The Secretary General of the Department of Education and Skills, Brigid McManus, today (1.30pm) launched a special Research Report, commissioned by NABMSE, on, ‘Why are post 12 year old students with special education needs seeking to move from mainstream education to special schools? The research report was prepared by Dr. Aine Kelly, and Catherine Devitt MSocSC, Research Department, Saint John of God Hospitaller Services, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin.
Dr Kelly said in the report, “There is limited availability of statistical information on the rate of enrolment from mainstream education to special schools across the spectrum of disabilities in Ireland, and a lack of evidence based research on the reasons why students are enrolling in special education from mainstream education. This is despite growing anecdotal evidence among special schools, pointing towards an increasing number of students enrolling”
The main findings from this report are:
- An increasing number of students aged 12 plus are leaving mainstream education for special schools.
- One of the main reasons why students are leaving is due to academic factors in mainstream schools.
- Social and emotional/behavioural factors were also given as significant reasons for leaving.
- Half of all parents would have liked their child to have stayed in mainstream education; however there was general recognition among parents that mainstream education could not provide the necessary supports to meet the child’s needs.
- The majority of parents reported not feeling involved in their child’s mainstream education.
- The majority of teachers in special schools reported gaps in information on new students enrolling.
- Both parents and students reported that the adjustment to special school was difficult; there is a period of adjustment for students taking from a few months to a few years for the student to actually settle into the curriculum and school. It takes teachers some time to understand the student’s difficulties and best methods of handling the student.
- The main benefits of special schools as identified by parents, related to academic, social, emotional/behavioural factors and improved access to resources. However benefits are not always widely promoted.
Dr Kelly also said in the report that, “The findings confirm that changes are required to the way in which mainstream schools cater for special needs students. The research team has identified a number of priority recommendations as follows:
- Additional nationwide statistics are required on the number of students at post-primary level leaving mainstream schools for special schools and other relevant data;
- Mainstream schools should be made aware of the findings in this report in relation to academic limitations experienced by students with special needs. It is recommended that mainstream schools review these recommendations and adopt them as appropriate.
- Mainstream schools should also be made aware of the issues identified by students in relation to social/behavioural/emotional areas and determine whether changes are required to policies and procedures in order to address these.
- Parents should be more involved in their child’s education in mainstream schools and should be informed about the nature and method of the assessment process that is being conducted with their child.
- A formal and systematic approach is needed around the process of enrolment from mainstream school to special school.
- A transition plan should be put in place to ensure that the transfer process from mainstream school to special school is made as easy as possible for students and parent.
- In order to minimise disruption in the classroom for teachers and other students, additional supports are required in special schools during the initial period of adjustment when a new student transfers from a mainstream school.
- The benefits of special schools identified in this report should be used to inform parents and children with special needs and promote the profile of special schools.
The Chairperson of NABMSE, Sr Marie Carroll, said today, “This is an important report as it provides us with the well researched views of pupils and parents, on their needs, challenges and wishes. I want to thank Dr Aine Kelly and her staff for their work, which will make a significant contribution to work of NABMSE, as we strive towards a better education for all young people in our society”
Report available on: www.nabmse.org
For contact: Breda Corr, General Secretary, NABMSE
Issued by Young Communications