THE SPED- INCLUSIVE ADVOCACY OF PINES CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

For over a year now, I have laboriously started the Inclusive Advocacy of Pines City National High School. There are 20 students mainstreamed in our school. Their cases vary from physical impairment, hearing impairment, specific learning disabilities and Autism.

Some of these students are doing well in academics and extra- curricular activities. Some are also lagging behind.

Through this blog, I find solace and consolation that at least I am on the right track for our advocacy. Let me just share some of what we have been doing..

THE DEAF AWARENESS WEEK

Narrative report on deaf awareness week from L Ferndz

FIRST PLACE ENTRY

Hear Me Out
By Bianca Ysabelle Tiwaquen

AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!
Hear me out! Please let me shout!

AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!
I don't understand I can't let it out.

I can feel something's wrong, though I can't quite place it.
I can see all these beauty, although I can't express it.
Deprived me of a sense, go ahead. take it!
I am not useless, God forbid it.

Oh, the signs I'll give. A limitless dictionary so new!
But sadly the knowledge comes across a few.
With hands to speak, with my eyes I'll listen
I don't lack abilities, my ideas shall glisten.

Though I may not hear, it's time to be aware.
I'll sign a sign of something oh so rare.
For all of us must sign, a language we know all too well.
Let us show a sign of love, to the deaf, mute, I wish you well.


SECOND PLACE ENTRY

What if I were Deaf?
By: Vian Martinez

What if I were a girl who's supposed to have all the senses but suddenly one just disappeared?
Would you laugh at my disability that I cannot comprehend the things that you say?
Or would you be subtle to me and teach me the right way?
Or would you find me helpless, turn your back and walk away?

Sure, I maybe deaf but I am not useless.
I can still speak, see, write and do what other people can do.
And maybe if I can't speak, we can communicate through written conversation.
So don't make excuse to pity on me, don't look down on people like me.
Sometimes you don't know, but they could do what others mostly can't do.

Or maybe do things better that you.
So who are you to judge on how we act?
We are still humans and that's a fact!
Sure, we have flaws, but you do too.
No one is perfect, neither me nor you.

Being deaf is horrible, it is, and a lot of people possess this disability.
But don't put them down to the grounds, it's not the end for them, you see?
You could help and teach them the ABC'c even together with the 123's
Or help them to express their feelings in another kind of way,
Like through writing, music or arts
Make them feel special and don't tear their world apart.

Make the right real, promote inclusive deaf- friendly communities.
Restore humanity and together we can make the world into a better place
'Cause like a wise man once quoted:
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot.
Nothing is going to get better. It's not."

THIRD PLACE ENTRY

A Deaf's Message
By:  Tala Feria Aliwana

You talk about me 'cause you think I can't hear you.
Yes, I can't hear but I can see.
You talk to me like I'm a person of low intelligence.
Honestly, I feel inferior.

I may be deaf.
But I'm also a person.
I get hurt.
I feel emotion overflowing my heart.

I ask you to understand me.
My disability doesn't define my personality.
I know with education you will.
Together, we can build a better place.

As a deaf, I understand people like me.
The troubles they're in, the dreams they have.
The hardship of being wanted but instead left- out.
With me, I can help you understand.

Acceptance doesn't happen instantly
It takes time and patience.
I have suffered long and hard,
And now I've come to take action.

We belong to a dark world filled with terror and fear.
But when you we can light a candle.
And finally light the whole world up.
Shouting kindness and love to all its corner.


THIRD PLACE ENTRY

Quiet Noise
By:  Prince Jhessie Jularbal

I saw people talk and laugh.
But I don't know why they talk and laugh.
'Cause I don't hear them talk and laugh.
Sometimes they point at me and laugh.

I always flick
'Cause I don't hear single click.
Even a loud kick
or a clock's tick.

I attempt to kind a friend,
and only one accept
That gave me love and respect
even when my contempt.

People use loud voice.
use signs as my voice
and that's my choice
to create my quiet noise!!

THE AD/HD AWARENESS WEEK

Narrative report on adhd awareness week from L Ferndz

THE CEREBRAL PALSY AWARENESS WEEK

Narrative report on cerebral palsy awareness week from L Ferndz

THE SPED BULLETIN CORNER

 Information is power, so they say. With our SPED Bulletin Corner, we update the studentry and the entire school of the different activities concerning SPED.

