GENDER EQUALITY EDUCATION EXPERIMENTAL CURRICULUM FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSES AT HIGH SCHOOL IN TAIWAN 

Abstract

This study developed and evaluated an experimental gender equality education curriculum for high school special education (SPED) students with mild intellectual disabilities in Taiwan, addressing a critical research gap for this population. Amid growing concerns over campus violence and sexual harassment among special needs students, the curriculum, based on five core concepts—gender growth, relationships, roles, bodily autonomy, and sexual assault prevention—was piloted with 24 first-year students (12 experimental, 12 control) over four months across 30 lessons. Using a quasi-experimental design, This study assessed knowledge and attitudes via pre/post-tests, finding significant improvements in the experimental group’s gender equality knowledge and attitudes compared to the control group (p < .05). The curriculum’s feasibility was validated through classroom implementation, offering a model for future SPED gender education. These findings highlight the need for tailored, functional education to prepare students for societal integration.