Author
Cherry L. Blanco
Buanoy National High School
Buanoy, Balamban,Cebu, Philippines
Email: cherryblnc@yahoo.com
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the level of preparedness of general education teachers in handling mainstreamed learners with disabilities and the inclusive teaching strategies they employed at Buanoy National High School during the School Year 2025–2026, as basis for an Action Plan. Employing a descriptive-correlational research design, the study involved thirty teachers. Data were collected using an adapted survey questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics—frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and standard deviation—and inferential statistics using the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient. Results revealed that most teachers were either relatively new in inclusive classrooms with one to three years of experience or had longer service of seven years and above. The majority handled only a small number of mainstreamed learners, and more than half had not attended inclusive education-related trainings in the last three years. In terms of preparedness, teachers rated themselves as generally prepared, with higher ratings in involving parents, creating safe and welcoming classrooms, and managing learner behavior, while lower ratings were noted in differentiated instruction and assessment practices. Inclusive strategies were often employed, with teachers frequently using step-by-step instructions, visual aids, parental involvement, and task breakdowns, although advanced strategies were applied less consistently. Correlation analysis indicated no significant relationship between preparedness and inclusive teaching practices. The study concluded that while teachers were prepared and often employed inclusive strategies, gaps in advanced practices and professional development highlighted the need for continuous training and institutional support. It is recommended to use the Action Plan which is the output of the study.
Keywords: Special education, inclusive education, teacher preparedness, inclusive teaching, strategies, action plan
DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0404512
Recommended citation:
Blanco, C. L. (2026). Pedagogical adaptations of general education teachers in teaching learners with disabilities in mainstream classrooms. Pantao (The International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 4 (4), 5535-5553. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0404512
Read the full text
References
Aftab, M. J., Amjad, F., & Chaudhry, H. (2024). Inclusive education: Strategies for successful inclusion of students with disabilities in mainstream classrooms. Academy of Education and Social Sciences Review, 4(3), 439–453.
Alvarez, D., Futalan, M. C., & Sedillo, E. (2025). Challenges faced and strategies employed by teachers in handling mainstreaming classes in secondary schools. Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 3(7), 828–842.
Bindhani, P., & Gopinath, M. (2024). Teachers’ perspectives on inclusion: Addressing challenges of mainstreaming students with disabilities. Asian Journal of Education and Training, 10(1), 55–67.
Börnert-Ringleb, M., Casale, G., & Hillenbrand, C. (2021). What predicts teachers’ use of digital learning in Germany? Examining the obstacles and conditions of digital learning in special education. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 36(1), 80–97.
Carballo, R., Morgado, B., & Cortés-Vega, M. D. (2021). Transforming faculty conceptions of disability and inclusive education through a training programme. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 25(7), 843–859.
Crispel, O., & Kasperski, R. (2021). The impact of teacher training in special education on the implementation of inclusion in mainstream classrooms. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 25(9), 1079–1090.
Darwish, S., Alodat, A., Al-Hendawi, M., & Ianniello, A. (2025). General education teachers’ perspectives on challenges to the inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities in Qatar. Education Sciences, 15(7), 908.
Ginja, T. G., & Chen, X. (2023). Conceptualising inclusive education: The role of teacher training and teachers’ attitudes towards inclusion of children with disabilities in Ethiopia. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 27(9), 1042–1055.
Griful-Freixenet, J., Struyven, K., & Vantieghem, W. (2021). Toward more inclusive education: An empirical test of the universal design for learning conceptual model among preservice teachers. Journal of Teacher Education, 72(3), 381–395.
Haegele, J. A., Holland, S. K., Wilson, W. J., Maher, A. J., Kirk, T. N., & Mason, A. (2024). Universal design for learning in physical education: Overview and critical reflection. European Physical Education Review, 30(2), 250–264.
Kamran, M., Siddiqui, S., & Adil, M. S. (2023). Breaking barriers: The influence of teachers’ attitudes on inclusive education for students with mild learning disabilities (MLDs). Education Sciences, 13(6), 606.
Larios, R. J., & Zetlin, A. (2023). Challenges to preparing teachers to instruct all students in inclusive classrooms. Teaching and Teacher Education, 121, 103945.
Lapidot-Lefler, N. (2025). Teacher responsiveness in inclusive education: A participatory study of pedagogical practice, well-being, and sustainability. Sustainability, 17(7), 2919.
Mahmood, A., Huang, X., & Rehman, N. (2025). STEM education as a catalyst for career aspirations and 21st‐century competences: Insights from teachers’ perspectives. School Science and Mathematics.
Malata, L. N., & Muzata, K. K. (2022). Lesson preparation for inclusive teaching of learners with disabilities from grade 1 to 7 at Kankumba Primary School. International Journal of Educational Innovation and Research, 1(2), 149–162.
Namanyane, A., & Shaoan, L. (2021). Teachers’ preparation and attitudes toward inclusive education: A study of competency and qualification levels. Journal of Education and Practice, 12(4), 45–57.
Oliver-Kerrigan, K. A., Christy, D., & Stahmer, A. C. (2021). Practices and experiences of general education teachers educating students with autism. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 56(2), 158–172.
Parveen, A., Zimik, P. N., Bashir, F., Ganie, A. N., & Jan, S. (2025). Inclusive teaching strategies: Empowering students with disabilities through effective practices. In Enablers, barriers, and challenges for inclusive curriculum (pp. 97–122). IGI Global Scientific Publishing.
Pocaan, J. (2022). Exploring teaching strategies and challenges towards a holistic context-based special education teaching strategies program. The Normal Lights, 16(1).
Rao, K. (2021). Inclusive instructional design: Applying UDL to online learning. The Journal of Applied Instructional Design, 10(1), 83–97.
Sitoy, R. E., Espina, R. C., Sumalinog, M. R. R., Benemerito, P., Cabajar, L. S., & Delantar, L. M. (2025). Instructional methods for inclusive education: An exploration of teaching strategies for special needs learners in general classrooms. International Journal of Humanities Education, 13(1), 565–604.
Subarna, M. T. N., Masud, N. A., Mensah, J., San, S. S. S., Hasan, M., & Tania, J. S. (2022). Teaching strategies for students with disabilities in regular classes. Creative Education, 13(6), 1843–1861.
Sumayang, K. R., Celendron, K., Declaro, N. P., & Flandez Jr, D. L. (2022). Mainstreaming learners with special needs in a regular classroom: A scoping review. Online Submission, 1(3), 106–114.
Tai, J., Ajjawi, R., & Umarova, A. (2024). How do students experience inclusive assessment? A critical review of contemporary literature. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 28(9), 1936–1953.
Woodcock, S., Sharma, U., Subban, P., & Hitches, E. (2022). Teacher self-efficacy and inclusive education practices: Rethinking teachers’ engagement with inclusive practices. Teaching and Teacher Education, 117, 103802.