Abstract
This study aimed to determine the level of teachers’ awareness of the utilization of special education funds in the first-class municipality in the central Philippines. Specifically, it examined teachers’ awareness in four areas of SEF utilization: operation and maintenance of school facilities and equipment, construction and repair of school buildings, educational research, and the purchase of books and periodicals. The data needed for this descriptive study were collected from 166 respondents using a 32-item self-made data gathering instrument that had undergone stringent tests of validity and reliability. Throughout the entire research process, this study adhered to research ethics protocol. The ensuing analysis showed that teachers demonstrated a high level of awareness across all SEF utilization areas. Findings further indicated that awareness levels did not significantly differ when grouped according to the aforementioned demographic variables, thus failing to reject the null hypothesis. While teachers exhibited strong awareness of documentation and reporting processes, gaps were observed in their understanding of acquisition, disbursement, and research funding mechanisms. The study concludes that although teachers possess substantial general awareness of SEF utilization, technical awareness related to procurement and research remains limited. These findings provide a basis for proposing information, education, communication, and action plan to promote a deeper understanding and more effective utilization of SEF in public schools.
Keywords: Teachers’ awareness; utilization of special education fund; Negros Occidental, Philippines.