Many Deaf learners in the Philippines continue to experience barriers in education where Filipino Sign Language (FSL) and Deaf socio-cultural identity are not fully integrated into their learning experiences. This exclusion contributes to limited FSL and print literacy skills, lower academic achievement, and reduced self-esteem and well-being. Without full access to FSL and Deaf-led instruction, Deaf students face challenges in higher education, employment, and active participation in society.
To help address these gaps and support Deaf learners in realizing their full potential, Benilde advances a Deaf-centered bilingual learning environment through the Model Learning Institute on Deaf-Centered Education (MLITEDCE) of the Center for Education Advancement of the Deaf (CEAD).
As part of this initiative, CEAD developed new Filipino Sign Language assessment tools. The project revisited and refined an existing FSL rubric in consultation with the CEAD-FSL team. To enhance assessment accuracy, the team also produced an FSL story in video format and picture-based stimuli to evaluate students’ expressive and receptive language skills.
Using these tools, CEAD assessed the FSL expressive and receptive abilities of 28 Grades 7–10 students from Benilde Deaf School (BDS). Conducted from April to June 2024, the project produced one revised rubric, one set of expressive stimuli, one receptive video story, and 30 fingerspelling items. Deliberation of results is currently ongoing.
Through research, assessment, and test development, CEAD continues to strengthen Deaf education by identifying academic challenges and creating evidence-based interventions. Findings from these projects are translated into accessible resources that empower Deaf teachers and educational institutions to enhance Deaf learners’ success.
This initiative forms part of the Model Learning Institute on Deaf-Centered Education, made possible through a grant from The Nippon Foundation.