Sped bulletin board updating with pics from L Ferndz

The Creation of a Teacher

The Creation of a Teacher

Lorelyn F. Biadno

A good story goes like this…

The Good Lord was creating teachers.  It was His sixth day of 'overtime' and He knew that this was a tremendous responsibility for teachers would touch the lives of so many impressionable young children.  An angel appeared to Him and said, "You are taking a long time to figure this one out."

"Yes," said the Lord," but have you read the specs on this order?" (http://www.dltk-kids.com/school/poem-creation.htm)

I have lifted this from DLTK Kids, a good source of various activities from the Internet. If a teacher is made-to-order, then I guess it is really important to have its specs enumerated. But what is really the making of a teacher? Or maybe a follow- up question would be, “Are great teachers made? Or maybe they are born?”

This celebration of World Teachers’ Day, October 5, we are one with the whole world in rejoicing and thanking God for teachers who are His instruments in molding the youth. In this special day, we acknowledge the crucial role, loyal service and dedicated commitment of teachers in developing globally-minded citizens, nurturing families, strengthening communities and building the nation. In this special day, we might also ask ourselves “What is the making of a GOOD teacher?”

If teachers are treated as computers, then we would ask for specs that would be centered on the operating system, memory and processor.

The operating system is a group of computer programs that coordinates all the activities among computer hardware devices. Likened to a computer, a teacher must be a coordinator, a facilitator of all the learning processes which take place within the four corners of the classroom. As an operating system, a teacher must have good, reliable, accurate, data storage and filing system.  An operating system must be in good working condition. Similarly, a teacher must be of good disposition and standing. ‘less, the OS bugs down due to security flaws. But come to think of it, since an operating system is created by human programmers then it is bound to have errors. Teachers are but humans. We might think of them as infallible. But they are just humans bound to make mistakes. Sometimes they have difficulty booting on as they also get tired. Sometimes, teachers slow down because they are susceptible to viruses, diseases, stress, and the like. Sometimes, they have poor performance because of their own “system” flaws. Yes, teachers are not computers after all. Nonetheless, teachers’ indomitable spirit to teach remains and this is what sets them apart from computers.

Again, likened to a computer, a teacher must have a good running memory. 8 Gigabyte is an excellent Random Access memory (RAM) of a computer. 4-6 Gigabyte is recommended. 1 Gigabyte is quite low. In South Korea, if a person is called 1GB, this is quite an insult. So a teacher must not only have 1GB as he/ she will be dubbed as super slow. Since a teacher is a supplier of knowledge, he/she is expected to have a good functioning RAM. Did you know humans have RAM? Yes, it is the short term memory.  Interestingly, short-term memory is usually associated with a very specific region of the brain called the hippocampus. Short-term memory is the memory you will use to recall immediate actions (like the series of words you are actually reading). And teachers have good short term memory. It is where they store the misdemeanors of their students. And so, they easily forgive as they easily forget. Teachers are humans. They have the heart to pardon their students’ misbehaviors. Thanks to their RAM.

            And then of course, just like a computer, a teacher must have a good processor.

A computer processor, also known as a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU), is a component in a computer system that functions as the brains of a computer. It is mainly responsible for processing instructions of a computer program and carrying out computer operations. The teacher is endowed with his/ her natural cognitive ability responsible for assimilating and processing information, plus her affective and psychomotor skills. You will be surprised to find out that a teacher’s skill and ability may be multiple. And really none like a computer. A computer cannot sing and dance while teaching. A computer cannot perform drama to catch students’ attention. A computer is just a thing and a teacher is a human person, gifted with so many potentials.

            You might say, what’s with these nonsense ICT jargons? Oh, well, all I really want to point out is that the real making of a good teacher is not like a computer at all. A computer is devoid of feelings while a teacher is not. A computer bugs down but it cannot be hurt while a teacher would really feel the happiness and pains for his/ her students. A computer’s specs is purely for technical use. While a teacher’s qualification may come as wide and broad as daylight but would boil down to having a HEART…

           

            The making of a real teacher is only a PURE heart.

