if it corresponds to a spoken word that the individual has already known (Padilla, 2005). Hyperlexia is a condition of learning disorder in which some children who appear to have taught themselves to read sometime between the ages of 18 months and two years but are unable to understand what they read. They may exhibit unusual language learning disorders, such as marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain conversations and problems in social development. Hyperlexia is often associated with autism (Winebrenner, 1996). Dysgraphia. Dysgraphia is a neurological-based writing disability in which a person finds it hard to form letters or writes within a defined space. Individuals with dysgraphia can have difficulty organizing letters, numbers and words on a line or page. It leads to visual-spatial difficulties that result in a person having trouble processing what the eye sees. It leads also to a language processing difficulty - which results in a person having trouble processing and making sense of what the ear hears. (National Center for Learning Disabilities, Inc., 2005). Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 9 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Characteristics of Dysgraphia. A child with dysgraphia has a tight, awkward pencil grip and body position. He avoids writing or drawing tasks. He has difficulty in forming letters and shapes. He has inconsistent spacing between letters/words. He has poor understanding of upper and lowercase letters. He has inability to write or draw in a line or within margins. He feels tired quickly while writing. A young student with dysgraphia has illegible handwriting. He has a mixture of cursive and print writing. He is saying the words out loud while writing. He concentrates on writing so much that he does not comprehend what has been written. He has difficulty thinking of words to write. He has unfinished or omitted words in sentences. A teenager or adult with dysgraphia has difficulty organizing thoughts on paper. He has trouble in keeping track of thoughts already written down. He has difficulty with syntax structure and grammar. He has a large gap between written ideas and understanding demonstrated through speech (National Center for Learning Disabilities, Inc. 2005). Dyscalculia. Dyscalculia is simply called the learning disabilities in mathematics. It is a mathematical disability in which a person has unusual difficulty solving arithmetic problems and grasping math concepts. Since mathematical disabilities are varied, the signs that a person may have a difficulty in this area can be just as varied. However, having difficulty Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 10 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines learning mathematics skills does not necessarily mean a person has a learning disability. All students learn at different paces, and particularly among young people, it takes time and practice for formal math procedures to make practical sense. Characteristics of Dyscalculia. A young child has difficulty learning to count. He has trouble recognizing printed numbers. He has difficulty tying together the idea of a number and how it exists in the world, say example: four horses, four cars, and four children. He has poor memory for numbers. He has trouble organizing things in a logical way - putting round objects in one place and square ones in another. A school –aged child has trouble learning mathematical facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). He has difficulty developing mathematical problem-solving skills. He has poor long-term memory for mathematical functions. He is not familiar with mathematical vocabulary. He has difficulty in measuring things. He avoids games that require mathematical strategy. Teenagers and adults have difficulty estimating costs like grocery bills. They have difficulty learning mathematical concepts beyond the basic mathematics facts. They have poor ability to budget or balance a checkbook. They have trouble with concepts of time, such as sticking to a schedule or approximating time. They have trouble with mental mathematics. They have difficulty finding different approaches to one problem (National Center for Learning Disabilities, Inc., 2001). Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 11 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Dyspraxia. Dyspraxia is a neurological–based motor coordination disability in which a person finds it hard to grasp, grab or hold things or objects. He has inability to catch a ball and clap while the ball is in the air. It sometimes accompanies dyslexia. It is from the Greek word, duspraxia, literally ‘ill success’, from praxis ‘action’ (Microsoft Encarta, 2005). Characteristics of Dyspraxia. A person with dyspraxia has the difficulty learning to walk, jump and skip. He has trouble pronouncing words and being understood. He has slow ability to establish left- or righthandedness. He frequently bumps into things. He is easily irritated by touch clothing on skin, hair brushing, etc. A child between the age of seven to nine years old has trouble with activities that require fine motor skills, like holding a pencil, buttoning, cutting with scissors. He has poor coordination - trouble with sports activities. He has slow or difficult-to-understand speech. His speech difficulties can cause severe social awkwardness and unwillingness to attempt social interactions. The child who suffers dyspraxia has trouble with speech control volume, pitch, and articulation. He has difficulty writing. He has extreme sensitivity to light, touch, space, taste, and smell. He has difficulty with personal grooming. He has difficulty driving. He is very clumsy. Dysmapia. Dysmapia is a disability in which a person finds it hard to locate areas or location. He has difficulty to follow direction. Actually, little is Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 12 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines known about this disability but still it affects the child’s performance in the school. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). ADD and ADHD are not learning disabilities but behavioral disorders. An individual can have more than one learning or behavioral disability. In various studies, as many as 50% of those diagnosed with learning or reading difference has also been diagnosed with ADHD. Although disabilities may co-occur, one is not the cause of the other Learning disability particularly dyslexia is a relatively common disorderpresumed to be around 80 to 85 percent among learning disabilities, the reason why much of the studies and concern are directed towards this specific disability (National Center for Learning Disabilities, 2001). Cure for Learning Disabilities There is no cure at the moment that completely eradicates the problem or rectifies the disorder. However, there are alternative treatments being applied like technology-aided learning, therapies and medical interventions especially for attention-deficit hyperactive disorder but somehow a relative number of cases cause some undesirable side effects (National Center for Learning Disabilities, 2001). Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 13 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Experiences and Consequences Based on the reports of the articles of Learning Disability Quarterly (San Miguel, 1996), White Paper (2000) issue and the Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2002) cited the following possible outcome of a person with learning disabilities: Social Exclusion. Learning disabled people live isolated lives. Excerpts from Tony Blair, Prime Minister of England in his foreword to Valuing People, is truly sad, to say that, “Learning disabled people can be among the most isolated groups in our society. Almost all encounter prejudice, bullying, insensitive treatment and discrimination at some time in their lives. It leads to a world becoming smaller, opportunities more limited, and a withdrawal from wider society”. Psychiatric Problem and Suicide. Lack of success in recognizing that there is a problem can lead to; frustration, which could lead to behavioral problems, lack of self-confidence, low self-esteem fear of isolation, of being different, bullying by peers inappropriate demands by parents and school personnel resulting to ridicule of the student engaging inappropriate or harmful activities to compensate for lack of success in school, at home and eventually in life. The high rate of learning disabilities found among children who commit suicide is reflected in a study that found that in a three-year Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 14 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines period, 50% of the children who had committed suicide in Los Angeles County had been identified as learning disabled (Morgan, 1999). Dropping out of School. In the US, 24th Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2002 (Doherty, 2005) more than 27% of children with learning disabilities drop out of high school compared to 11% of the general student population. On the other hand, in the report of Washington Summit on Learning Disabilities on 1994, 35% of students identified with learning disabilities drop out of high school. This is twice the rate of non-disabled peers and does not include students who are not identified and drop out. In Canada, the Conference Board determined that drop-outs from high school class of 1987 costs more than 1.7 billion US dollars in lost of taxes. Unemployment. On the report of Paul E. Garfinkel (2005), Director of National Statistics, U.S.A. that 48% of those with LD are out of the workforce or unemployed. Imprisonment. Dyslexia occurs at a high rate among criminals, a new Swedish study suggests that dyslexic prison inmates are more impaired behaviorally than other inmates. J. Jensen et al. (1999) studied 63 prison inmates between ages of 19 and 57. They found that 26, or 41%, were dyslexic. Jensen said, “As expected, the dyslexic group performed more poorly on verbal tests as compared to the normal readers among the prison inmates, but they also performed more poorly on tests measuring non-verbal Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 15 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines abilities. While the rate of dyslexia among Jensen et al’s sample of prisoners seems high, other recent studies revealed even higher. A 1998 study in Britain found out that more than half of 150 prison inmates showed signs of Dyslexia, and a 1995 study, Puerto Rico identified 78% of a group of juvenile delinquents as dyslexic. Sustaining Hope and Outcomes. Even though learning disabilities can not be cured, there is still cause for hope. Since certain learning problems reflect delayed development, many children do eventually catch up. Of the speech and language disorders, children who have an articulation or an expressive language disorder are the least likely to have long term problems. Despite initial delays, most children do learn to speak. In many cases, an adult with dyslexia can learn to read. Although most people do not outgrow their brain dysfunction, people do learn to adapt and live fulfilling lives -not by being cured, but by developing their personal strengths. Given the right types of educational experiences, people have a remarkable ability to learn. The brain’s flexibility to learn new skills is probably greatest in young children and may diminish somewhat after puberty. This is why early intervention is so important. Excellent Abilities. The researchers did not discount the fact that many great and famous people are known to have learning disability, but, this does not limit them to achieve their full potential. People with dyslexia are Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 16 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines unique, each having individual strengths and weaknesses. Many dyslexics are creative and have unusual talent in areas such as art, athletics, architecture, graphics, electronics, mechanics, drama, music, or engineering. Dyslexics often show special talent in areas that require visual, spatial and motor integration. Allegedly, over 50% of NASA employees are dyslexics. They are deliberately sought after because they have superb problem solving skills and excellent 3D and spatial awareness (Garfinkel, 2005) The list of famous people with learning disabilities is long and their talents diverse. Among them are Charles Schwab, Magic Johnson, Tom Cruise, Thomas Edison, Whoopi Goldberg, Jay Leno, Albert Einstein, Cher, Muhammad Ali, Robin Williams, Harrison Ford, Sylvester Stallone just to name a few. As shown by the following three examples, many successful people are dyslexic, and many dyslexic people are successful. George S. Patton Jr. did not learn to read at all until he was 12-yearsold and continued having difficulty reading all his life. He got through school by memorizing his teachers’ entire lectures. But not being able to read did not stop him. He is thought to be one of the greatest strategists in military history and gained fame as a four-star general in World War II (Sagmiller, 1999). Albert Einstein was thought to be “simple-minded.” He did not speak until the age of 3, and even as an adult found searching for words laborious Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 17 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines and was unable to express himself in written language. He discovered that he could achieve through visualizing rather than using oral language. His theory of relativity was developed in his spare time. Time magazine named him the most important person of the 20th century (Sagmiller, 1999). Tom Cruise has never learned to read due to severe dyslexia and was unable to finish high school. As one of today’s most accomplished actors, he memorizes his lines from an auditory source, such as a cassette tape or someone reading to him (Sagmiller, 1999). Remediation Programs for LD Remediation programs for LD can never be realized unless there is a special education teacher primarily for LD. Educating children with LD requires a specialization in this field to appropriately address the problem. It also requires substantial coordination effort with parents and other specialists to come up with a desirable learning synopsis in particular and developmental program as a whole for children with LD. Special Education Teachers. A Special Education teacher works with children and youths who have variety of disabilities. He uses various techniques to promote learning. Depending on the disability, teaching methods can include individualized instruction, problem solving assignments, and small group work. He helps in the development of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for each special education student. The IEP set Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 18 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines personalize goals for each student and is tailored to student’s individual learning style and ability. Teachers review the IEP with student’s parents, school administrators, and, often, the student’s general education teacher. They work closely with parents, school administrators, social workers, teacher assistants, psychologists, speech-language pathologist and audiologist, counselors, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, teachers- preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary and other related personnel such as therapist and psychologist, to meet the requirements of inclusive special education programs. Training, Advancement and Licenses. Special education teachers are required a bachelor’s degree and the completion of an approved teacher preparation program with a prescribed number of subject and education credits and supervised practice teaching. Many states require a master’s degree in special education, involving at least one year of additional course work, including specialization, beyond the bachelor’s degree. Special education teachers usually undergo longer periods of training than do general education teachers. Among the courses offered are educational psychology, legal issues of special education, and child growth and development; courses imparting knowledge and skills needed for students with disabilities are also given. In the U.S.A., alternative licenses are designed to bring college graduates and those changing careers into teaching quickly. Emergency Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 19 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines licenses are granted when States have difficulty finding licensed SPED teachers to fill the position (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2005). Essential Traits and Skills. Special education teachers must be patient, able to motivate students, understanding of their students’ special needs, and accepting of differences in others. Teachers must be creative and apply different types of teaching methods to reach students who are having difficulty in learning. Communication and cooperation are essential traits, because special education teachers spend a great deal of time interacting with others (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2005). Assessment and Evaluation Classroom Assessment. The classroom is the very best place to start in making the assessment. Teachers should be child-centered. He identifies not only the weaknesses, but strengths too. The results are not meant to label and judge but to help. Informal Assessment tools. These are tools which are used in the process of collecting information to make specific instructional decisions, using procedures largely designed by teachers and based on the current instructional situation (Spear-Swerling and Lavote, 2006). School Assessment. The guidance counselor, trained special education teacher or a clinically trained specialist on LD in a school must time to time identify, assess, evaluate and diagnose the learners who have the symptoms of learning difficulties (Padilla, 2005). Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 20 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Curriculum-based Assessment. This is a type of informal assessment in which the procedures directly assess the student’s performance in learning-targeted content in order to make decisions about how to better address his instructional needs (Spear-Swerling and Lavote, 2006). Specialists’ Assessment. Each type of LD is diagnosed in slightly different ways. To diagnose speech and language disorders, a speech therapist tests the child’s pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar and compares them to the developmental abilities seen in most children of that age. A psychologist tests the child’s intelligence. A physician checks for any ear infections. An audiologist may be consulted to rule out auditory problems. If the problem involves articulation, a doctor examines the child’s vocal cords and throat. Early Intervention. Unlike other neurological disorder, learning disability is hard to notice since it does not affect the physical appearance of the individual. His specific disability may just be regarded as dumb or slow in a particular cognitive area. It takes an expert or a professional to really determine and confirm the validity of the diagnosis. Early identification of a child with special needs is an important part of a special education teacher’s job. Early intervention is essential in educating the children with disabilities. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 21 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Teaching Strategies Accommodation. These are techniques and materials that allow individuals with LD to complete school or work tasks with greater ease and effectiveness. Examples include spellcheckers, tape recorders, and expanded time for completing assignments. Accommodation in the classroom, used on a day-to-day basis, can include: taped textbooks; tutoring; use of a note taker, for students who have trouble listening in class and taking notes; use of a scribe during test taking, for students who have trouble writing but who can express their answers verbally to the scribe, who writes down the responses; use of a reader during test taking, for students who have trouble reading test questions; tape recording of class lectures; testing in a quiet place, for students who are easily distracted (Richards, 2000). Accommodations provide different ways for children to take in information or communicate their knowledge back to the person. The changes basically do not alter or lower the standards or expectations for a subject or test. Through the child's Individualized Education Program (IEP), classroom accommodations are developed formally. In addition, some general education teachers agree informally to make accommodations for students in their classes (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2005). Modifications are changes in the delivery, content, or instructional level of subject matter or tests. They result in changing or lowering Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 22 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines expectations and create a different standard for students with disabilities than for those without disabilities. Curriculum modifications are developed formally through the IEP process. Modifications, in other words, mean that the curriculum is changed quite a bit. When modifications are made, children with disabilities are not expected to meet the same standards as others in the classroom. Accommodations and modifications can be a student’s lifeline to success in the high-stakes arena but these provisions must be tailored to the needs of individual students in ways that do not compromise the purpose of integrity of the testing. Reading Remediation. There are several methods and approaches but in summary reading remediation is an intensive instruction undertaken to enable children experiencing weaknesses in reading performance to catch up or develop in appropriate ways. Those children who do not benefit from the instruction given in the regular classroom environment, whose educational needs are different from most, and those who are developing differently from other children are the children who need reading remediation. It can be conducted depending on the type of difficulties the child experiences, availability of resources, competencies of teachers, commitment of the school to the child and the education philosophy of the school and teachers (Padilla, 2005). Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 23 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Classroom Instruction and Management. Accommodations are adjustments to make sure kids have equal access to curriculum and a way to be successful. But once accommodations are made, children with learning disabilities (LD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder are expected to meet the same standards set for all kids. The children with LD can learn the same material as others in the class but in a different way. For example: A child with delayed reading skills can participate in class discussions about a novel if the child has listened to the audiotape version of the book. A child with poor writing and spelling skills may use assistive technology — tape recorder or word processor — rather than struggle with pencil and paper to do his report about a famous person in history. A child who cannot learn the twenty-word spelling list every week may learn only ten words. These result in different standards for mastery — half the number of words as children without a disability learns weekly. A child with AD/HD can improve his ability to pay attention. If he is easily distracted by background noise, he may be seated away from the window and heater or close to the teacher for prompting. A fifth grade child with a severe math disability who is not ready to learn fractions and decimals may still be working on addition and subtraction. This means that his instructional level has changed significantly — second, Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 24 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines not fifth, grade instruction — from other kids in his classroom (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2005). Individualized, Skill-Based Approach. Therapy approach for speech and language disorders focuses on providing a stimulating but structured environment for hearing and practicing language patterns. The therapist in this manner may help the child who has articulation disorder to produce specific speech sounds. During the engaging activity, the therapist may talk about his toys, and then encourage the child to use the same sounds or words (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2005). Create Learning Style Compatible Conditions. These interventions focus on the student’s learning style strengths involving all parts of the brain in all activities: physical, movement, visualization, music, rhythm and emotion. Almost all students with LD do extremely well when a learning task is something they can actually get their hands on and when it is connected to something they are interested in or curious about (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2005). Instructional Placement Mainstreaming. Generally, mainstreaming has been used to refer to the selective placement of special education students in one or more "regular" education classes. Proponents of mainstreaming generally assume that a Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 25 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines student must "earn" his or her opportunity to be placed in regular classes by demonstrating an ability to "keep up" with the work assigned by the regular classroom teacher. This concept is closely linked to traditional forms of special education service delivery. Inclusion. Inclusion is a term, which expresses commitment to educate each child, to the maximum extent appropriate, in the school and classroom. It involves bringing the support services to the child (rather than moving the child to the services) and requires only that the child will benefit from being in the class (rather than having to keep up with the other students). Full inclusion means that all students, regardless of handicapping condition or severity, will be in a regular classroom/program full time. All services must be taken to the child in that setting (Handbook on Special Education, 1997). In addition to problems related to definition, it also should be understood that there often is a philosophical or conceptual distinction made between mainstreaming and inclusion. Those who support the idea of mainstreaming believe that a child with disabilities first belongs in the special education environment and that the child must earn his/her way into the regular education environment. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 26 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines In contrast, those who support inclusion believe that the child always should begin in the regular environment and be removed only when appropriate services cannot be provided in the regular classroom. Resource Room. This refers to a classroom to which many students with learning disabilities come for less than 50% of the school day to receive special education. The resource room teacher in the school works closely with the general education teachers to coordinate the instructional programs of the students. A resource teacher is trained in methods not used by the regular teacher. She also has access to special equipment not available in a regular classroom. According to survey results, the resource room is the most frequently used alternative to the regular classroom for serving the mild to moderately handicapped (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2005). Curriculum Section 1 of Article V on Policies and Guidelines for Special Education of the Philippines states that, “The curriculum for Special Needs Education shall be based on the curriculum prescribed for the regular schools by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports and designed to respond to the special needs of the learners”. Children with special needs are admitted into different types of special education program. These programs are either government –owned or initiated by non-government organizations. Included in the set up are: Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 27 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Special Classes. This is the most prevalent type of special education program. This is consonance with provision cited in the Presidential Decree (PD) 603 known as, “The Child and Youth Welfare Code” which provisions are intended for the welfare of exceptional children. Equally important is Article 74 which provision is for the creation of special classes. Special Schools. These schools serve specific types of disabilities. They offer a range of trained special educators and other support personnel. Private corporations or foundations own most special schools in the Philippines. Pull-out Program. Under this scheme, the gifted are pulled out from their classes to attend enrichment classes under a teacher who has expertise in the particular subject (DECS Service Manual, 2000). Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP is a written document that is developed for each child who is eligible for special education. The IEP is created through a team effort and reviewed at least once a year. It is a document that is designed to meet the child's unique educational needs. It is not a contract, but it does guarantee the necessary supports and services that are agreed upon and written for the child. Before an IEP can be written, the child must be eligible for special education. A multidisciplinary team must determine that 1) a child with a Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 28 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines disability and 2) a child requires special education and related services to benefit from the general education program. (SchwabLearning.org, 2006). IEP Multidisciplinary Team Members. The members of the multidisciplinary team who write the child's IEP include: The parent of the child is one of the members of the multidisciplinary team because he has the full valuable insights and information about the child’s strengths, needs and ideas for enhancing the education. The regular education teacher(s) is (are) another member of the team because they can share information about classroom expectations and the child's performance. A special education teacher is another member of the team because he has the training and experience in educating children with disabilities and in working with other educators to plan accommodations. A specialist is another member of the team who has the expertise in interpreting the results of the child's evaluation and uses the results to help plan an appropriate instructional program. A representative of the school system, usually the principal, is another member of the team who knows about special education services and has the authority to commit resources. The individuals with knowledge or special expertise about the child who are invited by the school district may be another member of the team. The representatives from transition services agencies are present only when such services are being discussed. The child when Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 29 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines appropriate can be a member of the team whenever transition is discussed. (SchwabLearning.org, 2006). Contents of the IEP. At the least, the IEP must contain these pieces of information. Information about the child's strengths and needs is presented by teachers, parents, and the school staff who evaluated the child. Comments will be made about how the child is doing in the classroom. Observations and results of state and district-wide tests and the special education evaluation, including individually administered standardized tests, are reviewed. The next step is to write measurable goals that can be reasonably accomplished in one year. Goals are based on what was discussed and documented in present levels of educational performance and focused on the needs that result from the disability. Goals should help the child with LD be involved and progress in the general curriculum and may be academic, social, behavioral, self-help, or address other educational needs. Goals are not written to maintain skills or help the child to achieve above grade level (SchwabLearning.org, 2006). The requirement for objectives and benchmarks — with which to measure progress toward goals — was eliminated from IEP requirements with the 2004 reauthorization of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004. However, the law now states that the child’s IEP must include “a description of how the child’s progress toward the annual goals … will be Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 30 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines measured and when periodic reports on the progress the child is making toward annual goals will be provided” (SchwabLearning.org, 2006). Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is a plan that includes positive strategies, program modifications, and supplementary aids and supports that address a student’s disruptive behaviors and allows the child to be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE) (Spear-Swerling and Lavote, 2006). Counseling Counseling can be very helpful to children with LD and their families. It can help affected children, teenagers, and adults develop greater selfcontrol and more positive attitude toward their own abilities. Talking with a counselor or psychologists also allows the family members to air feelings as well as get support and reassurance (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2005). Government Programs In the Philippines, there are legal mandates based on the 1935 Commonwealth Act No. 3203, a provision in the care and protection of disabled children. Republic Act Nos. 3562 and 5250 approved on June 1963 and June 1968 respectively provided that teachers, administrators, and the supervisors of special education should be trained by the Department of Education and Culture. Republic Act 7277 approved on January 22, 1992, known as Magna Carta for Disabled Persons affirms the full force Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 31 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines participation and integration of persons with disabilities in the mainstream of society and the provision of education for people with disabilities (Handbook on Special Education, 1997). The latest is the proposed Special Education Act of 2004 by two Southern Mindanao Representatives, Congressmen Arthur Pingoy, 2nd District, South Cotabato and Suharto Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat which was approved and endorsed by Senator M.A. “Jambie” Madrigal as Special Education Act 2004 under S.B. 1096 but still on its first reading. Special Education Act of 2004. This is an Act establishing at least one special education (SPED) center for each school division and at least three SPED centers in big school divisions for children with special needs, creating the implementing machinery thereof, providing guidelines for government financial assistance and other incentives and support, and other purposes (Committee Affairs Dept., 2005). Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004). This is the United States law that guarantees all children with disabilities access to a free and appropriate public education. Under this act, public schools are required to design and implement an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) tailored to each child’s specific needs. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) IDEA 2004 is the federal law that secures special education services for children with disabilities from the time they are born until they graduate from high school. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 32 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines The law was reauthorized by Congress in 2004, prompting a series of changes in the way special education services are implemented (SpearSwerling and Lavote, 2006). Americans with Disabilities Act Of 1990 (ADA 1990). This act guarantees equal employment opportunity for people with learning disabilities and protects disabled workers against job discrimination (National Institute of Mental Health, 2005). United States 2005 Special Education Budget Figure 1 shows the graph on IDEA part B grants to the United States. Figure1 IDEA Part B Grants to States Appropriations History from 1997-2005 Grants for Infants and Families –$ 440.8 million. This program makes formula grants to help States implement statewide systems of early intervention services for all eligible children with disabilities from birth through Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 33 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines age 2 and their families. The Grants for Infants and Families program helps State and local agencies identify and serve children with disabilities early in life when interventions can be most effective in improving educational outcomes. The budget request will provide support to 57 State agencies serving approximately 300,400 infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families (Hager, 2006). Special Education National Activities programs support United States efforts to improve early intervention and educational results for children with disabilities. The total request for national activities is $203 million (Hager, 2006). State Personnel Development – $50.7 million. This program provides competitive grants to help States reform and improve their systems for personnel preparation and professional development in the areas of early intervention, educational, and transition services to improve results for children with disabilities. At least 90 percent of the funds must be spent on professional development activities and no more than 10 percent on State activities, such as reforming special education and regular education teacher certification (including recertification) or licensing requirements and carrying out programs that establish, expand, or improve alternative routes for State certification of special education teachers. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 34 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Technical Assistance and Dissemination - $52.4 million. This program provides technical assistance and disseminates materials based on knowledge gained through research and practice. Personnel Preparation – $90.6 million. This program helps ensure that there are adequate numbers of personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to help children with disabilities succeed educationally. Program activities focus on both meeting the demand for personnel to serve children with disabilities and improving the qualifications of these personnel, with particular emphasis on incorporating knowledge gained from research and practice into training programs. Parent Information Centers – $26.0 million. Parent Information Centers provide parents with the training and information they need to work with professionals in meeting the early intervention and special education needs of their children with disabilities. Technology and Media Services - $38.8 million. This program supports research, development, and other activities that promote the use of technologies in providing special education and early intervention services. Client Assistance State Grants -$11.9 million. This program makes formula grants to States for activities to inform and advise clients of benefits available to them under the Rehabilitation Act, to assist them in their relationships with service providers, and to ensure the protection of their rights under the Act. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 35 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights -$16.7 million. This program supports systems in each State to protect and advocate for the legal and human rights of individuals with disabilities. These systems pursue legal and administrative remedies to ensure the protection of the rights of individuals with disabilities under Federal law and provide information on, and referrals to, programs and services for individuals with disabilities. Assistive Technology - $25.7 million. The request includes $15 million for the Alternative Financing Program (AFP), which provides grants to States to establish or expand loan programs that help individuals with disabilities purchase assistive technology devices and services (Hager, 2006). Treatment Services for Learning Disabilities Over the last decade, a number of research studies have demonstrated the efficacy of assistive technology for individuals with learning disabilities. Technology Aided Instructions Assistive Technology (AT) for kids with LD is defined as any device, piece of equipment, or system that helps bypass, work around, or compensate for an individual’s specific learning deficits. AT does not cure or eliminate learning difficulties, but it can help the child reach his potential because it allows him to capitalize on his strengths and bypass areas of Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 36 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines difficulty. For example, a student who struggles with reading but who has good listening skills might benefit from listening to books on tape. In general, assistive technology compensates for a student’s skills deficits or area(s) of challenge. However, utilizing AT does not mean that a child cannot also receive remedial instruction. AT and remedial instruction are not mutually exclusive. In fact, research has shown that AT can serve to improve certain skill deficits (e.g., reading and spelling). AT can increase a child's self-reliance and sense of independence. Children who struggle in school are often overly dependent on parents, siblings, friends, and teachers for help with assignments. By using AT, kids can experience success at working independently (SchwabLearning.org, 2006). What Types of Learning Problems Does Assistive Technology Address? AT can address many types of learning difficulties. A student who has difficulty writing can compose a school report by dictating it and having it converted to text by special computer software. A child who struggles with mathematics can use a hand-held calculator to keep score while playing a game with a friend. A teenager with dyslexia may benefit from AT that will read aloud his employer’s online training manual. There are AT tools to help students who struggle with: listening, mathematical organization, memory, reading and writing (SchwabLearning.org, 2006). Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 37 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines What Kind of Assistive Technology Tools Are Available? The term assistive technology usually applies to computer hardware and software, as well as other electronic devices. AT tools that support kids with learning disabilities include: abbreviation expanders, alternative keyboards, audio books and publications , electronic math worksheets, free-form database software graphic organizers and outlining, information/data managers, optical character recognition, personal fm listening systems, portable word processors, proofreading programs, speech recognition programs, speech synthesizers, screen reader, talking calculators, talking spell-checkers and electronic dictionaries ,variable speed tape recorders and word prediction programs (SchwabLearning.org, 2006). Lexiphone Method. The Lexiphone method as described by French psychiatrists Dr. Isi Beller and Dr. Bernard Auriel (2005) in a Dyslexia Teacher Publication, overcomes the obstacle in treating dyslexia. It is an audio-feedback device. It uses different artificial means to re-educate fundamental language processing without the awareness of the student. The device allows the child’s voice to be played back through headphones equipped with a closer microphone creating an auditory feedback loop. It also allows the child to hear on-line voice and pre-recorded texts. The Lexiphone works directly on the auditory feedback loop by Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 38 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines enhancing prosodic and segmental (speech sound) and features of the acoustic signal. Therapy Physical Therapy (PT). Physical therapy is an instructional support and treatment of physical disabilities, under a doctor’s prescriptions, that helps a child with LD improve the use of bones, muscles, joints and nerves. This is of great use for Dyspraxia. There are other physical therapy that claims to reverse the condition of learning disabilities, but somehow fail to support their claim with scientific base studies. Occupational Therapy. Occupational therapy is a rehabilitative service to people with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. The services can include helping LD students with pencil grip, physical exercises that may be used to increase strength and dexterity, or exercises to improve hand-eye coordination (Spear-Swerling and Lavote, 2006). Medical Treatment The studies by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) scientists and other researchers have shown that at least 90% of hyperactive children can be helped by either Retalin or Dexedrine. Retalin (methylphenidate) and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) have been used successfully to control impulsiveness and other hyperactive behaviors. among It reduces distractibility children and impulsivity in adults. The drugs are effective for three to Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 39 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines four hours and move out of the body within 12 hours. These medications have made possible for many severely disordered adults to organize their lives, hold jobs, and care for themselves. Although scientists hope that brain research will lead to new medical interventions and drugs, at present there are no medicines for speech, language or academic disabilities (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2005). Medical intervention, however, must be resorted with caution as there are reported cases of undesirable side effects after prolonged usage (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2005). Coping The effects of learning disabilities can ripple outward from the disabled child or adult to family, friends, and peers at school or work. Children with LD often absorb what others thoughtlessly say about them. They may define themselves in light of their disabilities, as "behind," "slow," or "different." Sometimes they do not know how they are different, but they know how awful they feel. Their tension or shame can lead them to act out in various ways-from withdrawal to belligerence. LD children may get into fights. They may stop trying to learn and achieve and eventually drop out of school. Or, they may become isolated and depressed. Children with learning disabilities and attention disorders may have trouble making friends with peers. For children with ADHD, this may be due to their impulsive, hostile, or withdrawn behavior. Some children with delays Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 40 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines may be more comfortable with younger children who play at their level. Social problems may also be a product of their disability. Some people with LD seem unable to interpret tone of voice or facial expressions. Misunderstanding the situation, they act inappropriately, turning people away. Without professional help, the situation can spiral out of control. The more children or teenagers fail, the more they may act out their frustration and damage their self-esteem. The more they act out, the more trouble and punishment it brings, further lowering their self-esteem (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2005) Having a child with a learning disability may also be an emotional burden for the family. Parents often sweep through a range of emotions: denial, guilt, blame, frustration, anger, and despair. Brothers and sisters may be annoyed or embarrassed by their sibling, or jealous of all the attention the child with LD gets. Many parents find that joining a support group also makes a difference. Support groups can be a source of information, practical suggestions, and mutual understanding. Self-help books written by educators and mental health professionals can also be helpful. Parents and teachers can help by structuring tasks and environments for the child in ways that allow the child to succeed. They can find ways to Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 41 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines help children build on their strengths and work around their disabilities. This may mean deliberately making eye contact before speaking to a child with an attention disorder. For a teenager with a language problem, it may mean providing pictures and diagrams for performing a task. For students with handwriting or spelling problems, a solution may be to provide a word processor and software that checks spelling. A counselor or school psychologist can help identify practical solutions that make it easier for the child and family to cope day by day. Every child needs to grow up feeling competent and loved. When children have learning disabilities, parents may need to work harder at developing their children's self-esteem and relationship-building skills. But self-esteem and good relationships are as worth developing as any academic skill (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2005). Learning Disabilities Specialists Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). A speech language pathologist is an expert who can help children and adolescents who have language disorders to understand and give directions, ask and answer questions, convey ideas, and improve the language skills that lead to better academic performance. An SLP can also counsel individuals and families to understand and deal with speech and language disorders (Spear-Swerling and Lavote, 2006). Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 42 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Speech-language pathologists help individuals to overcome and prevent communication problems in language, speech, voice, and fluency. These difficulties may be caused by accidents, genetic disorders such as cleft palate, or by delayed development. While speech-language pathologists can help people of all ages, the pre-school years are the most critical for speech and language development. Referrals to a speech-language pathologist are made by family doctors, public health nurses, infant development specialists, preschool teachers or social workers. Self-referrals can also be made (SchwabLearning.org, 2006). Audiologist. Audiologist is an expert who assesses hearing acuity and provides services for auditory training; advises on devices for hearing amplification (Microsoft Encarta, 2005). School Psychologist. A school psychologist is a person who specializes in problems manifested in and associated with educational systems and who uses psychological concepts and methods in programs that attempt to improve learning conditions for students (Microsoft Encarta, 2005). He administers and interprets psychological and educational tests; assists with behavior management; provides counseling; consults with parents, staff, and community agencies about educational issues. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 43 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Knowledge and Awareness of LD in Different Countries International Arena. The International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities (IARLD) is an international professional organization dedicated to conducting and sharing research about individuals who have learning disabilities. IARLD members come from many nations. Members represent: 1) distinguished researchers, 2) distinguished practitioner or clinicians, 3) young researchers, and 4) promising doctoral students. The Academy was formed in 1976 by Dr. William Cruickshank of United States of America and Dr. Jacob Valk of Netherlands. Since its inception, the Academy has realized its mission of being a professional, international, interdisciplinary consortium of scientists. The Academy currently (2002 census) has a membership of nearly 250 distinguished scholars, representing 29 different countries and 23 disciplines (Heath, 2006). In its history as an association, IARLD has encouraged international research in the field of learning disabilities, developed a Research Monograph Series in Learning Disabilities, maintained an exclusive in-house publication, Thalamus, which is published bi-annually, and has convened international colloquia aimed at concerns in the study of research on learning disabilities. The International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities, in its first 25 years, has already imparted significantly the field of learning disabilities. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 44 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines The Academy's specific goals include: 1) To encourage its membership to engage in active research and writing in the fields of learning disabilities; 2)To share writings, as well as pre-publication ideas with others in the Academy through the exchange of papers, correspondence, books, electronic and other methods of communication; 3) To encourage and stimulate the international exchange of students in the area of learning disabilities between countries and facilities; 4) To foster the establishment of a clearinghouse of information in the area of learning disabilities; 5) To undertake surveys of the development of the field of learning disabilities and bring to the attention of its members and governments those problems on which major attention should be directed; 6) To provide on an occasional basis, a review of the literature in the several areas of learning disabilities highlighting new developments in the field, stimulating promising research and emphasizing new theoretical concepts; 7) To publish regularly, a professional journal, newsletter, or other form of professional stimulation in the field; 8) To engage in contracts with governments, research agencies, publication houses, or with individuals in achieving their professional goals; 9) To provide a mechanism for the exchange of persons where appropriate; and 10) To co-sponsor public forums with other appropriate research-oriented organizations. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 45 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Current members of the Academy represent various cultures and national backgrounds. Countries which are presently involved in the Academy include: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, England (United Kingdom), Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico. The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of South Africa, Russia, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (Republic of China), United States of America, and Yugoslavia (Heath, 2006). In the United States. In 1995, the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation commissioned a survey by Roper-Starch to ascertain American public knowledge and attitudes concerning learning disabilities. When people were asked where they would go for information on learning disabilities, three sources were mentioned. The first was family. The second source of information was the family physician. And 51% of those responding said they would go to a public library. The Tremaine Foundation approached the American Library Association about doing a project to ensure that libraries were informed and able to meet this need, especially in light of recent research. Roads To Learning, The Public Libraries’ Learning Disabilities Initiative, came into being. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 46 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Roads To Learning (RTL) encourages linkages among libraries, community organizations, and service providers to improve service to learning disabled people, their families, professionals, and other interested people. The initiative's goal is to bring information about learning disabilities to the general public through libraries while increasing libraries' capacity to serve their communities in this area. The Roads To Learning Web page was mounted in 1998. Elements include links to other Web sites, a descriptive list of national learning disabilities organizations and basic information about LD. The library staff and volunteers work together to ensure that the library is meeting the information needs of the community on LD. To date, groups have identified collection needs, conducted public programs on LD and related topics, bought videos, and even raised funds (American Library Association, 2006). Figure 2. Increasing Enrollment Trends in Florida Learning Disability Classes The data are the result of a 1997 Graduate Student Research Project conducted through the Special Education Department at the University of Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 47 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines South Florida. The graph above, shows the percentage of Florida students diagnosed with learning disabilities which had risen from .50% in 1971 - to 2.40% in 1977 - to 3.38% in 1980 to 4.04% in 1986 to 5.16% in 1996 and will be over 6% in 1998 (Pressinger, 1997). They Speak for Themselves: A Survey on Adults with Learning Disabilities states that for years, organizations, professionals, parents and others have spoken for adults with learning disabilities. Of the few programs and support services provided for adults with learning disabilities, only a small percentage demonstrates a true understanding of the needs of this population. In order to provide a format for adults with learning disabilities to communicate, Learning Disabilities Association of America published in the Newsbriefs, a survey questionnaire in the spring, 1994. The results of this survey have been published in, They Speak For Themselves. The survey was designed to obtain a complete description of the impact of learning disabilities on the lives of these adults. It asked about age, education, vocational history, mental and physical health, income, living arrangements, and interactions with the justice system. It also included questions concerning the incidence of learning disabilities or other disabilities in other members of the family. Participants had the option of remaining anonymous and of providing additional comments. These comments, which provided insight into the concerns of adults with learning disabilities and their parents, added an unexpected dimension to the survey. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 48 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines It must be noted that the survey was not a random sample of the population of adults with learning disabilities. The survey was distributed through the Learning Disabilities Association of America’s (LDA) national publication, Newsbriefs. The respondents were knowledgeable about learning disabilities and were motivated enough to belong to a national organization concerned with learning disabilities. It is not possible to know to what extent these responses reflect the total population of adults with learning disabilities. Some of these results are presented in the graphs. Figure 3. Age First Diagnosed Figure 4. Postsecondary Education Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 49 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Figure 5. Income Distribution Figure 6. Job Satisfaction Figure 7. Areas of Difficulty Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 50 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines In England: Increased Funding for Learning Disabilities. Services for people with learning disabilities are set to receive over £41 million in government funding. Stephen Ladyman, Minister of England announced, that these funds are intended to support the implementation of the Government White Paper ‘Valuing People’, which sets out a wide ranging programme of action to improve services for people with learning disabilities based on four key principles – rights, independence, choice and inclusion. Priority areas earmarked for funding in previous years have been: 1) Advocacy – developing and expanding services to support people to speak up, 2) Person Centered Planning – a way of helping people get what they want in their life, starting with the person, their wishes and aspirations, and 3) Leadership – developing and supporting leadership, including people with learning disabilities, families and others providing support. Other highlights include: 1) Over £3bn a year spent on health and social services for people with learning disabilities. 2) The White Paper Valuing People: A New Strategy for Learning Disability for the 21st Century was published in March 2001 is the first White Paper on learning disability for 30 years and will take a minimum of five years to implement. 3) There are an estimated 1.2 million people with mild or moderate learning disabilities in England and some 210,000 people with severe and profound learning Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 51 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines disabilities – 65,000 children, 120,000 adults of working age, 25,000 older people. In Canada: October is LD Awareness Month. Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC) was founded in 1963 and incorporated in 1971 (Larocque, 2005). In the early years, a specific week during the month of March was chosen. Over time, the LD Awareness campaign moved to a specific week in November and then to a specific week in October. In 1987, the whole month of March was officially designated ‘Learning Disabilities Awareness Month’. Over the years, it has been endorsed by Governors General Sauvé, Schwyer and Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. On March 1, 1996, a proclamation was read by the federal Speaker of the House of Commons declaring March as LD Awareness Month. Why Move from March to October. Many factors influenced the decision of the LDAC Board of Directors in moving the celebrations from March to October. Organizing events and activities in March that rely on a volunteer base proved difficult for many Provincial/Territorial LDAs and chapters. The school March break interfered with the planning, especially with school closures and the reduced number of available volunteers and public participation. Moreover, the weather was always questionable when organizing events at that time of year. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 52 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines October was decided upon for several reasons. It is the beginning of a new school year when principals and teachers are more open to include awareness activities in the schools. Provincial and Territorial LDAs, are planning for fundraising activities and the publicity generated during October is a good introduction to the Association. Moreover, it is now aligned with the USA – which celebrates LD Awareness month in October. LD Awareness Month 2005 LD Awareness Month is not about making a political statement. The goal of the LD Awareness Month campaign is to generate grassroots activities that will raise Canadian awareness of learning disabilities and the challenges faced by these individuals and their families. The campaign also aims to encourage everyone in the learning disabilities community to make time during October to share with the public what it is they do and how it contributes to the overall well-being of the community. It is that simple. Ultimately, it is hoped to increase support for research, identification, education, training, and access to equitable services for individuals with learning disabilities (Larocque, 2005). In Romania. In 1990, at the fall of Communism in Romania, western cameras exposed the neglect of a system that considered infants with disabilities as an irrelevance in their impoverished society. According to the article, orphanages scattered the lengths and breadth of Romania where Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 53 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines scraps of humanity existed rather than thrived. Within the institutions children are shielded from the world outside; when they leave they have acquired very few skills. They have never cooked a meal, been shopping, had a bank account, or even used the telephone. The Arc is a “half-way house” rehabilitation centre for those being moved on from the orphanages. The house itself accommodates up to six young people. It is a huge step for young people to leave state care and start living and working in the outside world. By helping them find a job, open a bank account, manage their money, and the small things we take for granted like making a cup of tea, the Arc and its caretakers aim to rehabilitate the young adults so they can happily cope with the pressures of every-day life. The Arc is a home for four young people with learning disabilities that opened in September 2005. These teenagers have lived most of their young lives in an orphanage in Lugoj, in the northwest of the country, where they were abandoned as babies. At the age of 18 they now have to leave the security of the orphanage (Morosan, 2006). In Japan. In Japan, learning disability was introduced in the early 1970’s. The concept first caught the attention of concerned educators. However, not much has changed in Japan since the introduction of this new terminology, mainly due to society’s lack of understanding. After all, it is Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 54 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines difficult to be supportive of something not easily visible to the human eye (Hattori, 1997). According to Eiko Todo (Kenrick, 2001) there are “thousands of children in Japan suffering from unrecognized dyslexia. Even after it is recognized, the children have practically no support from teachers, or local education authorities.” Eiko established the Japan Dyslexic Society. After considerable effort, she has succeeded in receiving certification for the society. Eiko is planning to have a caravan that will tour Japan and present relevant dramas. “My son suffered a lot at school because of the unawareness of teachers and others.” In Malaysia. In Malaysia, approximately 400 parents, volunteers and service providers from across the country gathered in the beginning of April 2000 for the first ever national forum on the needs of people with learning disabilities. It was the first time that support groups for families of learning disabled people came to the forefront in such an active way, not only organizing but also taking part in the forum. According to Peter Young (Thanasayan,2000), director of Dignity and Services in an interview with Wheel Power, Klang Valley-based advocacy group which sponsored the forum explained that the forum was not about solving problems. The main aim was to get parents and families of people with learning disabilities to realize that something has to be done collectively as a national support group. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 55 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines In Indonesia. In Indonesia, Yayasan Pantara Elementary School teaches only students with learning disabilities. The foundation was established in 1994. Yayasan Pantara began its activities by working with the education ministry to train two teachers from each province to recognize children with LD and how to teach and work with these children. The program ended in 2000, but for the past two years 50 teachers from South Jakarta have undergone training and the program for teachers from other places in the country will be restarting again in a few months. Since 1997, the foundation has been able to demonstrate to teachers how children with learning disabilities are succeeding, and how they are taught at its elementary school. The school follows the national curriculum but modifies teaching strategies and has two teachers for each class of about ten students. Unfortunately all the hard work that the students and the teachers at SD Khusus Pantara put in is often fruitless because of the discriminatory admission policies of some junior high schools. Many parents of graduates of special elementary schools have found that middle schools are unwilling to accept their children when they find out where their child went to elementary (Paul, 2003). In The Philippines: Close To One Million Persons With Disability. There were about 942,098 persons or 1.23 percent of the total population reported to have some types of disability. Persons with low vision constituted Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 56 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines the highest percentage (37.41 percent), followed by partial blindness (8.14 percent), mental illness (7.14 percent), mental retardation (7.02 percent) and quadriplegic (5.93 percent) (Philippine Government Census, 2000). Figure 8 and table 1 show the type of disabilities taken from the National Statistics Office report in 2000. Source: NSO, 2000 Census of Population and Housing Figure 8. Distribution of population by type of disability, Philippines: 2000 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 57 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Table 1 Disabled Person by Type of Disability and Sex: Philippines, 2000 Type of Disability Both Sexes Male Female Philippines 942,098 468,766 473,332 Low vision 352,398 154,053 198,345 Oral defect 50,862 27,100 23,762 Partial blindness 76,731 38,157 38,574 Mentally ill 67,294 34,818 32,476 Mentally retarded 66,113 35,194 30,919 Quadriplegic 55,889 31,297 24,592 Hard of hearing 44,725 22,251 22,474 Others 228,086 125,896 102,190 Source: NSO, 2000 Census of Population and Housing Page last revised: July 18, 2003 This table on Disabled Person by Type of Disability and Sex: Philippines 2000 (Philippine Government Census, 2000) clearly shows that learning disabilities were not yet appropriately categorized in the Philippines. On December 19, 2005 the researchers had the chance to interview the principal of one of the schools offering the LD program in Davao City, Philippines. They learned that the principal had no idea whether or not the LD program was incorporated in the curriculum. It was quite worthy to note that no enrollees among undergraduates took special education as their major course at Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), Davao City for the year 2005-2006 forcing the institution to dissolve the SPED subject offered (HCDC Registrar’s Office Bulletin, 2nd Semester, October 2005). Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 58 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Oprah Spotlights Learning Disabilities Documentary. Participants in the award-winning documentary, A Celebration of Differences appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show (2006) to talk about living with learning disabilities. The film highlights the strategies people with learning disabilities develop and the inner strengths they possess. It aims to educate those who deny this reality and to inspire those who live it every day. An unscripted, 22-minute, award-winning documentary, A Celebration of Differences, offers a window into the world of people who live with learning disabilities. Children and adults talk about their academic and ongoing struggles and how they found strength and empowerment in disability. The video makers created the documentary to encourage people who have learning disabilities. It also offers educators an insight into the emotional and difficult challenges people who have disabilities face every day. A Celebration of Differences has been a project of devotion, created by a group of volunteers who know that living with a learning disability is not easy. A group of six mothers began the project. They were all members of an outreach group affiliated with Rush Neurobehavioral Center [RNBC] which diagnoses and treats children who have a variety of brain-based learning and behavioral disorders. Bobbi Zabel (2006), a co-producer of the documentary observed that as the person who has learning disabilities relate their experiences, common threads emerge: feelings of anger, frustration, and Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 59 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines isolation in a world designed for standardized minds; the empowerment that arises from self-knowledge; the value of cultivating one's strengths and the gifts that are embodied in 'thinking differently”. Sally L. Smith (2006), professor of education at the American University School and head of the school's graduate program in learning disabilities, it is a big battle for those with learning disabilities because so much of their life is spent in school. Smith started the, The Lab School of Washington in 1967, when she discovered a complete lack of services in the Washington area for the intelligent child who is learning disabled. Furthermore, Sally L. Smith mentioned that providing students with individualized instruction early in their school careers and allowing students to shine in areas in which they do well are among the solutions that can help people who have learning disabilities not to think of themselves as stupid. The Lab School boasts that 90 percent of its students go on to college, a significantly higher percentage than the national average. A recently released NCES report Postsecondary Students with Disabilities: Enrollment, Services and Persistence shows that students with disabilities who enrolled in post-secondary education for the first time in 1989-1990 had a similar rate of overall persistence in continuing their studies or earning degrees as students without disabilities. About 53 percent of students with disabilities persisted in their programs compared with 64 percent without disabilities. That same Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 60 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines report found, however, that students with disabilities were less likely to have earned a bachelor's degree from a public, four-year institution within the five years of the study. Ceil Rothbart (Dunne, 2000), co-producer of the documentary, A Celebration of Differences and a mother of children who have learning disabilities, suggested that the film is a way of mentoring people who have learning disabilities. The owner of a small editing and video business, Rothbart volunteered her time to film and edit the documentary. Rothbart said further that her own motivation stemmed from years of frustration with individuals and systems that hurt rather than helped her children, with teachers who did not understand learning disabilities or believe her children had learning disabilities. There seemed to be a lack of awareness that a child with learning differences came into the classroom at a disadvantage to begin with. Theoretical and Conceptual Framework Orton Theory. For nearly a century, scientists had speculated that there was a brain-related basis for dyslexia and that an inability to learn to read was caused by abnormal brain functioning. In the 1920s, Samuel T. Orton, an American neuro-pathologist suggested a theory that the brain is divided into two hemispheres. He said that in most people, the left hemisphere regulates language functions. A few people have language Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 61 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines functions dominated by right hemisphere. Orton suggested that in dyslexics neither hemisphere dominates language functions. CV –based Dyslexia Theory. This is the study of Dysmetric Dyslexia and Dyspraxia: Hypothesis and Study, Frank and Levinson, H. N. Journal of American Academy of Child Psychiatry, 1973. An inner-ear (CerebellarVestibular [CV]) dysfunction was found by Drs. Frank and Levinson to characterize over 96% of a large dyslexic sample. By contrast, there was a complete absence of cerebral cortical signs. These data clearly suggested that dyslexia was a CV rather than a cortical origin as believed for over the past 100 years. All these data together with a variety of other findings definitely proved for the first time that dyslexia was characterized by a CV dysfunction. Because of CV dysfunction results in Dysmetria and Dyspraxia, Dyslexia was redefined and called Dysmetric Dyslexia and Dyspraxia- leaving open the possibility that there were other minority causes of the dyslexic syndrome. (Frank and Levinson, 2005) A controversy erupted, however, that while the Orton Society has long espoused learning disability as cerebral cortical right and left hemispheres or brains in origin, a theory that strongly supported, Dr. Harold Levinson (New York Magazine, 1996) exposed otherwise. In his book, A Scientific Watergate- Dyslexia, a provocative and important work as New York Magazine noticeably acclaimed, clearly demonstrates and analyzes the ignorance, bias, and denial Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 62 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines characterizing the conventional concepts of dyslexia, wherein he presented scientific evidences that dyslexia is an inner-ear (Cerebellar-Vestibular [CV]) dysfunction; thus simply explaining the otherwise unexplainable 100- year old diagnostic-therapeutic medical void. In his abstract, he exposes and analyzes how and why countless millions of dyslexics have been needlessly deprived of breakthrough medical diagnostic and therapeutic insights by self-serving personalities – obviously a cover-up. In his conclusion, he questioned The Orton Society and other special interest groups in denying the obvious, “Clearly, their self-serving reasons were anything, except altruistic”. Some organizations that strongly advocated the LD program have been founded in United States and United Kingdom but the awareness level of the populace is far from satisfactory even among professionals. This can be viewed from the research work of Gladys Burke (2002) quoting the comments of students with LD who were outspoken about many of their high school teachers who lacked awareness in the area of learning disabilities the deficiency contributed negatively to student’s feelings regarding selfesteem and hope for the future. She recommended that every school should have a pamphlet for every teacher, every year. In this way, the teachers would be made more aware of learning disabilities and would recognize their presence in their students. There should be a student support program provided by the Center for Students with Disabilities. This program would give Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 63 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines students with LD the opportunity to meet other students with LD. As a result, there would be greater awareness of the extent of LD on campus. This should promote greater openness rather than isolation, which has a tendency to disguise the disability. It is of great importance to get to the bottom of the predicament, which is the knowledge and awareness of the problem. Like any other illnesses, how will anyone know he is sick when one is not aware of it? How can anyone administer the right treatment when a disease is not known but are already prevalent? Input This study discusses the knowledge and awareness attached with theories and findings sought by the researchers for the realization of learning disabilities among parents, educators; specifically teachers, principals, supervisors and the members of the local school board particularly, the school superintendent, the non- academic personnel officer of public school, the city mayor. Process Survey on knowledge and awareness was conducted on: A) Learning disabilities in terms of: special education and children with special needs; concepts of learning disabilities; cause and origin of LD; types of learning Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 64 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines disabilities; cure; experiences and consequences; B) Remediation program in terms of: SPED program and the teachers; assessment and evaluation; intervention; teaching strategies; instructional placement; curriculum; IEP; Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP); and government programs; C) Treatment services in terms of: technology aided instructions; therapy; medical treatment; coping and expertise of the LD specialists. Output Just like a mathematical equation, input plus the process equals the output or simply said the outcome, where the implication of the outcome produced respective perceptions about LD, remediation programs and the treatment services in the cities of Region XI of the Philippines and a region of New York City, N.Y., U.S.A. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 65 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines INPUT Respondents of the Five Cities of Region XI, Philippines & a Region of New York City, NY, USA Parents Educators OUTPUT LSB Members PROCESS The Extent of Knowledge and Perception on Learning Disabilities DESCRIPTIVE-SURVEY I. Knowledge & Awareness a. Learning Disabilities II. Perception a. Remediation Program b. Treatment Services Figure 9. Conceptual paradigm of the study Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 66 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Statement of the Problem The objective of the study is to determine the extent of knowledge and awareness on learning disabilities as well as the level of perception on remediation program and treatment services in the five cities of Region XI of the Philippines and a region of New York City, N. Y., U.S.A. Specifically, the study answered the following questions: 1. To what extent is the knowledge and awareness on learning disabilities among parents, educators, and members of the local school board in the cities of Region XI of the Philippines and a region of New York City in terms of 1.1 special education and children with special needs; 1.2 learning disabilities 1.3 causes and origin; 1.4 types of learning disabilities; 1.5 cure; and 1.6 experiences and consequences 2. To what extent is the perception on the remediation program given to children with learning disabilities in the cities of Region XI of the Philippines and a region of New York City as to; 2.1 SPED programs and teachers; 2.2 assessment and evaluation; 2.3 intervention; Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 67 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines 2.4 teaching strategies; 2.5 instructional placement; 2.6 curriculum; 2.7 individualized educational program (IEP); 2.8 behavioral intervention plan (BIP); and 2.9 government programs 3. To what extent is the perception on the treatment services of the children with learning disabilities in the cities of Region XI of the Philippines and a region of New York as to; 3.1 technology aided instructions; 3.2 therapy; 3.3 medical treatment; 3.4 coping; and 3.5 LD specialists Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 68 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines CHAPTER 2 Method This chapter presents the methodology used by the researchers. This includes the specification of the research design, selection of the participants, process in the formulation and finalization of the instrument, data gathering, which includes the administration of the questionnaire and lastly the simplification of data. This study attempted to find the extent of knowledge and awareness on learning disabilities as well as the perception on the remediation program and treatment services of children with LD among parents, educators and members of the local school board. Research Design The investigators used the descriptive-survey method in its baseline data, which is to see the general picture of the targeted population and the nature of its existing condition. The descriptive method is basically a technique of qualitative as well as quantitative description of general characteristics of the group. Moreover, it is equivalent to a survey because it gathers data regarding the current conditions of identifying normal or typical practices with accepted norms or models (Good, 1987). Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 69 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Participants Selection of Respondents and Sampling Techniques Region XI is found in the southern part of Mindanao, the second largest island of the Philippines. It is composed of five provinces, namely; Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Island Garden City of Samal. The researchers specially selected five cities from those provinces, namely; Panabo City, Davao City, Digos City, Island Garden City of Samal and Tagum City (Appendix I p 137). Based on the Department of Education statistical data of enrollees in the school year 20052006, these five cities have a total of 362,629 enrollees representing 44.37% of the total enrollees of Region XI. Region 9, New York, on the other hand, is composed of 169 schools with a total of 106, 737 enrollees in academic year 2005-2006 based on the data of New York City Department of Education, Instructional Divisions (Appendix J p 138). Due to the difficulty in conducting study in obtaining permission to conduct investigation covering the entire region of New York, the researchers opted to randomly pick nine schools representing 2% of enrollees to produce adequate sample size and representation. The study mainly wanted to compare the extent of knowledge and awareness on learning disabilities and the level of perception on remediation program and treatment services of children with LD among the five cities of Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 70 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Region XI and a region of New York City where Manhattan as the premier city of the world is located. The study is about knowledge and awareness of learning disability among the following sectors as respondents, namely: parents, educators, and the members of the local school board of the cities of Panabo, Tagum, Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) Digos and Davao of Region XI of the Philippines and a region of New York City, New York, USA. Educators were specifically composed of the teachers and principal of the school, and the supervisor of the district. The members of the local school board, based on DECS Service Manual 2000 (p249), were the school superintendent, city non- academic personnel officer of the public school and city mayor. The investigation assumed the technique of selecting schools by random from both regular schools and schools with Special Education instructions. Each key city in Region XI was well represented by selected schools. Panabo City had 2 participating schools. Tagum City had three participating schools. Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) had two participating schools. Digos City had two participating schools. Davao City had nine participating schools. There were 18 participating schools in Region XI, Philippines, while in New York was represented by one school only in each area. There were nine participating schools in Region 9 of New York City. The respondents of the study were 312 teachers, 322 parents and 20 members of the local school board. There were a total of 654 respondents in Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 71 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Region XI of the Philippines, while in Region 9 of New York City, U.S.A., there were 161 teachers and 282 parents, a total of 443 respondents. The grand total of respondents was 1,097. Table 2 shows the distribution of respondents. Table 2. Distribution of Respondents REGION XI OF THE PHILIPPINES Areas/ Participating Schools Panabo City (2) Tagum City (3) IGACOS (2) Digos City (2) Davao City (9) P E LSB Total 29 35 17 32 209 24 34 18 30 206 4 4 4 4 4 57 73 39 66 419 Total (18) 322 312 20 654 A REGION OF NEW YORK CITY Participating Schools School A (1) School B (1) School C (1) School D (1) School E (1) School F (1) School G (1) School H (1) School I (1) TOTAL (9) GRAND TOTAL OF P E Total 27 26 40 14 28 6 27 63 15 282 9 13 12 10 37 10 10 30 30 161 36 39 52 24 65 16 37 93 45 443 Respondents In the Phil. & USA 93 112 91 990 484 16 37 93 45 1,097 Legend: P - Parents E - Educators LSB – Local School Board Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 72 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Table 3. The Summary of Respondents in the Cities of Region XI, Philippines Respondents/ Percentage Parents F=322 Percentage Educators F= 312 Percentage LSB F= 20 Percentage Digos City Panabo City 29 Tagum City 35 IGACOS Total 32 Davao City 209 17 322 9.94% 64.91% 9.00% 10.87% 5.28% 100% 30 206 24 34 18 312 9.612% 66.03% 7.69% 10.90% 5.77% 100% 4 4 4 4 4 20 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% 100% The summary of respondents in the cities of Region XI, Philippines is presented in Table 3. The parent-respondents in Digos City had a total number of 32 cases representing 64.91%. Davao City had a total number of 209 cases representing 64.91%.Panabo City had a total number of 29 cases representing 9.00%. Tagum City had 35 cases representing 10.87%. IGACOS had 17 cases representing 5.28%. The total number of the parentrespondents was 322 cases or 100%. The teacher-respondents in Digos City had 30 cases representing 9.612%. Davao City had 206 cases representing 66.03%. Panabo City had 24 cases representing 7.69%. Tagum City had 34 cases representing 10.90%. IGACOS had 18 cases representing 5.77%. The total number of the teacherrespondents was 312 cases or 100%. The local school board had 4 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 73 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines respondents in every city. There were 20 members of the local school board respondents. Sampling Procedure One of the most important issues in sampling is determining the adequacy of the sample size. In finding adequate sample size, the researchers adopted the formula by Lynch and others (Ardales, 2001). Since the study focused on social issues rather than on scientific concern, the researchers believed that the appropriate confidence level (alpha: α) must be 95% with margin of error (e) of 5% and the target population is set at 30% (please see Appendix K p139). Distribution of Parent- Respondents of Region XI, Philippines Parent-respondent was determined by the number of enrollees in secondary and elementary schools regardless of occupation, status and educational attainment assuming that there was one parent for every enrollee. The five key cities in Region XI, namely; Panabo City with its total population of secondary and elementary schools as 31,159, a percentage of 9%, and respondents of 29 parents; Tagum City with 39,543 total population, a percentage of 11%, and respondents of 35 parents; Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) with 18,270 total population, a percentage of 05%, respondents of 17 teachers; Digos City with 32,064 total population, a percentage of 10% and respondents of 32 parents; Davao City with Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 74 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines 241,593 total population, a percentage of 65% and respondents of 209 parents. There was a total of 322 parent-respondents. Table 4 shows the distribution of parent-respondents in Region XI (please see Appendix L p 142). Distribution of Parent – Respondents in New York Parent-respondents were determined by the total number of enrollees in secondary and elementary schools assuming that there could be one parent for every student, regardless of occupation, status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex and educational attainment. High School of Hospitality and Management is located in the highest concentration of hotel and hospitality establishments in New York City. The school prepares the student for exciting career in hospitality management and post secondary education. It has 212 total population of enrollees, a percentage of 9.5%, with 27 respondents. Food and Finance High School. Its focus is the rigorous career and technical education program on culinary arts and finance. The vision, resources and expertise of the lead partner, Food Change, is instrumental to the mission of the school which is to teach students to have a sustainable future and to help them understand that food is a personal, social, economic and ecological health. It has 205 enrollees, a percentage of 9.2%, with 27 respondents. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 75 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Manhattan Bridges High School. The mission of the school is to assist students in maintaining the richness of their native language and culture, celebrating their individual differences while providing them with a sense of their place in the greater community and a democratic society. The classes observe an interdisciplinary, thematic, and experiential curriculum focused on literacy, technology integration, college preparation and community service. It has 314 enrollees, a percentage of 14.2%, with 40 respondents. The Facing High School. The mission of the school is to graduate students who are lifelong partners of skills and knowledge for academic and professional success. Courses and program highlights are: habits and learning Portfolio, project-based learning, cooperative learning, interdisciplinary classes, community service, and New York City writing project. It has 111 enrollees, a percentage of 5.0%, with 14 respondents. Park West Educational Campus with 225 enrollees, a percentage of 10.1%, with 28 respondents. P-35 Self- contained Elementary School. The school is dedicated to the nurturing of students with various physical handicaps and those with learning disability associated with other neuro-biological impairments. It is a special school that is highly restrictive. The school has occupational, physical, and language therapists to handle students as to their field of expertise. It has 45 enrollees, a percentage of 2.0%, with six respondents. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 76 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Urban Assembly School for Design and Construction. This institution is a school that prepares students for college and beyond through rigorous academic program with the emphasis on engineering and architecture. It has 212 enrollees, a percentage of 9.5%, with 27 respondents. High School Graphic Communication Arts Visual Art. This school focuses in typography and desktop publishing on Mackintosh computers using state-of-the-art facilities. It has 500 enrollees, a percentage of 22.5%, with 63 respondents. High School of Communication Arts in Journalism. The school belongs to a group of five small learning communities, which are semiautonomous dedicated to specific career themes. The school is following the trend of Manhattan in the creation of small schools catering specializations. It has 400 enrollees, a percentage of 18.0%, with 51 respondents. There were 282 parent-respondents. Table 5 shows the distribution of the parent-respondents in a region of New York City (please see the Appendix, p 142). Distribution of Teacher- Respondents of Region XI Teacher-respondents were determined through the total number of teachers in secondary and elementary schools irrespective of sex, age and area of specialization. