School-related factors contributing to the delivery enhancement of the special science program in Western Visayas, Philippines

In this mixed-method study, the secondary schools in Western Visayas, Philippines offering special science program (SSP) were assessed as basis for delivery enhancement. The SSP along student-related factors and the extent of implementation in the areas of curriculum and instruction, laboratory facilities, and administration in terms of the different classification of Philippines’ Department of Education (DepED) were evaluated. A survey instrument was used to gather information from the principals, department heads, science and mathematics teachers handling special science classes, property or laboratory custodians representing nine participating special science classes (SSC) in Western Visayas. Descriptive analysis was done using percentage, mean and standard deviation shown in graphs and tables. Results of the study revealed that the National Achievement Test mean percentage score of the students for the last three years had an irregular trend and majority of students’ participation in science-related activities was in the regional level. There was a high extent of implementation along the areas of curriculum and instruction and administrative support. The common problem encountered by teachers was the lack of laboratory facilities that were described insufficient while the library resources were sufficient.