An Explanatory Case Study on Teachers’ Attitudes Toward the Inclusion of Students with Special Needs in Rural Philippine Classrooms

Authors

  • Eunice F. David Graduate Education and Professional Studies, Romblon State University, Romblon, 5505, Philippines
  • Philip R. Baldera Graduate Education and Professional Studies, Romblon State University, Romblon, 5505, Philippines
  • Icelda D. Ruda Graduate Education and Professional Studies, Romblon State University, Romblon, 5505, Philippines
  • Vivian Q. Santos Graduate Education and Professional Studies, Romblon State University, Romblon, 5505, Philippines
  • Mary Dean P. Ampon Graduate Education and Professional Studies, Romblon State University, Romblon, 5505, Philippines
  • Crisaldo S. Marfil Graduate Education and Professional Studies, Romblon State University, Romblon, 5505, Philippines
  • Maria Joan L. Opiana Graduate Education and Professional Studies, Romblon State University, Romblon, 5505, Philippines
  • Dejy R. Perillo Graduate Education and Professional Studies, Romblon State University, Romblon, 5505, Philippines
  • Janine Joy A. Fababeir Graduate Education and Professional Studies, Romblon State University, Romblon, 5505, Philippines
  • Glorylyn F. Fadri Graduate Education and Professional Studies, Romblon State University, Romblon, 5505, Philippines
  • Franklin F. Marquez Graduate Education and Professional Studies, Romblon State University, Romblon, 5505, Philippines
  • Apple G. Divinagracia Graduate Education and Professional Studies, Romblon State University, Romblon, 5505, Philippines
  • Jenny Vee T. Gadon Graduate Education and Professional Studies, Romblon State University, Romblon, 5505, Philippines
  • Teofilo R. Norombaba Schools Division Office – Manila, Department of Education, Manila, 1000, Philippines
  • Simonette A. Castrence Schools Division Office – Manila, Department of Education, Manila, 1000, Philippines
  • Ma. Teresa M. Chico Schools Division Office – Manila, Department of Education, Manila, 1000, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11594/ijmaber.06.07.16

Keywords:

Inclusive Education, Teacher Attitudes, Rural Settings, Professional Development, Special Needs

Abstract

This explanatory case study examined nine elementary teachers’ attitudes toward inclusive education in Odiongan North District, Romblon, between January and June 2025. Guided by the Social Model of Disability, Contact Theory, and the Theory of Planned Behavior, the study employed semi-structured, expert-validated focus group discussions, which were thematically analyzed to reveal four interrelated themes: moral and pedagogical motivations; contextual influences; gaps in formal professional development; and lived experiences. Insights informed a seven-module Inclusive Teaching Empowerment Series (ITES) addressing legal frameworks, differentiated instruction, co-teaching, reflective practice, and digital microlearning. The study highlights the need for sustained, context-responsive capacity building, leadership support, and resource allocation in rural, multigrade settings. Recommendations include integrating ITES into DepEd Learning Action Cells and formal peer-led workshops to scale inclusive practices.

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Published

2025-07-23

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 7 (2025): International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Eunice F. David, Philip R. Baldera, Icelda D. Ruda, Vivian Q. Santos, Mary Dean P. Ampon, Crisaldo S. Marfil, Maria Joan L. Opiana, Dejy R. Perillo, Janine Joy A. Fababeir, Glorylyn F. Fadri, Franklin F. Marquez, Apple G. Divinagracia, Jenny Vee T. Gadon, Teofilo R. Norombaba, Simonette A. Castrence, Ma. Teresa M. Chico

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How to Cite

David, E. F. ., Baldera, P. R., Ruda, I. D. ., Santos, V. Q. ., Ampon, M. D. P. ., Marfil, C. S. ., Opiana, M. J. L. ., Perillo, D. R. ., Fababeir, J. J. A. ., Fadri, G. F. ., Marquez, F. F. ., Divinagracia, A. G. ., Gadon, J. V. T. ., Norombaba, T. R. ., Castrence, S. A. ., & Chico, M. T. M. . (2025). An Explanatory Case Study on Teachers’ Attitudes Toward the Inclusion of Students with Special Needs in Rural Philippine Classrooms. International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research, 6(7), 3405-3412. https://doi.org/10.11594/ijmaber.06.07.16