Parental Perceptions on Inclusive Education for a Brighter Educational Landscape

Abstract:

This study aims to assessed the attitudes of parents of children with and without disabilities towards inclusion of learners with disabilities in regular classrooms. Descriptive Comparative Research design was used in NPC-Colon Integrated School in the City of Naga Division. Participants were the 40 parents of children with and without disability. A modified version of Prado, A.A.'s rating scale questionnaire was used. Frequency Count, Simple Percentage, Weighted Mean and t-test as statistical tool were used. Majority of the participants are females, age ranging of 26-33 years old, most were high school level, and does not have a large number of children and earned minimum of the total wage monthly. The level of attitude of the participants were neutral. Test of difference on the attitude of parents of children with and without disabilities towards inclusion of learners with disabilities in regular classrooms were not significant. This neutrality may stem from a lack of information, mixed experiences, cultural influences, complexity of the issue, or inadequacies in survey methodologies. A need for further investigation and targeted interventions to promote awareness and address potential misconceptions or barriers hindering parental support for inclusive education. The school may use the researcher’s action plan to raise awareness on inclusive education for learners with special needs.

Keywords: Special Education, Parental Perception, Inclusive Education, Descriptive Comparative Method, Naga City, Cebu