Preparing the Study Guides and Extensions Menu for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSENs): Towards Tools for Independent Study

This study examined parent assessments of teachers’ practices in preparing study guides and extension menus for learners with special educational needs (LSENs), with the objective of informing tools for independent study. A descriptive survey combining correlational and comparative analyses involved 45 parent-respondents of learners at Manggahan Elementary School, General Trias, Cavite. A researcher-developed and expert-reviewed questionnaire used a four-point response scale. Frequencies, percentages, weighted means, the reported Kendall and chi-square statistics, and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used. Most respondents were female (80%) and identified as parents rather than grandparents or guardians (93%); ages 35–39 and 40–44 each comprised 27%. Parents rated teachers’ preparation of study guides (M = 3.37) and extension menus (M = 3.28) favorably, with an overall mean of 3.34 (SD = 0.47). The reported Kendall statistic was 0.0150 (χ² = 0.6757, p = .4111), indicating no statistically significant association or concordance between the two practice assessments under the stated test. Comparisons by age, sex, and family role were likewise nonsignificant (all p > .05). These findings describe favorable parent perceptions but do not establish improvements in learners’ independent-study outcomes. The study supports coordinated planning of accessible study guides and differentiated extension-menu choices, professional development in inclusive instructional design, and stronger family–school communication.