Pure heart to care.

Pure heart to love.

Pure heart to make a difference in the lives of his/ her students.

The making of a teacher is to be LIFESAVER not a LIFE-WRECKER.

            With all these musings, I end “Happy World’s teachers’ Day! Mabuhay!”

                                   

CAREER MATTERS

CAREER MATTERS
          By: Anabele Salibad

Career matters? This could be read as both “career issues” and “importance of career.” Either way, career is to be tackled not just because it is the Career Guidance Week (every third week of July) but more so because we recognize the fact that career is life per se.

Choosing a career is no easy task. It is a process of personal deliberation coupled with a careful and proper career guidance and education of a child. It is a serious business that should not be overlooked because it is not just simply a job or profession that is being paved; it is a person’s life at stake.

 A lawyer does not become one at an instant. And so with a police officer, a doctor, a teacher, a skilled- worker, a vendor for that matter. For sure, one has to go through a series of self- searching before becoming an accomplished professional. But this is just 10% of the career exploration process. The crucial 90% involves career guidance and counseling in schools.

Paint these in mind because these are the real scenarios. And these have been going on for decades---A lot of students would blindly choose a career based on their parents’ advice or their friends’ choices. A lot of students would jump into college without a real picture of the professionals they would someday become. They go for nursing or IT courses because it is trending. They go for engineering even if they do not really possess the skills. A lot would go for showbiz because it is one of the lucrative industries that promise easy fame and money. And these happen because there are no guidance counselors who guide our dear students in their career decisions. My high school did not have a guidance counselor. And so I have to admit I did not have the luxury of being guided in my career planning. And I am pretty sure not all public schools in the Philippines have one.

Looking at it then on the peripheral side, the heart of the matter for job problems in the Philippines is the lack of serious and intensified campaign or advocacy for career guidance and counseling, especially in the academic sector.

What has the government done so far? The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has been feverish in its Career Guidance Advocacy Program. And the Department of Education (DepEd) has also come up with the controversial K to 12 Curriculum.

 The K to 12 Curriculum promises a solution. This total overhaul of the country’s current educational system aims to provide an opportunity for every learner to form possible career choices as early as kindergarten, since career exploration is already infused in the lessons. In a way, it presents a career academy for every learner through the different career tracks offered in Grades 11 and 12. The K to 12 Curriculum aims to provide students with activities, opportunities, and resources preparing them to make life long career choices and equipping them with 21st century skills to compete in the global economy. So instead of bickering about it, why not support it?

In addition and in line with the goal of the K to 12 Basic Education Program to produce graduates who are ready for higher education, middle level skills development, employment and entrepreneurship, DepEd also issued DO 25, s. 2013, institutionalizing the Career Guidance Week for High School students every last week of July. (depedsagay.webs.com/issuances/central-office/order-index.html)

Yes, career matters and it should be tackled not just this Career Guidance Week. But it should be brought out by every household at the dining table. It should be addressed by our legislators in their sessions. It should be covered by media, in print or on air, if advocacy has to be intensified.

The Role of Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao in the Moral Education of the Youth

            The Role of Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao in the Moral Education of the Youth

By: Anabelle Salibad

A strong nation is built on the strong moral fiber of its citizenry. This is my realization after teaching Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (ESP) to my pupils for quite sometime now.

As a teacher, I have realized the importance of this subject to every pupil. It is a subject that should not be overlooked or taken for granted not only because it is part and parcel of the curriculum but more so because it is a subject that builds the character of every learner. And we all know that character is what is left when everything else is forgotten.

Putting your feet in the shoes of another: Real essence of  Pagpapakatao

ESP or otherwise known as Edukasyon ng Pagpapahalaga or Values Education is part of the core subjects that are being taught to both the elementary and secondary schools. It is given the same weight as that of the major subjects such as English, Science or Math. It is a subject that teaches values and virtues. And with the K to 12 Curriculum, this subject has been totally revamped to cover subject areas touching ethics and morality. It is a subject that equips individuals with the necessary prudence and moral responsibility, necessary to guide each individual in making life decisions. It is as important as Math, Science or English because it pertains to the practicality of life. It deals with attitude, of good morals and right conduct, of right values and virtues to live by. More importantly, it develops and instills the core values of Maka- Diyos, Maka-Tao, Maka-Kalikasan and Maka-Bansa in the hearts of every Filipino. (http://lrmds.deped.gov.ph/list/kto12/subject/849)

The government through the Department of Education recognizes the necessity of producing morally upright citizens. For what could be more important than raising responsible citizens who would not compromise their morals and ideals?

