USeP Hosts SPED Summer Program for Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, May 23, 2014 – The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) hosted the Special Education (SPED) Summer Program for Mindanao on April 16 to May 12 in line with the Department of Education’s goals to strengthen the country’s educational system.

SPED teachers from Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), and Caraga gathered in the University to further enhance their abilities in closely attending to children with special learning needs.

The same training was held for principals and supervisors throughout the country as the program aims to upgrade their competencies in constituting and maintaining worthwhile SPED programs within their authority.

Returning teacher-scholars are also included in the program to handle students with special hearing and visual impairment, multiple disabilities with visual impairment (MDVI), and intellectual disabilities.

“This 27-day summer training program for 546 Special Education (SPED) school officials and teachers will hone their skills in attending to gifted children and those with disabilities,” said Armin Luistro, Education Secretary. 

The SPED summer training program was also held in Cebu Normal University (for Regions 6, 7, and 8) and Philippine Normal University in Manila (for Regions 1, 2, 3, 4-A, 4-B, NCR, and CAR). The training happened on April 10 to May 5 in Cebu, and on April 16 to May 12 in Manila.

“I challenge the participants to be more concerned and responsive to the needs of the special children in relevance with the inclusive education advocated by the Department of Education,” said Perfecto A. Alibin, SUC President IV, USeP, during the culmination of the summer training program.

President Alibin also emphasized the 4Cs that are needed for effective teaching in special education namely: competence, confidence, compassion, and compensation.

Overall, the summer training program was a success, and SPED teachers are now re-equipped with the knowledge they can use to further improve the quality of education for special children. (PR)