DepEd policy assesses learners with special needs

The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued the policy on the implementation of multi-factored assessment tool identify Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSENs) who may need education services and other services.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones, in DepEd Order No. 29 series of 2018 – issued to all undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, bureau and service directors, regional directors, schools division superintendents, public senior high school heads and all others concerned – issued the Policy on the Utilization of Multi-Factored Assessment Tool (MFAT).

DepEd, through the Bureau of Learning Delivery-Student Inclusion Division (BLDSID), issued the MFAT to “assess Grade 1 learners enrolled in regular schools, who may exhibit developmental advancement or delays or have manifestations of learning disability.”

Primarily, the policy aims to “identify Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSENs), who may need education services and/or medical/allied services” as well as to “assist teachers in planning and designing instructions appropriate for LSENs.”

This MFAT, Briones said, is a “classroom activity-based assessment” covering the five domains of learning: (a) Cognitive, (b) Communication, (c) Socio-Emotional, (d) Psycho-Motor, and (e) Daily Living Skills. “The details of this tool shall be discussed in the Handbook of MFAT Administration,” she added.

Briones noted that the said “policy shall take effect immediately upon approval, and should remain in force and in effect for the duration of the program, unless otherwise repealed, amended or rescinded.” She also directed the “immediate dissemination of and strict compliance” with the said DepEd Order.