Morality is part and parcel of the education of the youth. It is imperative to build a nation with its citizens being morally grounded. For without a strong foundation on what is right and wrong, a student could grow up to be a corrupt political leader, a horrifying criminal, or an irresponsible and uncaring citizen.

With this subject on ESP, we envision every Filipino to be morally upright. If properly taught at school and reinforced at home, ESP would indeed produce citizens who are of Maka- Diyos, Maka-Tao, Maka-Kalikasan and Maka-Bansa. This is the utopia that we hope to achieve. It may seem an elusive vision of DepEd. But one life that is touched through ESP would mean a big, big difference.

WHY TEACHING IN THE EARLY GRADES IS FULFILLING

why TEACHING IN THE EARLY GRADES IS FULFILLING

By: elena p. fernandez

 

Thirty years ago, I ventured on a profession which I never really imagined to be a worthwhile one. All the while, I was in for the dough. I toiled for years thinking my job keeps me and my family alive. Until just recently when I began having grandchildren, I learn to really value and see the beauty in teaching early grades.

Teaching in the first- grade is no easy task. One would normally experience the spitting, the crying- spell, hair- tugging, chewing on pencils, thumping and jumping of cute little boys and girls. There are times of playing around, a time of fighting and then of course of real learning. You see, first graders have not yet really outgrown their kindergarten tantrums. Some would still come to school behind their mother’s skirts. Some would even pee or soil their uniform.

But then of course, first graders are a little bit mature. They come to school brimming with tons of energy. They are enthusiastic to learn and share their interests. They are also competitive. And at my age now, they would run me down. They would really drain my energy. In spite all these, I find it fulfilling to handle first graders.

As a first grade teacher, I am challenged to keep myself fit. Well, I have to be healthy so I could run after a child who would want to escape from class. I have to be fit to be able to carry a child back to his/ her seat.  I have to be quick to come to an aid if ever a child falls down on his/ her chair. I have to be on guard ‘less I want chaos in the classroom.

A first grade teacher must be quick to his/ her wits too, to entertain the intelligent questions of curious little boys and girls. And so, I keep abreast with what is new. Because as first grade teacher, I am aware of the fact that I should not run out of information, creativity and ideas. I load myself with fairy tales and fables. I invent stories and animate it to them to sustain their attention. I make colorful visual aids to rouse their interest. I play with them. At times, I scold them too to keep them from misbehaving. I mother them. I teach them.

Again, it is a fulfilling job for me because it is what keeps me young at heart. I am already fifty- four yet I do not have any grey hairs yet. It is because I am always with the young ones. Their energy recharges me. Their enthusiasm rekindles the youthfulness in my heart. Their unending questions keep me alert to my toes. There is no room for growing old if you are with the young ones. I could tell you, you would really be amazed at how you would marvel at the beauty of innocence and reverence. Innocence for their lack of knowledge. Reverence they shower upon you for your part as their teacher. They would respect you. They would love you. They would really appreciate your worth as a person.

So whenever somebody asks me why I stay in the First grade, I tell him/ her, “I stay because I feel more alive in the first grade.”

VALUES EVERY TEACHER MUST POSSESS

VALUES EVERY TEACHER MUST POSSESS

By: LORENZA TONGNAWA

The most important element in the learning environment is invisible. It is made up of the values, attitudes, and actions that we and our classes take part in every day. (http://www.unicef.org/teachers/environment/essence.htm)

I share the same hindsight with that of the UNICEF. The real things that matters are our values. And as a teacher, I am quite aware of the big role that I play in my students’ lives, especially in their values formation. 

As a teacher, I am always, on my guard because I know that in the classroom there are fifty pairs of eyes that scrutinize my every move. And I have to be cautious ‘less I want my flaws mirrored by my students. This is by far the biggest challenge to every teacher.  

