From Concept to Reality: An Assessment of Gender and Development Awareness and Perception Levels as Basis for Gad Extension Programs

Abstract

This study investigates the awareness and perceptions of teachers in the Schools Division of Bataan, specifically within the Dinalupihan West District Elementary Schools, concerning Gender and Development (GAD). To address the lack of appropriate survey instruments, the researcher created and validated a new scale aimed at effectively measuring these aspects. The questionnaire comprises two sections: one with 67 items dedicated to awareness and another with 60 items focusing on perceptions. The validation process included a comprehensive literature review and expert feedback, yielding a high item relevance rating (I-CVI=0.958), indicating that the questions are well-accepted. Additionally, the scale-level content validity index (S-CVI/SU=0.90) showed that 115 out of 127 items were regarded as relevant by experts. Reliability analysis of data from 75 respondents resulted in a Cronbach’s Alpha of .943, reflecting excellent consistency. Analysis of responses from 228 teachers revealed a significant need to enhance GAD awareness programs, especially in areas like Gender Analysis, GAD laws, and foundational concepts. The findings highlight the importance of improving teachers' understanding of GAD tools, laws, mandates, and issues related to gender bias and marginalization. Furthermore, there is a pressing need to bolster the initiatives of the Department of Education in the Dinalupihan West District, ensuring that both administrators and staff gain a deeper grasp of critical gender-related topics. This effort seeks to create a more inclusive and informed educational landscape for all stakeholders involved.