The Level of Physical Fitness Among Selected Learners of the SPED Center at EM’S Signal Village Elementary School: Input to an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) S.Y. 2012-2013

This study determined the level of physical fitness among Selected Learners of the SPED Center in EM’S Signal Village Elementary School. This study will serve as the basis in the formulation of an Individualized Educational Plan for Special Learners.

Specifically, the following problems were answered:

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of;

a.    Chronological age

b.    Mental Age

c.    Sex

d.    Type of Learner

2.    What is the level of physical fitness of the respondents in terms of;

a.    Speed

b.    Muscular Strength

c.    Flexibility

d.    Reaction time

e.    Balance

f.    Coordination

3.    What sports activities are engaged in by the respondents?

4.    What is the effect of these sports activities on the learning interests of the respondents?

5.    What program could be recommended to help improve the various areas of development of the respondents?

Based on the presentation, analysis and interpretation of data, the summary of the findings are as follows:

1.    Majority of the respondents have Intellectual Disability. The special learners were not included in regular class and given special program to improve the emotional, social, mental, physical and spiritual aspect. There were 16 boys and 14 girls included in the study.

The Physical Fitness test has a significant contribution on the physical development of the respondents. There were only 6 Physical Fitness Test conducted and special children are capable of performing.

Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study arrived at the following conclusions:

1.    The performance level of the respondents in the different physical fitness test range from low to high with predominant of low performance level in almost area.

2.    In the Physical Fitness Test, it utilizes different test to measure the speed, coordination, balance, muscle strength, flexibility and reaction time that helped student’s improved their physical well being.

3.    The respondents showed low performance in almost 5 Physical Fitness Test.

Recommendations: Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, the following recommendations are hereby proposed:

1.    Fitness should be an essential part of both academic and domestic programs for individuals with special needs. The idea is not to raise a generation of athletes; rather, it’s to develop fundamental movements that have a direct impact on daily skills, aspects of independent living, self-efficacy and self-esteem.

2.    A plan of Activities which would include more conditioning exercise, gymnastic activities, outdoor games and dances be formulated and implemented by Sped Teachers to improve the performance level of special learners in the Philippine Physical Fitness Test.

3.    The physical fitness test where the special learners found weak like in Push Up, Stork Balance Test, Curl up, Stick Drop Test, 40 M Sprint will be strengthened by conducting continuous activities that will improve their level of physical fitness performance. Such activities includes jogging, running, jumping, bending, etc. to ensure the leg power and endurance, speed, flexibility and balance.

4.    Information dissemination to parents regarding their child’s physical fitness status be initiated during parents-teachers association (PTA) meeting and encourage them to indulge their children in any sport wherein that he/she’s interested and performing well.

5.    Training in the Proper administration and interpretation of the Philippine Physical Fitness Test and in the use of the teacher’s manual in Physical Education be conducted among Special Education Teachers.

6.    More facilities and equipment such as accurately measured running track, stopwatch, mat, and others be provided.

7.    Similar Studies be conducted in all special children in different Sped Centers of Taguig City and in other division where these children are enrolled.