Evaluation of the Special Program in the Arts (SPA) Curriculum: Basis for Program Enhancement

Abstract

This descriptive study evaluated the implementation status of the Special Program in the Arts (SPA) program (Visual Arts, Music, Media Arts, Creative Writing, Theater Arts, and Dance) of DepEd secondary schools in Western Visayas in terms of faculty, subject offerings, facilities, library, infrastructure, laboratory, ICT facilities, administration, and internal stakeholders. The results of the evaluation were utilized to come up with an enhancement program for improvement. There were 848 respondents who were randomly selected that included students, teachers, parents, SPA school coordinators, and LGU officials specifically the chairperson of the committee on education. A researcher-made instrument, validated by panel of experts with a reliability coefficient of .89, was utilized to gather relevant data. Focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted to validate the quantitative data gathere. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, frequency count, and percentage and Inferential statistics such ast-test and ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) were utilized with significance level set at .05 alpha. Results showed that the level of implementation of the Special Program in terms of input, process, output was “very high” while the rest were “high”. Significant differences were noted in the level of implementation of the special program in the arts curriculum as evaluated by the respondents. The problems included “Lack of laboratory rooms especially in music, dance and theater, “lack of reference materials”, and “lack of teacher specialists to handle the different art disciplines. The issues noted included “lack of support from the LGUs”, “expensive demand of the SPA program”, “curricular reforms brought about by the global and local changes”, and “educational challenges to be addressed like student and faculty turn over”. The challenges included “sustainability of the program in terms of its demands and standards,” and “internal and external affairs that go with the operation of the program”. The researcher advanced the strengthening of the program focusing on teachers’ needs to develop creative skills needed in the SPA program. The researcher also recommended that regular supervision and monitoring shall be done to achieve consistency and excellence in terms of program implementation.