Question & AnswerQ&A (DECS ORDER NO. 5)
Article XIV (Sections 1, 2, and 11) of the Philippine Constitution and Republic Act 7277 (Magna Carta for Disabled Persons) support the right to education, equality of opportunity, and participation in society for children with special needs.
The order aims to reclassify regular teacher and principal items to Special Education (SPED) teacher and special school principal items to expand and institutionalize SPED programs, ensuring appropriate salary grades and recognition for those providing educational services to children with special needs.
The salary grades for SPED teachers and special school principals are as contained in Republic Act No. 6758, which prescribes a revised compensation and position classification system in the government.
Regional Directors must submit recommendations to the Chief of the Management Division, Financial Management Service, DECS for the reclassification of regular teacher and principal items to SPED positions, subject to availability of funds and established guidelines.
A SPED teacher must have a Bachelor’s degree in Education with specialization in special education or a minimum of 18 units in SPED at the graduate level, possess the appropriate civil service eligibility, at least 3 years of experience in educating children with special needs, and a Very Satisfactory performance rating in the last three years.
A Special School Principal I must have professional training in organization, administration, and supervision in special education, teaching experience with children with special needs, and supervise 10 to 25 SPED teachers.
A Special School Principal II must have at least 50 SPED teachers under their supervision, in addition to the qualifications for Special School Principal I.
Children with special needs include the gifted or fast learners, mentally retarded, visually impaired, hearing impaired, learning disabled, orthopedically handicapped, chronically ill, autistic children, and those with behavior problems.
SPED teachers must submit transcripts or certificates proving SPED training, civil service eligibility rating cards, principal certification of at least 3 years of experience teaching children with special needs, and certification of Very Satisfactory performance rating for the last three years.
The Schools Division Superintendent certifies the list of SPED teachers under the supervision of a Special School Principal.
The reclassification of regular teacher and principal items to SPED positions is to be implemented on a staggered basis, subject to established guidelines and availability of funds.
Institutions like the Philippine Normal University, University of the Philippines, YMCA Open College, Manila, and other recognized institutions through DECS DISP or NGO funding agencies are recognized for providing SPED training.
SPED teachers must possess the appropriate civil service eligibility applicable to their teaching positions.
SPED teachers must have a Very Satisfactory performance rating for the last three years prior to reclassification.