This study assessed the extent of the practice of the different steps of scientific inquiry among special science learners in Santiago City. It also determined their perceived predisposition towards science and gauged the level of proficiency in the subject.

Using descriptive correlation method of research, questionnaires were administered to measure the special science learners' level of science process skills, attitudes and proficiency in science. The descriptive part assessed the profiles of the special science learners and their levels of attitudes toward science and basic science process skills. The correlation part determined the relationship of the profile variables to the science proficiency of the student-respondents and among the science process skills, attitudes, and proficiency in science. The respondents were 87 special science learners of STE-implementing schools (Santiago City National High School and Rizal National High School) of the Schools Division of Santiago City identified through random sampling.

Value, and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to ascertain their effect to one Pearson r correlation, Chi square test of Association using Fisher's Exact Test another Hypotheses were tested at 01 and 05 levels of significance The findings showed that special science learners have a near mastery level of process skills, very satisfactory attitude and beginning proficiency in science.

Furthermore, it was found out that the special science learners are on age bracket 14 to 17 years old; the greatest number of the respondents has two siblings, in terms of father's occupation, technicians and associate professionals dominates among the occupation while the mothers are belonging to elementary occupations; and the educational attainment of the respondents' fathers and mothers is mostly college graduate.

There is no strong and significant correlations among and between the students science proficiency, science process skills, and attitudes toward science with the demographic profile involving age, sex, number of siblings, father's occupation, and mother's occupation.

Father's highest educational attainment, is significantly related to science proficiency and science process skills. In the same manner where mother's highest educational attainment is significantly related to science proficiency.

Finally, it was concluded that Science Process Skills is significantly related to Science Proficiency. Attitudes toward Science, however, do not have significant relationship to Science Process Skills and Proficiency.

Thesis (Master of Education in Science Education - General Science)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.