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 77 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines There were five key cities in Region XI, namely; Panabo City with a total of secondary and elementary school teachers having a population of 719, a percentage of 7.8%, and 24 teacher-respondents; Tagum City with 1, 007 total population, a percentage of 10.9%, and of 34 teacherrespondents; Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) with 520 population, a percentage of 5.6%, and of 18 teacher-respondents; Digos City with 895 total population, a percentage of 9.7% and 30 teacher-respondents; Davao City with 6,131 total population, a percentage of 66% and 206 teacherrespondents. There were a total of 312 teacher-respondents. Table 6 shows the distribution of teacher-respondents in Region XI, Philippines (please see the Appendix, p 143). Distribution of Teacher- Respondents in New York Teacher-respondents in New York City were determined through the total number of teachers in either secondary or elementary schools irrespective of sex, status, race, ethnicity, religion and area of teaching specialization. School A was represented by High School of Hospitality Management with 18 teachers, 5.6% and nine teacher-respondents. School B was represented by Food and Finance High School with 25 teachers, 7.8% and 13 teacher-respondents. School C was represented by Manhattan Bridges High School with 24 teachers, 7.5% and 12 teacher-respondents. School D was represented by The Facing High School with 20 teachers, 6.2% and ten Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 78 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines teacher-respondents. School E was represented by Park West Educational Campus with 75 teachers, 23.3% and 37 teacher-respondents. School F was represented by P35 Self Contained Elementary School with 20 teachers, 6.2% and ten teacher-respondents. School G was represented by Urban Assembly School for Design and Construction with 20 teachers, 6.2% and ten teacherrespondents. School H was represented by High School of Graphic Communication Arts in Visual Art with 60 teachers, population, 18.6% and 30 teacher-respondents. School I was represented by High School of Communication Arts in Journalism with 60 teachers, 18.6% and 30 teacherrespondents. There was a total of 161 teacher-respondents. Table 7 is shows the distribution of teacher -respondents in New York City, U.S.A. (please see the Appendix, p 143). Distribution of Respondents in Panabo City, Philippines There were two participating schools within the vicinity of Panabo City, namely; Panabo National High School located within the business area of Panabo City with 12 teacher-respondents, 15 parent-respondents, and a total of 27 respondents. Panabo Central Elementary School is offering primary education to regular students in San Francisco, with 12 teacher-respondents, 14 parent-respondents, and a total 26 respondents. Four members of the local school board represented the city. Table 8 shows the distribution of respondents in Panabo City (please see the Appendix, p 144). Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 79 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Distribution of Respondents in Tagum City, Philippines Magugpo Pilot Elementary School is the oldest primary school of Tagum City (formerly known as Magugpo) which caters to most of the children in the business area of Tagum City. It had 13 teacher-respondents, twelve (12) parent-respondents, and a total of 25 respondents. Lyceo High School (formerly Saint Mary’s College for Boys) is a school about five kilometers away from the heart of the municipality of Tagum City. It is managed by a congregation with 13 teacher-respondents, 12 parentrespondents, and a total of 25 respondents. CARE Schoolhouse Foundation, Inc. is serving special children in the pre-school level. The school is located in Santo Domingo Subdivision with eight teacher-respondents, 11 parent-respondents, and a total of 19 respondents. Members of the local school board were four. Table 9 shows the distribution of respondents in Tagum City (please see the Appendix, p 144). Distribution of Respondents in IGACOS, Philippines Holy Cross of Babak is a private school run by a congregation located within the business area of Babak. There were nine teacher-respondents, nine parent-respondents, and a total of 18 respondents. A. Villarica Central Elementary School is a school about 15 kilometers away from the heart of the municipality of Island Garden City of Samal with nine teacher-respondents, eight parent-respondents, and a total of 17 respondents. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 80 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Members of the local school board were four. Table 10 shows the distribution of respondents in IGACOS (please see the Appendix, p 145). Distribution of Respondents in Digos City, Philippines Don Mariano Marcos Elementary School is located within the business area of Digos City. There were 15 teacher-respondents, 16 parentrespondents, and a total of 31 respondents. Ramon Magsaysay Central Elementary School is in Zone III catering to regular students. It had 15 teacher-respondents, 16 parent-respondents, and a total of 31 respondents. There were four members of the local school board. Table 11 shows the distribution of respondents in Digos City (please see the Appendix, p 145). Distribution of Parent-Respondents in Davao City, Philippines Dizon Elementary School is situated in Barangay 19-B Garcia Heights in Davao City. There were 23 teacher-respondents, 24 parent-respondents, and a total of 47 respondents. Bernardo D. Carpio National High School is a pilot school of the region to observe the Bridge Program to address the complexity of students in reading. The school curriculum highlights are pre-high school program offering three basic subjects -Mathematics, Science, and English; Team Teaching in Makabayan subjects and computer-assisted instructions for Mathematics, Science and English. The school had 23 teacher-respondents, 24 parent- respondents, and a total of 47 respondents. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 81 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Davao Central High School is serving grade school to high school students of the Chinese community in Davao City. There were 23 teacherrespondents, 23 parent-respondents, and a total of 46 respondents. Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Central Elementary School is a pilot school serving regular students in the downtown area of the city. There were 23 teacher-respondents, 23 parent-respondents, and a total of 46 respondents. Sta. Ana Central Elementary School is one of the oldest schools in Davao City. The school is serving learners from Muslims and Badjao tribes. It had 23 teacher-respondents, 23 parent-respondents, and a total of 46 respondents. Matina Central Elementary School caters to learners from the southern part of Davao City. There were 23 teacher-respondents, 23 parentrespondents, and a total of 46 respondents. Ateneo de Davao Grade School is run by a congregation catering to the children of prominent people in Davao City. There were 23 teacherrespondents, 23 parent-respondents, and a total of 46 respondents. San Roque Central Elementary School caters to learners from the northern part of Davao City. There were 23 teacher-respondents, 23 parentrespondents, and a total of 46 respondents. Members of the local school board were four. Table 11 shows the distribution of respondents in Davao City (please see the Appendix, p 146). Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 82 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Instrument Validity and Reliability of Instrument Preparation. In the absence of a standardized instrument to be used in gathering the necessary data, the researchers prepared a self-made instrument based on the readings from the related literature and unpublished materials. The draft was submitted to the Thesis Committee of the Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc., Philippines. The same draft was sent to the chair of the Review Board Committee in New York City via electronic mail (e-mail) for necessary corrections. Validation and Reliability. The research tool was subjected to a try-out in another city among the ten teachers, ten parents, and four members of the local school board. The results were collected and were submitted to the Thesis Committee for corrections and validation. The items were analyzed and the index of difficulty was considered. Items with an index of difficulty from 20 to 80 percent were the ones included in the final form of the questionnaire. Likewise, ten accomplished questionnaires were submitted to the Research Department of Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc. to test its reliability. Using the Reliability Analysis-Scale, the questionnaire got an alpha result of .8813 (please see Appendix M p147). Revision. The Thesis Committee looked into the items in terms of their validity, reliability, acceptability, usability and applicability. The weak items were improved and strengthened while the indistinct ones were omitted. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 83 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Reproduction. The Thesis Committee approved its final reproduction after the revision and refinement of the questionnaire were put into its final form. The Thesis Committee Chair of the Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc., in the Philippines gave his approval as shown in the front cover of the questionnaire (Appendix G p135). Likewise, the chair of the Thesis Review Board of New York City granted the permit allowing the researcher based in New York City to distribute the questionnaire to different schools. The chair personally sent the copy of the researchers’ book, chapters 1 and 2, to the principal of the New York City public schools via e-mail. Content of the Research Tool Part 1 of the questionnaire determined the demographic information. The check mark (√) was placed in the box provided before each category to answer the data being inquired. Part 2 determined the extent of the respondent’s knowledge and awareness about learning disabilities among parents, teachers, principals, supervisor and members of the school board in the cities of Region XI of the Philippines and a region of New York City, USA. There were six questions. Boxes could be found at the end of every statement. Placing the check mark (√) signified the answer. Part 3 tackled the extent of perception on the remediation program given to children with learning disabilities in the five cities of Region XI of the Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 84 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Philippines and the nine schools in a region of New York City, U.S.A. There were eight questions. Boxes were supplied at the end of every statement. Placing the check mark (√) signified the answer. Part 4 covered the extent of perception on the treatment services given to children with learning disabilities in the five cities of Region XI of the Philippines and the nine schools in a region of New York City, U.S.A. There were five questions asked. The categories were marked with a check (√). Boxes were supplied after each category (please see Appendix N p148). Data Gathering Procedures The researchers sought permission from the New York City Department of Education (Appendix A p129). The director of the Regional Recruitment Managers of the New York City Department of Education granted approval to the researcher based in New York City to conduct the study while teaching in the public school of New York City (Appendix B p130). The permit from New York City Department of Education was presented to the Graduate School of Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc., Philippines. On the other hand, the permit that was given by DepEd Regional Director in Region XI of the Philippines was channeled through the Division of City Schools Superintendent and was presented to the principal of the school or school head for the administration of the survey for principal and teachers (Appendix C p131). Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 85 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines A teleconferencing was requested from the office of the thesis review panel for the title proposal and to commence the distribution of the research tool (Appendix D p132). Administration and Handling. The researchers deployed two assistants who personally conducted the survey in Digos City and Island Garden City of Samal. The other one conducted the survey in Tagum City and Panabo City. The researcher based in the Philippines personally administered the survey-questionnaires in Davao City. The school guidance coordinator also assisted the researcher in handling the questionnaire to the teachers. A letter including the questionnaire was sent to the head of the identified schools in the cities of Region XI and in New York City (Appendix E p133). Among parents, there was a face-to-face interview translated into the vernacular. Among members of the local school board, a personalized cover letter was attached to the questionnaire. An appointment was set first before the investigation. The survey was done through a personal interview (Appendix F p134). On the other hand, the researcher based in New York handed the survey individually to the respondents from one school to the other. The investigation was done during lunchtime only so as not to disrupt classes. The help of an interpreter was utilized to interview Spanish-speaking parents. All respondents were given the appropriate orientation on the research instrument and likewise were reminded to answer the items carefully and Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 86 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines honestly in accordance with actual observation in order to elicit valid and reliable data. The survey-questionnaire was retrieved immediately to insure a 100% retrieval. In the middle of June, the accomplished survey-questionnaires of the New York respondents were transported to the Philippines. Scoring. The completed questionnaires were hand scored personally by the researchers to avoid prejudice. After the tabulation, the data were submitted to the statistician for treatment and refinement. Criterion Continuum. This tool was established arbitrarily by Rensis Likert in 1932 (Ardales, 2001). It uses the method of “summated ratings.” Statements of opinions are presented with degree of agreement or disagreement. The scale point is one to five (1-5) in a continuum or ordered series of categories; each scale point has numerical value found in the mean range column and interpretations at the end column. Full Knowledge and Awareness (FKA). This means that the value of “Full Knowledge and Awareness” is scale point five and it is in the mean range of 4.50 - 5.00. The respondent has the fullest knowledge; observation, information, understanding, and comprehension in the same way. He has the full intellectual capacity on the categories indicated. He also has the fullest awareness and consciousness to implement the categories. Moderate Knowledge and Awareness (MKA). This means that the Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 87 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines value of “Moderate Knowledge and Awareness” is scale point four and it is in the mean range of 3.50 – 4.49. The respondent has practical, controlled, and sensible knowledge on the categories indicated. He has realistic and nononsense awareness. Partial Knowledge and Awareness(PKA). This means that the value of “Partial Knowledge and Awareness” is scale point three and has the mean range of 2.50-3.49. The respondent has incomplete facts and data of information on the categories indicated. He also has limited and restricted awareness. Slight Knowledge and Awareness (SKA). This means that the value of “Slight Knowledge and Awareness” is scale point two and it is in the mean range of 1.50 – 2.49. The respondent has insignificant knowledge and undefined awareness on the categories indicated. No Knowledge and Awareness (NKA). This means that the value of “No Knowledge and Awareness” is scale point one and it is in the mean range of 1.00 – 1.49. The respondent has totally no idea and no definite awareness on the categories indicated. Table 12 shows the point scale, mean range, interpretations and the description. These are as follows: Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 88 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Table 12. The Scale, Mean Range, I nterpretations and Description on Know ledge and Aw areness Point Scale Mean Range 5 4.50 -5.00 Full Knowledge and Awareness (FKA) 4 3.50 -4.49 Moderate Knowledge and Awareness (MKA) 3 2.50 -3.49 Partial Knowledge and Awareness (PKA) 2 1.50 -2.49 Slight Knowledge and Awareness (SKA) 1 1.00 -1.49 No Knowledge and Awareness (NKA) I nterpretations Description Have full intellectual capacity and consciousness on the category Have practical, controlled and sensible knowledge on the category Have incomplete facts or data of information on the category I nsignificant knowledge and undefined awareness on the category Have totally no idea and no definite awareness on the category Part 3 and 4 of the research tool have the scale of 1-5, mean range of 1.00 to 5.00 with corresponding interpretation of the following: Strongly Agree, Agree, Undecided, Disagree, and Strongly Disagree utilizing the Likert Scale in determining the attitude responses of the respondents. Strongly Agree (SA). This means that the value of “Strongly Agree” is scale point five and it is in the mean range of 4.50 – 5.00. This signifies greater intensity of perception. Agree (A). This means that the value of “Agree” is scale point four and it is in the mean range of 3.50 – 4.49. This signifies normal intensity of Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 89 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines perception. Undecided (U). This means that the value of “Undecided” is scale point three and it is in the mean range of 2.50-3.49. This signifies doubt or lack of perception. Disagree (D). This means that the value of “Disagree” is scale point two and it is in the mean range of 1.50 – 2.49. This signifies normal intensity of negative perception. Strongly Disagree (SD). This means that the value of “Strongly Disagree” is scale point one and it is in the mean range of 1.00 – 1.49. This signifies great intensity of negative perception. The scale, mean range, interpretations and the description on the intensity of agreement are described in Table 13. Table 13. The I ntensity of Agreement Scale Mean Range I nterpretations Description 5 4.50 -5.00 Strongly Agree (SA) Great intensity of perception 4 3.50 -4.49 Agree (A) Normal intensity of perception Undecided (U) Doubt or lack of perception Disagree (D) Normal intensity of Negative perception Strongly Disagree (SD) Great intensity of negative perception 3 2 1 2.50 -3.49 1.50 -2.49 1.00 -1.49 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 90 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Data Analysis Three statistical tools were utilized in the treatment of the data in order to answer the major as well as specific sub-problems. The data gathered from the profile of the respondents were interpreted using frequency, weighted mean and percentage. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 91 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines CHAPTER 3 Results and Discussions The analysis of results and the interpretation of data are presented in this chapter according to the problems posed in the study. Table 14. Knowledge and Awareness on LD among Parents, Educators, Members of the LSB in the cities of Region XI, Philippines and a region in New York City, N.Y., U.S.A. Region XI, Philippines No Categories New York, USA Par f=322 Int Educ f=312 Int LSB f=20 Int Par f=282 Int Educ f=161 Int 1 Special education and children with special needs. 3.17 PKA 3.83 MKA 2.85 PKA 4.82 FKA 4.76 FKA 2 Learning disabilities. 2.26 SKA 2.38 SKA 2.3 SKA 3.82 MKA 4.35 FKA 3 Cause and origin of learning disabilities is neurological. 2.03 SKA 2.42 SKA 2.2 SKA 3.23 PKA 3.96 MKA 4 Different types of learning disabilities. 2.10 SKA 2.46 SKA 1.9 SKA 2.36 PKA 3.61 MKA 5 Learning disabilities have no cure as of the moment depending on the disability. 2.43 PKA 2.32 SKA 1.9 SKA 3.13 PKA 3.83 MKA 6 Learning disabilities may lead to undesirable consequences if not treated. 2.89 PKA 3.30 PKA 2.25 SKA 3.57 MKA 4.41 MKA Over all Weighted Mean 2.48 PKA 2.79 PKA 2.23 SKA 3.49 MKA 4.15 MKA Legend: No. = Number f = frequency Par = Parents Int = Interpretation Educ = Educators LSB= Local School Board 4.50-5.00 =Full Knowledge and Awareness (FKA) 3.50-4.49 =Partial Knowledge & Awareness (PKA) 2.50-3.49 =Moderate Knowledge & Awareness (MKA) 1.50-2.49 =Slight Knowledge & Awareness (SKA) 1.00-1.49 =No Knowledge & Awareness(NKA) Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 92 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Table 14 illustrates the level of knowledge and awareness on learning disabilities among parents, educators and members of the local school board (Philippines only) in the cities of Region XI, Philippines and a region of New York City, NY, U.S.A. Parents. Most of the parents in the cities of RXI, Philippines scored high in the special education and children with special needs category with a weighted mean of 3.17, which means that they had partial knowledge and awareness on this item. They scored least on the cause and origin of LD with a weighted mean of 2.03, which means they had a slight knowledge and awareness on this category. Over all, the data yielded a weighted mean of 2.48, which means that the parents in Region XI had slight knowledge and awareness about learning disabilities. The results suggested that while parents registered partial knowledge on special education, they showed lower degree of awareness on learning disabilities. The results also pictured their ineptness in other characteristics surrounding the nature and background of LD. Most of them, however, partially perceived that LD led to undesirable consequences if not treated. This was supported by the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation Survey on American public knowledge and attitude concerning learning disabilities that they are only three sources of information mentioned, which is quite limited. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 93 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Educators. The 312 educators in the cities of Region XI, Philippines, scored high in their level of knowledge and awareness on special education at 3.83 weighted mean scaled at moderate knowledge and awareness (MKA) followed by undesirable consequences of LD if not treated at 3.30 weighted mean scaled at partial knowledge and awareness (PKA). They scored least on the cure for LD at 2.32 weighted mean which is slight knowledge and awareness (SKA). The data presented an overall weighted mean of 2.79, which means that the educators in Region XI, Philippines had partial knowledge and awareness (PKA). The results demonstrated that Filipino educators showed incomplete facts or data of information about special education and children with special needs, but had partial knowledge that LD may lead to undesirable consequences if not treated. This supported the issue that LD was not taken seriously by the education professionals in the Philippines because there was confusion as to the correct definition and criteria about LD. Weiderholt wrote, in his 1974 historical review of the field of LD, “despite the rapid growth during the 1960s and 70’s, or perhaps because the LD field is currently confronted with several major problems. These include problems of definition, territorial rights and an adequate data base”. These problems that Weiderholt identified continued and intensified in the Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 94 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines following years, although the research conducted in the Turbulent Period. (Hallahan and Mock, 2003). In Australia, the lack of clarity in definitions and uncertainty about the criteria for identification of the condition resulted in unreliable Australian statistics. In Australian schools, statistics for students with LD are unreliable because the criteria applied for learning disabilities vary from State to State and include intellectual disability and/or learning difficulties (The Australian National University, 1994) . In Japan, LD is still not appropriately categorized. Eiko Todo, a mother of a dyslexic child in an article on the NPO’ Japan Times, stated, “I was surprised that there was not a single page mentioning the word dyslexia on Japanese Web sites, whereas there were many helpful American and British pages. Through a friend, I discovered that in Japan this condition is called learning disability. The Ministry of Education has just begun a survey to find out how many LD’s there may be in Japan, giving LD and dyslexia the same definition.” That in the long run prompted her to establish the Japan Dyslexic Society (Eiko Todo, 2001). Learning disabilities is just one of the various fields of specialization in special education. In the cities of Region XI, Philippines only Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc. and University of Southeastern Philippines, both in Davao City, offer graduate studies in special education, which started just a few years ago. To date, there are just a handful of full-pledged masters in special Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 95 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines education who specialized in learning disabilities. The researchers themselves, despite having been educators for quite a long time knew LD only when they took graduate studies in special education. Local School Board. The 20 members of the local school board (LSB) in the cities of Region XI, Philippines, manifested the highest weighted mean of 2.85 on special education and children with special needs with a scale interpretation of partial knowledge and awareness (PKA) scored least on types of LD and cure of LD both at 1.9 weighted mean scaled as slight knowledge and awareness (SKA). The survey result had an over all weighted mean of 2.23 which means that the members of the local school board in Region XI had partial knowledge and awareness (PKA) on learning disabilities. The result was affected by so many factors: First, while attention to learning disabilities has a long historical background dating back in the 1890’s, this particular learning disability was only earlier recognized and studied mostly in the western world especially by the Europeans and the Americans ( Hallahan and Mock, 2003). Second, the International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities (IARLD) is an international professional organization dedicated to conducting and sharing research about individuals who have learning disabilities. It is an elected group of premier scientists, educators and clinicians in the field of learning disabilities throughout the world and was established in 1976. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A The 96 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Academy currently (2002) has a membership of nearly 250 distinguished scholars, representing 29 different countries and 23 disciplines and the Philippines is not one among them (http://www.iarld.net/index.htm). Third, the public knowledge and awareness is low because just like in other countries or even in America, LD is not easily recognizable physically and more often than not, learning disabilities have always been associated with other disabilities. In 1995, the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation undertook groundbreaking research to measure public awareness and understanding of learning disabilities. The results of the first benchmark study revealed that, although Americans recognize that learning disabilities are prevalent, these disabilities are widely misunderstood (Roper Starch Worldwide Inc., 1999). Fourth, the Philippine Laws for the protection and welfare of people with disabilities were already established beginning 1927 but there was no explicit provision for people with LD. As of the present, the Department of Education Region XI, Philippines does not have any educational program for LD. The Education Act 2004 of Senator Jambie Madrigal includes LD but it is still on its final reading. The catch is that out of the 2,240 bills filed, only 16 had been passed by the Senate, with only nine of them eventually passed into law. In the last two years, only six out of 20 measures certified as urgent by the president were passed. While the Lower House had passed and transmitted 750 bills to the Senate, with 50 of those bills of national importance, the political gridlock had Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 97 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines doomed a lot of these proposed legislations that have been extensively debated in the House of Representatives (Romualdez, 2006). This is the same thing in Japan where support for LD is somewhat delayed. According to The Asahi Shimbum of August 18, 2004 issue the plight of such people has until now been largely ignored by the current welfare system, and legislation is long overdue. Fifth, there is only one private institution that caters to students with LD in Region XI, Philippines where the cost of education understandably is not for everybody. Sixth, access to information is limited. Most information about LD is available only in the internet. As to Zheng Jian, professor in Chiongging Normal University in China states that the internet is a great resource for learning what America is doing in the special education area. The Internet is a great teaching tool for students with special needs, and online education can reduce educational costs. (http://www.unitedspinal.org/publications/action/2004/08/26/china-a-giant-awakens-todisability-awareness/Retrieved September 2, 2006). Internet user penetration is now in the 65% to 75% range for the leading countries and future growth is limited. Internet user penetration for the populous and developing countries is in the 10% to 20% range. (Computer Industry Almanac, http://www.c-i-a.com/pr1202.htm Retrieved September 2, 2006). Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 98 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Seventh, as of the present, there is no advocacy organization for LD in Region XI, Philippines (Philippine Government Census, 2000) Finally, while the field has not quite reached consensus on definitions of LD, there are professionals as well as public leaders who do not understand them or believe they exist. In Rocco’s (1997) research, the faculty “questioned the existence of certain conditions or if they existed, the appropriateness of classifying the condition as a disability”. Parents. Most of the 282 parents in a region of New York City, U.S.A. exhibited their highest weighted mean of 4.82 on special education and children with special needs which is interpreted as full knowledge and awareness (FKA). They scored the least on the types of LD at 2.36 weighted mean with a scale equivalent of slight knowledge and awareness (SKA). Overall, there was a weighted mean of 3.49, which means that the parents in a region of New York, USA had partial knowledge and awareness (PKA) on the general issue about LD. The result revealed that most parents in a region of New York, USA displayed a high level of knowledge about special education. However, while they showed high level of awareness on the issue about LD, they were apparently low on the knowledge about the inherent facts surrounding its nature and background. On April 6, 1963, a resourceful group of parents convened in Chicago. Parents and Professionals from various disciplines shared a common concern. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 99 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines The conference articulated the cornerstones on which the field of learning disabilities is based. Legislation was passed among them, “The children with specific Learning Disabilities Act of 1969.” The focus was on the mandate for remedial education designed to address the unique needs of children with learning disabilities. Other pieces of legislation were followed: the Elementary and Secondary Amendments of 1969; the Vocational Rehabilitation Act 1973; the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1974; the Juvenile Justice and Prevention of Delinquency Act; and the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Crawford, 2003). These federal legislations were widespread in dealing the needs of children with LD. Thus, awareness of parents on special education is in the high level. Educators. Among the 161 educators in a region of New York City, USA, the data showed a high weighted mean of 4.76 on special education and children with special needs, which means that educators have full knowledge and awareness (FKA) however, they registered a low weighted mean of 3.61 on the types of LD which is interpreted as moderate knowledge and awareness (MKA). The data presented an overall weighted mean of 4.15, which means that the educators in the region of New York, USA had moderate knowledge and awareness (MKA) on learning disabilities. The results showed that most educators in New York, USA showcased high level of knowledge and awareness on special education and learning Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 100 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines disabilities. The figures also showed consistent high score on the cause and origin, types, cure and consequences of LD backing up their score on the issue of LD. The following may have an impact on their level of knowledge and awareness about LD: First, there are many research works for LD –medical as well as in the field of education. The studies lead to graduated knowledge and awareness about learning disabilities. Much of the work in the field over the last 20 years has focused on understanding and identifying learning disabilities. Second, there are laws of the United States that provide support on the rights, protection and welfare of persons with disabilities. Out of the 16.7 billion dollars allocated for special education for 2005, 26 million dollars is earmarked for parent information centers, 16.7 million dollars to protect and advocate for the legal and human rights of individuals with disabilities, 90.6 million dollars for personnel preparation, 203 million dollars for special education national activities and 38.8 million dollars for technology and media services (Hager, 2006).These government support programs had in one way or another helped in the improvement of knowledge and awareness about LD. Third, there are learning remediation programs. Federal officials began to take notice of the rising tide of public concern for students with this disability Experts and researchers fashioned interventions that would later set standards for practice. As a result, this period from 1960 to 1975, is characterized by the efforts of numerous individuals and groups to put forward comprehensive Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 101 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines definitions and effective educational programming. As members of the multidisciplinary team, the parents are involved in the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) of their children (Hallahan and Mercer, 2001). Fourth, there is availability and access to technology. Personal computers (PC) in-use topped 900 million units worldwide in 2005. The U.S. has a large PC usage lead with over three times as many PCs as the second place, Japan. The U.S. accounts for over 25% of all PCs in-use compared to 4.6% of worldwide population. PCs in-use growth is slowing, but the U.S. is on track to have more PCs in-use than people in five or six years. In 1965 there was only one computer for each 10,000 people in the United States. The United States now has two computers for every five people. The U.S. continues to lead with nearly 200 million Internet users at yearend 2005. The two most populous countries—China and India—are now in second and fourth place in Internet users. Other populous countries such as Brazil, Russia and Indonesia have also moved into this ranking. (Computer Industry Almanac, http://www.c-i-a.com/pr1202.htm). Fifth, there are advocacies. During the period spanning 1960 to 1975, parentsand teachers became acquainted with the notion of LD and founded organizations to advocate for children with this disability (Hallahan and Mock, 2003). There are a lot of advocacy groups/efforts in America which increased the level of knowledge and awareness about LD – either through websites awareness campaigns. For one, a national public awareness effort on learning Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 102 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines disabilities was launched by the Coordinated Campaign for LD and the Ad Council in March 1998. National TV, radio, and print ads are now in 1000 key media markets with the tag line “There is no reason to be held back”. The campaign will increase interest in LD and spur parents, teachers and others to seek more information. The 1995 Roper-Starch national survey result showed that 51% of the respondents said that they would go to their public library for information about LD, Roads to Learning. Another advocacy organization funded by the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation sent partnership packets containing valuable LD resource information to state and local chapters of the Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) and the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). They were asked to approach local libraries, use the packet resources, and create partnership to improve library collections and services for their areas. Likewise, the 1999 Roper Starch follow-up survey, New Measures of Awareness and Parental Understanding of Learning Disabilities revealed that three out of four adult Americans said they had at least some familiarity with learning disabilities. Three-fourths (75%) of the public said they had heard or read some about the topic. About one-third (34%) said they had heard or read some information about this issue. Public understanding of learning disabilities has improved since 1995. More people now can correctly identify possible indicators of learning disabilities. There have been marked declines in the proportions of people who Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 103 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines erroneously attribute LD to physical disabilities such as deafness (45%, down 21% points) and blindness (38%, down 22 points). People are also less likely than in the past to mistakenly associate mental retardation (65%, down 20 points), emotional disorders (59% down 18 points), and Attention Deficit Disorder (66%, down 15 points). Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 104 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Table 15. The Perception on Remediation Programs among Parents, Educators, Members of the LSB (Philippines only) in the cities of Region XI, Philippines and New York City, N.Y., U.S.A. Region XI, Philippines New York, U. S. A. No. 1 Categories A special education program and special education teachers trained to handle students with learning disabilities. An assessment and evaluation conducted using either formal or informal testing tools to identify students with learning disabilities. An early identification and intervention programs as essential preliminary procedure in educating children with disabilities. Teaching strategies like reading remediation, modification, accommodation undertaken to ensure learners develop appropriately. Instructional placements like inclusion, mainstreaming, self contained or resource room accommodation. An appropriate curriculum tailored to the needs of students with learning disabilities. A Multidisciplinary team to outline and decide the Individual Educational Plan (IEP) of the learners with learning disabilities which will be reviewed periodically. Par f=322 Int Educ F=312 Int LSB F=20 Int Par Int F=282 Educ F=161 Int 4.02 A 4.31 A 4.33 A 4.85 SA 4.86 SA 3.98 A 4.33 A 4.22 A 4.36 A 4.88 SA 3.89 A 4.16 A 4.29 A 4.01 A 4.84 SA 4.05 A 4.27 A 4.26 A 2.91 U 3.88 A 3.98 A 4.37 A 4.32 A 3.89 A 4.71 SA 3.99 A 4.30 A 4.37 A 3.36 U 4.69 SA 3.96 A 4.24 A 4.26 A 3.94 A 8 Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) to address students’ disruptive behaviors and allow the children to be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE). 4.08 A 4.21 A 4.10 A 3.99 A 4.71 SA 9 Funding and government programs that provide and support the educational needs of children with learning disabilities. 4.15 A 4.33 A 4.06 A 4.55 SA 4.68 SA 4.03 A 4.28 A 4.25 A 3.98 A 4.89 SA 2 3 4 5 6 7 Over All Weighted Mean Legend: No. = Number f = frequency Int = Interpretation LSB= Local School Board Educ= Educators LSB= Local School Board 4.94 4.50-5.00 =Strongly Agree (SA) 3.50-4.49 =Agree (A) 2.50-3.49 =Undecided (U) 1.50-2.49 =Disagree (D) 1.00-1.49 =Strongly Disagree (SD) Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A SA 105 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Table 15 illustrates the perception on remediation programs among parents, educators and members of the local school board (Philippines only) in the cities of Region XI, Philippines and a region of New York City, N.Y., U.S.A. Parents. The 322 parents in the cities of Region XI, Philippines expressed favorably on funding and government support programs among the nine remediation programs for LD, registering the highest 4.15 weighted mean while early identification and intervention program scored the least at 3.89 weighted mean. The data showed an overall weighted mean of 4.03 which means that parents agreed (A) on the remediation programs of learning disabilities. The differences in scoring are comparably very insignificant to consider as an issue since both fall on the same scale level of agreement. What is apparent is that most of them showed positive response, though not strongly on all the remediation programs for people with LD. Educators. Most of the 312 educators in the cities of Region XI, Philippines strongly agreed (SA) on the instructional placements like inclusion, mainstreaming, self-contained or resource room. The score showed 4.37 weighted mean followed closely by funding and government support programs and by early assessment and evaluation both at 4.33 weighted mean while early identification and intervention programs at 4.16 weighted mean scored the least. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 106 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines The general perspective reflected an overall weighted mean of 4.28 indicating that most educators in the cities of RXI, Philippines agreed (A) over all the remediation programs for LD. Local School Board. Most of the 20 members of the local school board in the cities of Region XI, Philippines agreed on the remediation programs for LD. Among the nine categories, appropriate curriculum led in the scoring at 4.37 weighted mean but exhibited funding and government support programs showed the least at 4.06 weighted mean. The data showed an over all weighted mean of 4.25 which means that the members of the local school board agreed (A) to have a remediation program to address the learning disability problem in schools. Parents. Most parents in a region of New York, U.S.A. strongly agreed (SA) to have a special education program and special education teachers trained to handle students with learning disabilities with a weighted mean of 4.85 It is followed by funding and government support programs at 4.55 weighted mean; assessment and evaluation at 4.36 weighted mean; early identification and intervention programs at 4.01 weighted mean; behavior intervention plan at 3.99 weighted mean; individualized educational plan (IEP) at 3.94 weighted mean; then by instructional placement at 3.89 weighted mean and finally the least was the teaching strategies at 2.91 weighted mean. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 107 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines The data exhibited an over all weighted mean of 4.03 which means that the parent-respondents in New York City, USA agreed (A) to have a remediation program to address the learning disability problem in schools. This was supported by the interview of the National Center for Learning Disabilities (2005). According to Julie from Indiana, not a day goes by that parents do not breathe a sigh of relief, and feel grateful due to the early identification of his severely dyslexic, dysgraphic, and having a significant visual perceptual difficulties child. Intensive intervention was recommended. Tutoring is entirely Orton-Gillingham based. Getting the right kind of help, at the right time, and with the right people, is essential to seeing progress. According to Monica from New York, the multidisciplinary team determines a student's abilities and needs and implements an appropriate IEP for eligible students. Attending subsequent meetings allowed him to see how the system worked, find out who was on his "team" and learn how the committee decided on the specific IEP and accommodations. Her son, over the years, has benefited from a number of accommodations and program modifications. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 108 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines According to Elise from New Jersey, she owed a great thanks to successful early intervention. As a parent, she felt that her son needed to attend every IEP meeting to understand what is happening in his education. This should to be part of the process. IEP is not successful without his buy-in. He had a far better understanding of what was really going on because he was in the classroom. These remarks are from parents who are way ahead of their intervention programs among these types of special children because of funding support. While the Filipino parents and educators agree of these programs, the lack of funds affects the score obtained in this area. Educators. Among the 161 educators in the Region of New York City, USA, strongly agreed (SA) in almost all the nine categories, except on teaching strategies in the remediation programs on LD – with multi-disciplinary team and individualized educational plan (IEP) getting the highest score at 4.94 weighted mean; special education and SPED teachers at 4.86 weighted mean; early identification and intervention programs at 4.84 weighted mean; instructional placement and behavior intervention plan both at 4.71 weighted mean; appropriate curriculum at 4.69 weighted mean; then funding and government support programs at 4.68 weighted mean and the very least teaching strategies at 3.88 weighted mean. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 109 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines These findings pointed out that much of the work in the field over the last 20 years has focused on understanding and identifying learning disabilities. Further progress depends upon funding for research into effective remedial interventions and compensatory strategies that can help children with LD enhance their reading, writing, spelling and math skills. There is a profound disparity between what research has revealed and what is taught in educator development. Support is needed for teacher training in research-based interventions in learning disabilities and in classroom strategies that recognize and accommodate differences in learning for all students. One of the specialists that should be employed to render treatment services is a Special Education teacher who works with children and youths who have a variety of disabilities. He uses various techniques to promote learning. Depending on the disability, teaching methods can include individualized instruction, problem solving assignments, and small group work. He helps in the development of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for each special education student. Life skills research and curricula are also needed to address the social, emotional and psychological ramifications of learning disabilities, which can be even more devastating than academic failure. And yet, only a handful of foundations actually fund researchers on learning disabilities; perhaps Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 110 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines because there is a lack of understanding that improving teaching, curriculum and classroom strategies for children with learning disabilities will benefit all students at every level of education Table 16. Perception on the Treatment Services among Parents, Educators And LSB Members in the cities of Region XI of the Philippines & a Region of New York City, N.Y., U.S.A. Region XI, Philippines No. Categories Par F=322 Int Educ F=312 Int LSB F=20 New York, U.S. A. Int Par F=282 Int Educ F=161 Int 1 Technology-aided instructions and other related devices purposely for students with learning disabilities. 