Challenges and Teaching Practices of General Education Teachers in Handling Learners with Disabilities

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 Quiot Elementary School during the School Year 2025–2026, with the findings serving as the basis for a proposed Action Plan. Employing a descriptive correlational research design, the study involved thirty teacher. Data were collected using an adapted survey questionnaire and analyzed through frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and standard deviation and inferential statistics using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The study found that most teachers possessed substantial experience in inclusive education, with 43.33 having served seven years or more, while only 10.00 were in their first year. Half of the teachers reported handling one to three mainstreamed learners with disabilities. In terms of professional development, 43.33 had not attended any inclusive education training in the last three years, and 40.00 had attended only one to two sessions. Teachers were rated as only slightly prepared, with an overall mean of 2.38. Their strengths were in creating safe classrooms and engaging parents, but weaker areas included fair assessment and collaboration with SPED specialists. Inclusive strategies were applied frequently, with an overall mean of 3.09, particularly in parental involvement and step by step instructions, though structural modifications were less emphasized. Correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between preparedness and inclusive practices. The study concluded that while teachers often employed inclusive strategies, their perceived preparedness remained low, highlighting the need for stronger institutional support. An Action Plan was recommended to strengthen professional development. Rochel Lee C. Igot "Challenges and Teaching Practices of General Education Teachers in Handling Learners with Disabilities" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-10 | Issue-1 , February 2026, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd100158.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/education/100158/challenges-and-teaching-practices-of-general-education-teachers-in-handling-learners-with-disabilities/rochel-lee-c-igot