ABSTRACT
The Special Program in the Arts (SPA) is a transformative initiative in Philippine education aimed at nurturing students’ artistic talents. This study evaluates the implementation of SPA in the Biliran Division, employing a mixed-method research design, specifically a convergent parallel design. The qualitative component explores stakeholders’ experiences, while the quantitative aspect utilizes surveys to gather numerical data. The study employs a descriptive research method to provide a comprehensive analysis of SPA’s current state.
Results indicate that SPA in Biliran Division has received commendable ratings from educational administrators, offering diverse opportunities in Visual Arts, Music, Theater Arts, Dance, and Creative Writing. The program emphasizes creativity, talent, and self-directedness, garnering positive feedback for its comprehensive curriculum and faculty qualifications.
Insights from students and alumni highlight substantial participants expressing gratitude for the program’s impact on personal growth. Time management emerges as a significant challenge, prompting coping strategies such as organizing time and seeking teacher support. The findings stress the importance of effective time management for SPA students, contributing to improved focus, productivity, and self-growth.
Recommendations include providing better facilities, intensive teacher training, curriculum updates, and a Program Enhancement Plan. The study underscores the role of SPA as a gateway to high-quality arts education, with ongoing improvements crucial for its continued success. The findings contribute valuable insights for enhancing SPA Implementation in the Biliran Division and potentially in similar educational contexts.
Keywords: administration and faculty qualifications, arts education, curriculum, facilities, program evaluation
INTRODUCTION
The Special Program in the Arts (SPA) has been recognized as an innovative educational initiative designed to nurture and develop the artistic talents of students within the Philippine educational system. Implemented across various divisions, SPA aims to provide a holistic approach to education by incorporating the arts into the standard curriculum. In the Biliran Division, the SPA program has been in operation for a significant period, and it is imperative to assess its implementation to ensure its effectiveness in delivering quality education.
The Special Program in the Arts (SPA) is a crucial educational initiative that fosters a positive environment and promotes artistic development in students. It encourages independence, intellectual challenge, and risk-taking. Teachers engage in art brokerage, facilitating cultural events, organizing visits, allowing students to exhibit, and enhancing community arts participation. (Thomson et.al.,2019)
The Special Program for the Arts is a nationwide program for students with potential or talents in the Arts. One pilot school in every region was selected to pilot and implement this program and is now in its tenth year of implementation (https://depedbatangas.org).
In addition, the selected school offers a comprehensive secondary education program centered on the Arts, covering a range of art forms and disciplines. Arts education is an integral component of a balanced educational program in all year levels, which also provides the background for post-secondary/ tertiary level work.
The Special Program in the Arts aligns with national educational goals. Providing equal access to cultural opportunities through education, public or private cultural entities, scholarships, and incentives. Research on curriculum evaluation is relatively new, and further studies on curriculum implementation are vital for improving the field. Research and evaluation are essential for quality implementation, including teacher development, and defining important stages of implementation even during early development is crucial for successful implementation (Constitutional Commission, 1986; SYNDER, et.al., 1989; Stenhouse, 1979; Ornstein and Hunkins, 1988)
WeBHSAC, the only arts and culture high school in Biliran, is working to improve quality education, particularly in the arts. The school is providing necessary facilities and curriculum programs from the Department of Education to various schools. However, the need for adequate and usable facilities is still a work in progress. The Special Program in the Arts (SPA) has been in operation for 12 years, but students have been struggling with equipment shortages. The Researcher, a SPA teacher-specialist, has decided to evaluate the implementation of the SPA in the Biliran Division to design a program enhancement plan. The findings will help improve students’ performance in competitions and contribute to the overall improvement of arts education in the region.
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