3.98 A 4.27 A 4.00 A 4.32 A 4.58 SA 2 Therapies for speech and language refinement, audio improvement, and reading enhancement to improve the condition of children with learning disabilities. 4.01 A 4.45 A 4.06 A 4.85 SA 4.65 SA 3 Medical treatment for children with learning disabilities. 3.91 A 4.36 A 4.00 A 4.75 SA 4.43 A 4.06 A 4.37 A 4.06 A 4.85 SA 4.76 SA 4.13 A 4.33 A 4.06 A 4.89 SA 4.64 SA 4.02 A 4.36 A 4.04 A 4.73 SA 4.61 SA 4 5 Coping-mechanism approaches like counseling and behavior modification to develop control and selfesteem. Specialists for children with learning disabilities such as; speech-language pathologist, audiologist and psychologist help in the diagnosis and prescription of appropriate educational treatment. Over All Weighted Mean Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 111 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Legend: No. = Number f = frequency Int = Interpretation LSB= Local School Board Par = Parents Educ = Educators 4.50-5.00 =Strongly Agree (SA) 3.50-4.49 =Agree (A) 2.50-3.49 =Undecided (U) 1.50-2.49 =Disagree (D) 1.00-1.49 =Strongly Disagree (SD) Table 16 illustrates the level of perception on the treatment services for children with LD among parents, educators and members of the local school board (Philippines only) in the cities of Region XI, Philippines and a region of New York City, N.Y., U.S.A. Parents. Most of the parents in the cities of Region XI, Philippines agreed (A) on all the categories in the treatment services for children with LD. The result showed that specialists for children with LD hold the highest score among the five categories in the treatment of LD at 4.13 weighted mean. Parents believed that the experts on the LD field can help children with language disorders to improve learning skills rather than medical treatment at 3.91 weighted mean which both interpreted as agree, followed by coping mechanism approaches like counseling and behavior modification at 4.06 weighted mean; therapies at 4.01 weighted mean; then technology-aided instructions at 3.98 weighted mean. Overall, most parents agreed (A) on all the categories in the treatment services for LD giving a 4.02-weighted mean. The result suggested that although most parents gave more weight on the physiological and psychological improvement for persons with LD, they least Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 112 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines scored on medical treatment which means that parents were so cautious as there were reported cases of undesirable side-effects. Educators. Most educators in the cities of Region XI, Philippines showed the highest weighted mean score of 4.45 on therapies for LD and score the least on technology-aided instructions with a weighted mean of 4.27. Both had a scale interpretation of agree. Moreover, the study showed high hopes to have coping-mechanism approaches like counseling and behavior modification to develop control and self-esteem as presented by the weighted mean of 4.37, to have medical treatment for children with learning disabilities presented by the weighted mean of 4.36, to have specialists for children with learning disabilities such as; speech-language pathologist, audiologist and psychologist help in the diagnosis and prescription of appropriate educational treatment presented by the weighted mean of 4.33. The data presented an over all weighted mean of 4.36 which means that the educators in cities of Region XI, Philippines agreed (A) to have treatment services for children with learning disability made available for the enhancement of academic skills. The result revealed that most educators preferred physiological and psychological development to other support systems in the treatment of students with LD which means that educators firmly believed that the Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 113 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines instructional support and treatment of physical therapist may help a child with LD improve his physical conditions. Local School Board. The members of the LSB in the cities of Region XI, Philippines on Treatment Services on the other hand agreed (A) on all categories, though not strongly, to improve the condition of children with learning disabilities. Three among the five categories tied –up for the highest score of 4.06 weighted mean and the rest at 4.0-weighted mean. The difference is not significant enough as an issue of concern. The data presented an over all weighted mean of 4.04 which means that the members of the local school board in Region XI, Philippines agreed (A) to have treatment services to address the learning disability problem in school. Parents. Except for technology-aided instructions, most parents in a region of New York City, U.S.A. strongly agreed (SA) on all other categories on the treatment services for students with learning disabilities. Specialists for children with LD led the scoring order at 4.89 weighted mean, followed equally by both coping mechanism approaches and therapies at 4.85 weighted mean, then by medical treatment 4.75 weighted mean and lastly by technology-aided instructions with the weighted mean of 4.32. The table showed an overall weighted mean of 4.73 which means that the parents in the region of New York, USA strongly agreed (SA) on the treatment services of learning disabilities. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 114 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines It is interpreted that most parents gave more preference on the physiological and psychological developments over other support systems to enhance the learning development of people with LD. Parents of New York pointed out that specialists for children with LD are a help in diagnosing and prescribing appropriate educational treatment. To support this claim, the International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities (IARLD) is organizing an international professional organization composed of elected group of premier scientists, educators and clinicians in the field of learning disabilities throughout the world dedicated to conducting and sharing research about individuals who have learning disabilities. Educators. Most educators strongly scored on coping-mechanism approaches among other categories at 4.76 weighted mean followed almost equally by therapies at 4.65 weighted mean and specialists at 4.64 weighted mean; then by technology–aided instructions at 4.56 weighted mean and lastly by medical treatment at 4.43 weighted mean. The data presented an over all weighted mean of 4.61 which means that the educators in New York City, USA strongly agreed (SA) to have treatment services for children with learning disability. The results suggested that most educators gave more weight on the development of behavior and attitude followed by physiological improvement, then by support systems to enhance learning and lastly the application of medical treatment. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 115 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines The data upheld the idea that Assistive Technology (AT) can increase a child's self-reliance and sense of independence. Children who struggle in school are often overly dependent on parents, siblings, friends, and teachers for help with assignments. By using AT, children with special needs can experience success at working independently (SchwabLearning.org, 2006). The federal government of America, Technology and Media Services has a budget of $38.8 million. This program supports research, development, and other activities that promote the use of technologies in providing special education and early intervention services. Ceil Rothbart, co-producer of the documentary, A Celebration of Differences on Oprah Winfrey Show, and a mother of children who have learning disabilities. She suggested that the film is a way of mentoring people who have learning disabilities. She explained further that, she knew that her children would be able to learn, and that she could find tutors or teachers and specialists who would provide them with remediation and treatment. Parents and educators can help by structuring tasks and environments for the child in ways that allow the child to have an independent life Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 116 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines CHAPTER 4 Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations Knowledge and awareness on special education by the parents, educators, city and the state officials is a critical component in achieving financial, moral, physical and social support to students with learning disabilities whether at home, school, or in the society. These are the people who collaborate to provide the necessary tool and progress for efficient and effective special education particularly to learning disabled students. The respondents of the study were carefully chosen by random from the five cities of Region XI, Philippines and a region of New York City, U.S.A. These were the parents, educators, and government officials affiliated with local education programs. The study focused on 1) the extent of knowledge and awareness on learning disability, 2) the level of perception on the remediation program for children with learning disabilities, 3) the level of perception on the treatment services for children with learning disabilities. The data were gathered through a descriptive survey using a questionnaire and a personal interview, using vernacular for parents in the cities of Region XI, Philippines. In New York City, the help of an interpreter was employed to interview Spanish-speaking parents. This study was envisioned to serve as an important tool in bringing about more awareness and more intensive response to special education to enhance Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 117 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines decision-making and implementation of more appropriate and updated programs and tools such as technology resources. Likewise, the result of the study hopefully serves as a guiding tool for people planners in special education. This assessment can provide necessary information to all people engaged in special education to strengthens efforts, provide more resources, improve or change practices in special schools in the education of children with exceptional needs and to create stronger linkages and advocacies for special education particularly for learning disabled students. Likewise, this study would serve as a baseline and a point of reference of future further studies that would benefit not only other researchers and educational institutions but also similarly our society. Here are the findings: 1. In the cities of Region XI, Philippines, parents registered slight knowledge and awareness (SKA) on learning disabilities while the educators and the members of the local school board showed partial knowledge and awareness (PKA). In a region of New York, U.S.A., American parents exhibited partial knowledge and awareness (PKA) while the educators showed moderate knowledge and awareness (MKA) about learning disabilities. 2. The parents, educators and the members of the local school board in the cities of Region XI, Philippines and the parents in a region of New York, Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 118 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines U.S.A. all agreed (A) on the remediation programs of learning disabilities. Apparently, the educators in New York, USA strongly agreed (SA) on the same category. 3. The parents, educators and the members of the local school board in the cities of Region XI, Philippines agreed (A) on the treatment services for learning disabilities. On the other hand, parents and educators in New York, USA strongly agreed (SA) on the issue. Conclusion Based on the preceding findings, most of the parents, educators and the members of the local school board in the cities of Region XI of the Philippines had low knowledge and awareness on learning disabilities. Even their level of knowledge in special education was likewise unimpressive. Furthermore, the local school board overseeing the local education programs registered the lowest score among the group. This predicament if not abated is continuously detrimental both to the individual with LD; for their self-worth and productivity and to the society for its cost and safety. Moreover, parents in the region of New York, U.S.A. registered only partial knowledge, which is still short of what is best desired. On the positive side however, most of their educators were knowledgeable enough to respond to the needs of the students with LD. With regard to perception, the remediation programs for LD are welcomed by virtually all the respondents in the cities of Region XI, Philippines Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 119 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines and in the region of New York, U.S.A. Nevertheless, most of the educators in New York, U.S.A. stressed a stronger sense of agreement. This manifested that the higher level of knowledge and awareness about LD is, the stronger the agreement. The parents, educators and the members of the local school board in the cities of Region XI, Philippines agreed, the parents and educators in New York, USA strongly agreed to the treatment services for LD. It must be concluded that all groups regardless of their level of knowledge and awareness desire the need to help persons suffering from learning disabilities. Nonetheless, it calls for greater understanding of the subject matter to strongly agree and believe on the benefits derived from the remediation programs and treatment services as enumerated in the preceding chapters. Recommendations Thus, the researchers hereby suggest the following recommendations: 1. Parents, educators and members of the local school board in the cities of Region XI, Philippines and the parents in the region of New York City, N.Y., U.S.A., must promptly increase their knowledge on the issue of learning disabilities through various means appropriately possible. Though armed with adequate knowledge, educators in New York, U.S.A. must continue to improve their understanding of LD without let-up and be the forerunners of new learning for the others to follow. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 120 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines 2. Findings on the perception about remediation programs and treatment services of learning disabilities were not negative; hence, not a problem literally. But, perception is just a state of mind. It must be transformed into energy – thru action. Therefore, as all the respondents embody virtually all the sectors of society, it is everyone’s duty to voice out these concerns and act decisively so these perceptions may be responded immediately. 3. Though this study may provide a baseline reference, its scope is very limited. The researchers suggest further studies surrounding the issue of learning disabilities particularly on the availability of programs for LD, resources, demographic profile, health, and present economic status of aged persons with LD in the Philippines. Studies about this issue of concern will not only awaken many of us but likewise strengthen the resolve of our leaders and intellectuals in shaping the necessary improvements required by the situation. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 121 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines References Aaron, P. G. and Malatesha Joshi, R. (1992) “Reading problems: Consultation and remediation. New York: Guilford Press. American Library Association (2006). About roads to learning. 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The Japan Times: Nov. 10, 2001 Retrieved: December 7, 2005. info@npo-edge.jp. Kirk, Samuel A. (1972). Educating exceptional children. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co. Larocque, Claudette (2005). The Learning Disabilities Association Of Canada, C 2005. Retrieved: December 2, 2005. http://www.ldac- taac.ca/indexe.asp Lennon, J. & Slesinski, C. (1999). Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing (CTOPP: Cognitive-linguistic Assessment of Severe Reading Problems. Retrieved: November 29, 2005. http://alpha.fdu.edu/psychology/comprehensive_test_of_phonologic.html Levinson, Harold. (1996). New York Magazine. Retrieved: December 7, 2005 The Dyslexia Cover-up Facts. htm Microsoft Encarta (2005). Microsoft Corporation Morgan, Wally (1999). Dyslexia linked to increased psychological impairment in prisoners. CrimeTimes Vol 5, N0.4, Retrieved: December 7, 2005 http://www.literacytrust.orguk/database/prisonupdate.html. Morosan, Daniela (2006). Romania Young People with Learning disabilities. 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Increasing enrollment trends in Florida learning disability classes. Special Education Department, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida email: research@chem-tox.com Philippine Government Census (2000). Retrieved: September 28, 2006) http://www.census.gov.ph/data/pressrelease/2003/pr0323tx.html Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 126 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Quivey, Mary Ann (2002) The dyslexia myth?. April 28, 2002. Retrieved: December 2, 2005. http://students.uis.edu/mquivois/dyslexiamyth.html Richards, R. (2000). Our Fast Food Culture and Dyslexia. LD Online. Retrieved: November 11, 2005. http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/assessment/richards_dyslexia.html/ Romualdez, Babe (2006). Here we go again. Babe’s eye view. The Philippine Star. September 17, 2006. Roper Starch Worldwide Inc, (1999). Measuring progress in public and parentalunderstanding of learning disabilities. March 2000. Retrieved: September 2, 2006. www.roper.com. Roper Starch Worldwide Survey (2004). CCLD releases results of learning disabilities opinion poll between April 9- May 10, 2004. Washington. Retrieved: September 12, 2006. http://www.schwabfoundation.org/index.php/articles/75 Sagmiller, G. (1999). What is Dyslexia: Dyslexia, What you Need to Know. Dylexia My Life. Retrieved December 7, 2005 from the World Wide Web. Available: http://www.dyslexiamylife.org/dyslexia.html San Miguel, Stephanie et al. (1996). Social skills deficits in learning disabilities: The psychiatric comorbidity hypothesis. Learning Disability Quarterly, Volume 19. Selikowitz, Mark. (1993). Dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Oxford University Press. SchwabLearning.org.(2006) A parent’s guide to helping kids with learning disabilities. Retrieved: May 7, 2006. SchwabLearning.org. Smith, Sally L. (2006) The Lab School of Washington. Retrieved: September 23, 2006. http://labschool.org Spear-Swerling, Louise and Lavote, Rick (2006). Assessments. Retrieved: May 7, 2006. LD Online. ______ (_____) The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) 2000 Fact Sheet No. 62 – 05/00 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 127 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines ______ (2001). The gifted learning project. Retrieved: December 7, 2005. http://www.giftedlearningproject.org/. ______ (____)The right to read. Chapter 1, the keys to the kingdom. Retrieved: 12/02/05. http://www.audibleblox2000.com/book 1.htm _______ (2000). White Paper Publication. London: St. George University. Thanasayan, Anthony Sivabalan.(2000). Malaysia first national forum on learning disabilities. Disability World Issue No.2 April-May 2000. Retrieved: September 2, 2006. http://www.disabilityworld.org/April/May2000/International news/Conference Reports.htm USA, Summit (1999). USA summit on research in learning disabilities: key to successful learning. National Center for Learning Disabilities. May, 1999. USATODAY_com – Charles Schwab didn’t let Dyslexia stop him.htm, Retrieved: December 2, 2005 US Budget Summary (2006). President’s fiscal year 2006 Budget of department of education. Retrieved: September 23, 2006. http://www.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/index.html?src=gu Weiderholt, J.L. (1974). Historical perspectives on the education of the learning disabled. In L. Mann & D. Sabatino (Eds.). The Second Review of Special Education. Philadelphia: JSE Press. . Winebrenner, Susan. (1996). Teaching kids with learning difficulties in the regular classroom. Free Spirit Publishing, Inc. Wood, F. B. & Grigorenko, E. L. (2001).Emerging issues in the genetics of dyslexia: A methodological review. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 34, 503-511. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 128 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 129 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Letter to New York City Asking Permission to Conduct Study 34-23, 83rd St., Jackson Heights New York, NY 11372 January 16, 2006 MR. LAWRENCE PENDERGAST Principal Urban Assembly School of Design and Construction Region 9, Manhattan, New York Dear Sir: Greetings! I would like to inform you that I am currently enrolled in thesis writing at the Holy Cross of Davao College in Davao City, Philippines. I have yet to submit my proposed topic, “The Knowledge and Perceptions on Learning Disabilities in the Cities of Region XI of the Philippines and a Region of New York City, N.Y., U.S.A.” for approval. I am writing the thesis with a partner in the Philippines; hence the choice of the topic should suit such arrangement. If this pushes through and be finished till June, I will go home in July to co-defend the thesis with my co-writer. Our adviser instructed me to ask your permission and your written permit. In connection thereof to such endeavor, I will be sending questionnaires to my coteachers as to accommodations, learning instruction, strategies, the extent of IEP awareness, and other pertinent issues relevant to my studies. In anticipation, I am thanking you for your approval and support regarding the above mentioned matter. Truly yours, ARTENITA P. DANTE Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 130 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Appendix B Letter from New York City Department of Education Granting the Researchers to Conduct Study Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 131 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Appendix C Letter to the DepEd Regional Director, Region XI, Philippines March 3, 2006 DIAMAR P. KADON Regional Director, Region XI Department of Education Davao City, Philippines Thru: GLORIA P. LABOR Division of City Schools Superintendent Davao City Dear Sir/Madam: Mrs. Artenita P. Dante (base in New York City) and I are working on our Master’s thesis in special education at Holy Cross of Davao College, Davao City, Philippines entitled, “THE KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS ON LEARNING DISABILITIES IN THE CITIES OF REGION XI OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE REGION IN NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., U.S.A.”