TEACHERS’ PREPAREDNESS IN TEACHING LEARNERS WITH DIVERSE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS IN POLILLO GROUP OF ISLANDS CENTRAL SCHOOLS: BASIS FOR A TEACHER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The study focused on the different aspects of preparedness in teaching students with diverse educational needs in the Polillo Group of Islands. It identified the current position of teachers in the locale in terms of class management, professional development, and educational technology which served as a basis for the development program. This descriptive research is quantitative and qualitative in nature and employed survey and interview, respectively, in the data gathering. The data were presented through the incorporated quantitative approach of the weighted mean and the thematic analysis of the patterns visible from the responses of the participants. Results revealed that the teachers were generally prepared in handling learners with diverse educational needs, which could have an implication to the teacher development program.