History of Special Education in the Philippines

Summary

This presentation covers the history of Special Education (SPED) in the Philippines, starting from 1902 when Fred Atkinson proposed educating deaf and blind children. It highlights key developments such as the establishment of the Philippine School for the Deaf in 1908, the founding of special schools for various disabilities, and the creation of laws and programs like the Special Education Act of 2007. Over time, the country has worked towards more inclusive education for learners with special needs, marking significant progress in the last century.

Takeaways

• 😀 The history of special education (SPED) in the Philippines began in 1902 with Fred Atkinson's proposal to educate deaf and blind children.
• 😀 In 1908, Delight Rice helped establish the Manila Institute for the Deaf, now known as the Philippine School for the Deaf.
• 😀 In 1936, Maria Vilia Francisco became the first Filipino principal of the School for the Deaf and Blind.
• 😀 The Philippine government started establishing schools for children with disabilities in the 1920s, including the Welfare Ville Children's Village in 1927.
• 😀 In 1949, the National Orthopedic Hospital School for Crippled Children was founded, followed by the establishment of Alabang's El Gaches Village in 1953.
• 😀 The first special education classes for the deaf were introduced in regular schools in 1956, marking a significant step in inclusion.
• 😀 Special education programs and teacher training courses began emerging in private colleges and universities in the 1960s.
• 😀 In 1963, Republic Act 3562 approved the training of teachers for blind children at the Philippine Normal University.
• 😀 The 1970s saw the establishment of special schools for children with social or behavioral problems, such as the Manila Youth Reception Center in 1969.
• 😀 In 2007, the Special Education Act officially identified 10 groups of children with special needs, further formalizing SPED efforts in the country.
• 😀 By 2010, the government established guidelines for special education centers, ensuring that at least one SPED center was available per school division.

Q & A

What year did the history of special education (SPED) in the Philippines begin?

The history of special education in the Philippines began in 1902.

Who proposed educating deaf and blind children in schools in the Philippines?

Fred Atkinson, the general superintendent of education in the Philippines at the time, proposed educating deaf and blind children in schools.

What was the original name of the Philippine School for the Deaf, and when was it established?

The original name of the Philippine School for the Deaf was the Manila Institute for the Deaf and Dumb, and it was established in 1908.

Who was appointed as the first Filipino principal of the school for the deaf and blind in 1936?

Maria Vilia Francisco was appointed as the first Filipino principal of the school for the deaf and blind in 1936.

What year did the government establish the Welfareville Children's Village, and what was its purpose?

The government established the Welfareville Children's Village in 1927 to serve as a school for people with mental retardation in Mandaluyong.

When were special classes for the deaf implemented in regular schools in the Philippines?

Special classes for the deaf in regular schools were implemented in 1956.

What significant training program started in 1963 related to special education?

In 1963, Republic Act Number 3562 was approved, which started the training of teachers for blind children at the Philippine Normal University.

What was the major development in 1975 concerning special education in Manila?

In 1975, the Division of Manila City Schools implemented the Silahis concept of special education in public elementary schools.

What is the significance of the Special Education Act of 2007?

The Special Education Act of 2007 identified 10 groups of children with special needs and was a major step toward improving SPED services in the Philippines.

How did the Philippines' Department of Education improve SPED programs in 2012?

In 2012, the Department of Education increased funding for special education programs and set plans to open new centers.