. Unlike other disorders and disabilities which only somehow compound the responsibilities of immediate families, learning disability not only creates emotional and psychological dilemma to an individual but also may pose a potential threat to the society as well. Even then, while other countries are vigorously confronting this problem, there is still not much information about it in this country. As a starting point, we shall be presenting a comparative awareness study that will serve as a reference point for other future studies. In this regard, we are asking permission from your office to allow us to conduct a research survey to selected public school educators in Region XI. It is understood that the administration of the activity should not, in any way, disrupt the school program. We are, therefore, very grateful to your favorable response on this matter. GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES! Respectfully, MARLYN C. SALUDES Researcher Contents noted by: DOROTEO O. AMORA, Ed. D. Dean, Graduate School Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 132 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Appendix D Letter to the Dean of Graduate School Requesting Teleconferencing March 3, 2006 MR. DOROTEO O. AMORA Dean , Graduate School Holy Cross of Davao College Sta. Ana Ave., Davao City Dear Sir: Mrs. Artenita Dante and I are slated to present the study proposal of our Masteral thesis on March 25, 2006. Our research is about the extent of knowledge and perceptions between Region XI of the Philippines and a region of New York City, N.Y., U.S.A. regarding learning disability. In this context, we would like to present a study that would serve as a baseline and a point of reference of future further studies that would benefit not only our educational institutions but likewise our society. Mrs. A. Dante is currently working as a special education teacher in one of the government schools in New York City, thus apparently it is quite difficult for her to physically co-present with me in the defense of our title proposal. In light of the situation, we are requesting permission to utilize a modern technology-, which is teleconferencing – setting past the barriers of global accessibility – the first in Davao City. We do not wish to fail on this opportunity; hence, we request your approval about the fashion of our presentation but also our involvement in the necessary preparation and assistance of needed technologies. Looking forward to your favorable and prompt response. Thank you very much. Respectfully, MARLYN C. SALUDES Researcher Contents noted by: (Sgd) HERMINIA A. UGAY, Ph. D. Adviser Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 133 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Appendix E Letter Sent to the Principal in the Schools of New York City, Likewise to the Head of the Schools in the Philippines May 22, 2006 THE PRINCIPAL New York City Department of Education Manhattan, Region 9, New York City, N.Y., U.S.A. Dear SIR/MADAM: The researchers are gathering data for the completion of their thesis entitled, “The Knowledge and Perceptions on Learning Disabilities in the Cities of Region XI of the Philippines and a Region New York City, NY, U.S.A.” This survey is intended to determine the extent of knowledge and awareness and the level of perception on learning disabilities among parents and educators. In this regard, we are asking permission from your office to conduct a research survey from about _____ (____) educators in your institution. It is understood that the administration of the activity should not, in any way, disrupt the school program. Attached are copies of the questionnaire. We are, therefore, very grateful to your favorable accommodation on this matter. Respectfully yours, ARTENITA P. DANTE Researcher MARLYN C. SALUDES Researcher Contents noted by: DOROTEO O. AMORA, Ed. D. Dean, Graduate School Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 134 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Appendix F Letter to the Mayor of Davao City, Panabo City, Digos City, IGACOS, & Tagum City May 20, 2006 THE HONORABLE MAYOR _______________________ _______________________ Dear Sir: The researchers are gathering data for the completion of their thesis entitled, “The Knowledge and Perceptions on Learning Disabilities in the Cities of Region XI of the Philippines and a Region of New York City, NY, U.S.A.” This survey is intended to determine the extent of knowledge and awareness and the level of perception on learning disabilities. In this connection, we would like to set an appointment for a short interview. We will appreciate if you could spare a little of your time on _______________ at ____________. You can contact us through mobile phone number 09157743995 for your available time. Attached are copies of the questionnaire. Thank you. God bless the Philippines. Respectfully yours, ARTENITA P. DANTE Researcher MARLYN C. SALUDES Researcher Contents noted by: DOROTEO O. AMORA, Ed. D. Dean, Graduate School Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 135 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Appendix G The Cover Letter of the Research Tool May 9, 2006 Dear Sir/Madam: The researchers are gathering data for the completion of their thesis entitled, “The Knowledge and Perceptions on Learning Disabilities in the Cities of Region XI of the Philippines and a Region of New York City, New York, U.S.A.” This survey is intended to determine the extent of knowledge and awareness and the level of perception on learning disabilities among parents, educators particularly the teachers, principal, supervisor, and members of the local school board specifically city schools superintendent, non-personnel officer in the public school, city mayor and chair of the education committee in the city council. There is no right or wrong answer. We assure you that your responses will be respected and kept highly confidential. Attached are copies of the questionnaire. Thank you for taking time to answer this survey. Respectfully yours, ARTENITA P. DANTE Researcher MARLYN C. SALUDES Researcher Contents noted by: DOROTEO O. AMORA, Ed. D. Dean, Graduate School Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 136 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Appendix H Letter Sent to the Thesis Review Panel Submitting the Edited Title Proposal May 19, 2006 THE THESIS REVIEW PANEL Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc. Graduate School Present Dear SIRS/MESDAMES: This is to submit the revised Thesis Proposal of Ms. Artenita P. Dante and Mrs. Marlyn C. Saludes entitled: “The Knowledge and Perceptions on Learning Disabilities in the Cities of Region XI of the Philippines and a Region of New York City, NY, U.S.A.” Attached herewith are the Summary of Suggestions and Action Taken and the copy of documentation record of the Proposal Defense via teleconferencing for the Master of Arts in Education major in Special Education taken last March 25, 2006 at the Graduate School Conference Room, Davao City duly signed by Mary Richelle J. Lao, documenter and Dr. Doroteo O. Amora, Dean of Graduate School. We are sincerely very grateful to your favorable and helpful gesture on this matter. Truly yours, ARTENITA P. DANTE Researcher MARLYN C. SALUDES Researcher Endorsed by: (Sgd) HERMINIA A. UGAY, Ph.D. Adviser Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 137 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Appendix I Map Exhibiting the Areas of Study in Region XI, Philippines Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 138 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Appendix J Map of Instructional Divisions in New York Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 139 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Appendix K Sampling Procedure The following is the formula; N Z² α/2 · p (1 – p) n= where: N e² + Z² α/2 p (1 ‫־‬p) Z² α/2 is the confidence level value as follows: at 99% confidence level Z² α/2 = 2.58 at 95% confidence level Z² α/2 = 1.96 at 90% confidence level Z² α/2 p = 1.65 is the largest possible proportion = 0.50 (assumed preliminary estimate) e is the sampling error which normally assumes the following values on the basis of the confidence level: at 99% confidence level E = 0.01 at 95% confidence level E = 0.05 at 90% confidence level E = 0.10 N is the population size n is the sample size .The sample size is computed as follows; Teacher-Respondent Region XI of the Philippines N Z² α/2 · p (1 – p) n= N e² + Z² α/2 p (1 ‫־‬p) Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 140 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Sampling procedure continued 9,272 (1.96) ² · 0.30 (1-.30) n= 9,272 (.05) ² + (1.96) ²· 0.30 (1-.30) 9,272 (3.84) (.21) n= 9,272 (.0025) + (3.84) (.21) 7,476.94 n= 23.18 + .80 7,476.94 n= 23.98 n= 311.8 or 312 -Teacher-respondent Philippines; Parent- Respondent Region XI of the Philippines N Z² α/2 · p (1 – p) n= N e² + Z² α/2 p (1 ‫־‬p) 362,629 (1.96) ² · 0.30 (1-.30) n= 362,629 (.05) ² 362,629 (3.84) + (1.96) ²· 0.30 (1-.30) ² · 0.30 (.70) = 362,629 (.0025) + (3.84) · 0.30 (.70) 1392,495.3 (.21) = 906.58 + 3.84 (.21) 1392,495.3 (.21) = 292,424 = 906.58 + 80 = 322.27 or 322 907.38 - Parent-respondent Philippines; Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 141 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Sampling procedure continued Teacher-Respondent District 9 New York N Z² α/2 · p (1 – p) n= N e² + Z² α/2 p (1 ‫־‬p) 322 (1.96) n ² · 0.30 (1-.30) = 322 (.05) ² + (1.96) ²· 0.30 (1-.30) 322 (3.84) (-.21) = .805 + (3.84) (-.21) 259.66 = .805 + .81 259.66 n =161 – Teacher-respondent New York; = 1.61 Parent-Respondent District 9 New York N Z² α/2 · p (1 – p) n= N e² + Z² α/2 p (1 ‫־‬p) 2224 (1.96) ² · 0.30 (1-.30) n= 2224 (.05) ² + (1.96) ² · 0.30 (1-.30) 2224 (3.84) (.21) = 5.56 + 3.84 (.21) 1793.43 5.56 + .81 n= 1793.43 = = 6.37 281.54 or 282 - Parent-respondent New York Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 142 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Appendix L Distribution of Respondents Table 4. Distribution of Parent-Respondents of Region XI , Philippines Number of Enrollees Key Cities High School Elementary Total %tage ParentRespondents Panabo City 9,306 21,853 31,159 9% 29 Tagum City 12,665 26,878 39,543 11% 35 IGACOS 4,947 13,323 18,270 05% 17 Digos City 12,683 19,381 32,064 10% 32 Davao City 74,523 167,070 241,593 65% 209 114,124 248,505 362,629 100% 322 Total Source: DepED Regional Office Bulletin Table 5. Distribution of Parent-Respondents in New York Number of Enrollees High Elem. Total School Institutions High School Management of Hospitality %tage Respondents 212 212 9.5% 27 Food and Finance High School 205 205 9.2% 26 Manhattan Bridges High School 314 314 14.2% 40 The Facing High School 111 111 5.0% 14 Park West Educational Campus 225 225 10.1% 28 P35 Self Contained ES Urban Assembly School for Design and Construction High School Graphic Communication Arts in Visual Art High School of Communication Arts in Journalism 45 45 2.0% 6 212 212 9.5% 27 500 500 22.5% 63 400 1,742 400 18.0% 51 2,224 100% 282 Total Respondents of Parents 482 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 143 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Distribution of respondents continued Table 6. Distribution of Teacher-Respondent in Region XI , Philippines Number of Teachers High Elementary Total School Key Cities %tage Respondents Panabo City 158 561 719 7.8% 24 Tagum City 339 668 1,007 10.9% 34 IGACOS 135 385 520 5.6% 18 Digos City 289 606 895 9.7% 30 Davao City 1,921 4,210 6,131 66% 206 TOTAL 100% 2,842 6,430 9,272 Source: DepED Regional Office Bulletin 312 Table 7. Distribution of Teacher-Respondents in New York City, USA Number of Teachers High School Institutions Elem. Total %tage Respondents High School of Hospitality Management 18 18 5.6% 9 Food and Finance High School 25 25 7.8% 13 Manhattan School 24 24 7.5% 12 The Facing High School 20 20 6.2% 10 Park West Campus 75 75 23.3% 37 20 6.2% 10 Bridges High Educational Self Contained ES 20 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 144 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Urban Assembly School for Design and Construction High School Graphic Communication Arts in Visual Art High School of Communication Arts in Journalism Total Respondents of Teachers 20 20 6.2% 10 60 60 18.6% 30 60 60 18.6% 30 322 100% 161 302 20 Table 8. Distribution of Respondents in Panabo City Institutions Local School Board of Panabo City Panabo National High School Panabo Central Elementary School Total Respondents Location/ Address Panabo City San Francisco, Panabo City Teachers Parents 12 15 12 24 14 29 LSB No. of Respondents 4 4 27 4 26 57 Table 9. Distribution of Respondents in Tagum City Institutions Location Teachers Parents Local School Board of Tagum City LSB No. of Respondents 4 4 Magugpo Imelda Pilot Elem. School Tagum City 13 12 25 Lyceo High School Tagum City 13 12 25 CARE Schoolhouse Foundation, Inc., Tagum City 8 11 19 34 35 Total Respondents 4 73 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 145 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Distribution of respondents continued Table10. Distribution of Respondents in I GACOS Institutions Location Teachers Parents Local School Board of IGACOS LSB No. of Respondents 4 4 Holy Cross of Babak Babak 9 9 18 A. Villarica Central ES Miranda 9 8 17 18 17 Total Respondents 4 39 LSB No. of Respondents 4 4 Table11. Distribution of Respondents in Digos City Institutions Location Teachers Parents Local School Board of Digos City Don Mariano Marcos ES Zone II 15 16 31 Ramon Magsaysay Central ES Zone III 15 16 31 30 32 Total Respondents 4 66 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 146 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Distribution of respondents continued Table 12. Distribution of Parent-Respondents of Davao City Institutions Location Teachers Parents Local School Board of Davao City LSB No. of Respondents 4 4 Dizon Elementary School Brgy. 19-B, Garcia Heights 23 24 47 Bernardo D. Carpio National HS Buhangin, Davao City 23 24 47 Davao Central High School JLaurel Ave., Davao City 23 23 46 Tomas Monteverde Central ES Ponciano St., Davao City 23 23 46 Sta. Ana Elementary School R.Magsaysay St., Davao City 23 23 46 Matina Central Elementary School Matina, Davao City 23 23 46 Ateneo De Davao Grade School Matina, Davao City 23 23 46 San Roque Central Elementary Sch. Bo. Obrero, Davao City 23 23 46 Assumption School Cabaguio Ave., Davao City 22 23 45 206 209 Total ParentRespondents 4 419 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 147 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Appendix M A Copy of the Reliability Test Result of the Research Tool Conducted by the Holy Cross of Davao College Research Department Reliability ****** Method 1 (space saver) will be used for this analysis ****** RELIABILITY ANALYSIS –SCALE (ALPHA) *** WARNING * * * Zero variance items Reliability Coefficients: N of Cases Alpha = 10.0 = .8813 No of Items = 20 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 148 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Appendix N The Research Tool Part I. Demographic Information (Please check box when appropriate) 1. Age: __________ (as of last birthday) 2. Position: Parent Teacher Principal Supervisor Member of the Local School Board, please specify: City Schools Superintendent Non-personnel Officer of Public School City Mayor City Council Official 3. Years in teaching/working service: ____________ 4. If you are a parent, please check the type of school your child is in: If you are an educator/teacher, please check the type of school you are handling: Private: Public: Regular Regular 5. Type of course offered by the school: SPED SPED Elementary High School 6. Country: Philippines United States of America 7. District: 1st Congressional 2nd Congressional Region 9, NY Others, please specify ________________________________ 8. City: __________________________________________________________ 9. Name of the school: ______________________________________________ 10. Address of the school: ____________________________________________ Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 149 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Questionnaire continued Part II. Knowledge and Awareness on Learning Disability Please indicate the extent of your knowledge and awareness on the following statements by placing a check mark (√ ) inside the box of your choice based on the rating scale found below. RATING SCALE 5 Full Knowledge and Awareness 4 Moderate Knowledge and Awareness 3 Partial Knowledge and Awareness 2 Slight Knowledge and Awareness 1 No Knowledge and Awareness 1 1. I am aware of special education and children special needs. 2 3 4 with 2. I am aware of learning disabilities. 3. I am aware that the cause and origin of learning disabilities is neurological. 4. I am aware of the different types of learning disabilities. 5. I am aware that learning disabilities have no cure as of the moment depending on the disability. 6. I am aware that learning disabilities may lead to undesirable consequences if not treated. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 5 150 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Questionnaire continued Part III. Perception of the Remediation Program for Children with Learning Disabilities Please indicate the extent of agreement of remediation program by writing a check mark (√ ) inside the box of your choice. Use on the rating scale found below. RATING SCALE 5 Strongly Agree 3 Undecided 4 Agree 2 Disagree 1 1 2 Strongly Disagree 3 4 1. A special education program and special education teachers trained to handle students with learning disabilities. 2. An assessment and evaluation conducted using either formal or informal testing tools to identify students with learning disabilities. 3. An early identification and intervention programs as essential preliminary procedure in educating children with disabilities. 4. Teaching strategies like reading remediation, modification, accommodation undertaken to ensure learners develop appropriately. 5. Instructional placements like inclusion, mainstreaming, self-contained or resource room accommodation. 6. An appropriate curriculum tailored to the needs of students with learning disabilities. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 5 151 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Questionnaire continued 1 2 3 4 7. A Multidisciplinary team to outline and decide the Individual Educational Plan (IEP) of the learners with learning disabilities which will be reviewed periodically. 8. Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) to address students’ disruptive behaviors and allow the children to be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE). 9. Funding and government programs that provide and support the educational needs of children with learning disabilities. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 5 152 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Questionnaire continued Part IV. The Perception of the Treatment Services for Children with Learning Disabilities Please indicate the extent of the treatment services for children with learning disabilities in the following statements by placing a check mark (√ ) inside the box of your choice based on the rating scale found below. RATING SCALE 5 Strongly Agree 3 Undecided 4 Agree 2 Disagree 1 1 Strongly Disagree 2 3 1. Technology-aided instructions and other related devices purposely for students with learning disabilities. 2. Therapies for speech and language refinement, audio improvement, and reading enhancement to improve the condition of children with learning disabilities. 3. Medical treatment for children with learning disabilities. 4. Coping-mechanism approaches like counseling and behavior modification to develop control and self-esteem. 5. Specialists for children with learning disabilities such as; speech-language pathologist, audiologist and psychologist help in the diagnosis and prescription of appropriate educational treatment. Thank you for participating in the survey. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 4 5 153 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines CURRICULUM VITAE ARTENITA PALIJO DANTE 179 Domingo Village, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Philippines Mobile Phone No: (+63) 9187848883 E-mail Address: tenetdante@yahoo.com EDUCATION Graduate Studies : Holy Cross of Davao College, Davao City, Philippines Master of Arts in Education Major in Special Education Area: Teaching Learners with Intellectual and Learning Disabilities : Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City, Philippines Master of Arts in Education in English (Units earned) College : Divine Word College, Tagbilaran City, Philippines Bachelor of Arts in English : St. Mary’s College, Tagum City, Philippines CIVIL SERVICE ELIGIBILITIES Professional Board Examination for Teachers Licensure Examination for Teachers To Teach in America WORK EXPERIENCES SPED Teacher - Urban Assembly for Construction and Design, New York City, U.S.A. (2005-present) Teacher/Proprietor – CARE Schoolhouse Foundation, Inc., Tagum City, Philippines (1988-present) Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 154 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Teacher – Queen of Apostles College Seminary, Tagum City, Philippines (1982-1992) Teacher/School Publication Moderator - St. Mary’s College, Tagum City, Philippines (1972-1982) TRAININGS: Inclusive Education, June 2004 Effective Parenting Holy Cross of Davao College, October 2004 Discipline with Dignity, March 2004 Guidance and Counseling, Ateneo de Davao, 199 Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 155 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines CURRICULUM VITAE MARLYN CUENCA SALUDES L1 Blk. 7 Champaca St., El Rio Vista Village, Bacaca Road, Davao City, Philippines Mobile Phone No: (+63) 9157743995 E-mail Address: saludesmarlyn@yahoo.com EDUCATION 2006 Holy Cross of Davao College, Davao City, Philippines Master of Arts in Education Major in Special Education Area: Teaching Learners with Intellectual and Learning Disabilities 2000 University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City, Philippines Master of Public Administration (Earned Units) Capitol University, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines Master of Arts in Education (Earned Units) Philippine Normal University, Manila, Philippines Master of Arts in Education –SPED (Earned units) Holy Cross of Davao College, Davao City, Philippines Bachelor of Arts in English 1987 1985 1983 CIVIL SERVICE ELIGIBILITIES Professional Board Examination for Teachers (PBET) Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) WORK EXPERIENCES Special Education Coordinator on Reading Remediation Program and a Regular School Teacher handling Fourth Year Students - Bernardo D. Carpio National High School, Davao City, Philippines (1990–Present) Teacher –Capitol University, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines (1987-1990) Teacher - Davao School and Rehabilitation Center for the Visually Impaired, Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 156 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Davao City, Philippines (1983-1987) TRAININGS: September 17, 2005 Seminar on “Knowing and Understanding Children With Developmental Disabilities” held at Davao City, Philippines. February 26, 2005 Seminar on “Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities” and in the Workshop on “Effective Reading Instruction And Remediation” held at University of the Philippines, Davao City. February 28, 2004 Informative Seminar on Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: What Parents, Teachers, and Caregivers need To Know! Held at Regency Inn, Villa Abrille St., Davao City Philippines. September 18-19, 2004 “I Can Do It”, a simulated group dynamics seminarWorkshop in Multiple Intelligences, Neuro-Behavioral Management, And Classroom Management- An Overview Of The Curriculum Mapping And Thematic Approach held at Buhangin, Davao City, Philippines.. Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A 157 HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO COLLEGE, INC. Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines Index ADHD - Attention deficit hyperactive disorder BIP - Behavioral Intervention Plan CV - Cerebellar-Vestibular DepEd - Department of Education IARLD - International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities LDA -Learning Disabilities Association of America LD – Learning Disabilities IEP -Individualized Education Plan RNBC -Rush Neurobehavioral Center (http://www.rush.edu.com) RTL -Roads To Learning NCLD - National Center for Learning Disabilities Te l. No s. (082) 221-9071 to 78 lo c a l 26/ 42; Fa x 221-9077 lo c a l 26; Dire c t line 221-3008 (PLDT) Me m b e r: A NTEP, A PC A S, C EA P, C O C O PEA , C O ME, PA A SC U, PA C SB, PA G E, PA FTE, PERA A , PA C UC O A