Includes bibliographical references.

I. Philosophy, Goals and Objectives -- II. Definition and Scope -- III. Identification, Screening, Assessment and Evaluation of Children -- IV. School Admission and Organization of Classes -- V. Curriculum Content, Instructional Strategies and Materials -- VI. Organization Patterns -- VII. School Plant and Facilities -- VII. Personnel Recruitment, Welfare and Development -- IX. Administration and Supervision -- X. Evaluation of Programs and Services -- XI. Research and Special Studies -- XII. Parent Education and Community Development -- XIII. Linkages -- XIV. Public information, education and communication -- XV. Funding -- XVI. Policy Support Legislation -- XVII. Special Provisions -- XVIII. Amendment Clause -- XIX. Effectivity.

This handbook on Policies and Guidelines for Special Education contains updated department orders, memoranda, bulletins, and standards issued by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports (MECS) in a span of more than two decades. The various sources and references that were used in the preparation of the handbook attest to the continuous leadership role of the MECS in extending educational opportunities to children with special needs despite the fact that they compose the minority of the school population. Before the onset of mainstreaming handicapped children in regular schools, the policies of the then Department of Education pertained mostly to residential schools in the 1950's. As services for handicapped children expanded and their integration into regular schools increased, new policies were issued. The new policies that have evolved are considered to constitute a more realistic basis for the implementation of programs and future endeavors of the MECS in improving the quality of life for the Filipino handicapped citizen.