The Civil Service Commission has been feverish in its campaign to rally government employees into becoming effective public servants who uphold the highest standards of morals. Every government employee is then governed by the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.  Public teachers are part of this. 

In addition to the Code of Conduct, I also have in my list at least six values that I think are equally important and must be possessed by every teacher.

First is the value of accountability. Accountability not only to my profession but more so, accountability to the clients I serve- my students. Being accountable to my pupils entails a lot of prudence and patience. Teachers have the responsibility to exercise special parental authority and responsibility over the child, while under their care. And so, teachers are burdened with the duty to exercise due diligence in ensuring the safety of every pupil placed under their care.

Accountability would also pertain to my words and actions. I own every word I utter and actions I do. And I bear the consequences for such.

Second is the value of simplicity. Simplicity in the sense that I will not spend beyond my means. I shall not be a show- off. And I will strive hard to live a modest life. Materialism only leads to corruption. But with simplicity and modesty, there shall be no pains in the head. 

Third and fourth are the values of fairness and equality. With the fifty pupils I handle, I strive hard to be fair and square to everyone. I do not play favorites. No discriminations. Every student in the classroom must have his share on the plate. There should be no exclusion.

Last are the values of nationalism and patriotism. As a teacher, I really believe that these two virtues must be stressed upon our pupils. We need to constantly remind our students of their responsibility to give back to their country, to be a contribution to the society and not a liability.

Being a teacher is no easy job. It is not true that a teacher merely makes a living through his/ her saliva. A teacher is a molder of one’s future. And a teacher is a model to be emulated by his disciples. A teacher is not successful if he/ does not multiply. And what better way to do this than to let students embody our own principles and live- out the virtues we possess by setting a good example to them. After all, it is our values that would be left in the hearts of our students when all our other teachings are forgotten. 

The Perks of Being a Teacher

The Perks of Being a Teacher

By Yolanda Longan

I went to the public market just the other day and I have met a former student who joyfully greeted me with “Hello, Ma’am. Kumusta kan? Maysa ak nga estudyantem idi.” And the exchange of greetings was followed by some updating. I found out this former student is now a teacher just like me. My happiness to see her is worthless. Somehow, I told myself, “Being a teacher is still the noblest profession.”

My reflection led me to list some of the perks of being a teacher. And first in my note is the fact that teachers are recognized wherever they go. Be it in the public market, in the jeepney, at church or even in the most unexpected places, a teacher if met by a former student would always be acknowledged. My husband or my kids would in fact kid me that if I run for office during the election, I would surely win because of my popularity. What they do not know is that I owe my popularity to my profession. Yes, of course teaching is not just being popular but it is earning the trust and confidence of each of your students. So that when you meet your former student anywhere in the community, you would proudly say that somehow you were an instrument to his development as a person and to his success in life.

Another benefit of being a teacher is that one gets to socialize. There is no room for introversion once you are in the teaching profession. You’ll get to meet a lot of people from all walks in life. And if you are the type of a person who shun away from public, then perhaps teaching is not really the job for you. Or perhaps you started out shy but then eventually you would develop that sense of confidence to interact with different people. Teaching enhances one’s self- esteem plus of course it gives a different level of sense of worth, of usefulness. Especially so, that teachers really have the power to make and unmake students.

Next to my list is the reverence the community would give to teachers. I have enjoyed this and I would say I am blessed for being a teacher because I have a place in the society. I have my mark. I am respected. But of course, alongside this respect must be the responsibility to maintain a good image to the public. A teacher cannot afford to show any mar in his/ her personal life. He/ she must always display the highest moral standards in life and cannot show any signs doubt to his/ her character. This is the biggest challenge that a teacher has to live with.

Lastly, teaching is a dynamic process of learning. I am a teacher but I am also a student. I learn from every lesson that I would have to facilitate in class. I learn from every student I handle. Each day is a learning opportunity. I am not self- sufficient. I am aware of this. And I strive hard to continually empower myself through my learnings and realizations.

So for all the benefits that I enjoy as a teacher, whether monetary or abstract, I am thankful that I have chosen this profession. This is the mark that I want to leave in this earth and I am glad that some of my former students have valued this mark.