Increase in switch to special schools

INCREASING numbers of young people with special education needs are switching from mainstream to special schools, but research has found that unsuitable curriculum or teaching methods may be more of a factor in the trend than inadequate supports.

The body representing special schools said the proposed introduction of a new award as an alternative to the Junior Certificate for people with mild to moderate learning disabilities could be helpful to those for whom the mainstream system is not suitable.

Research for the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education found the proportion of new entrants to special schools aged 12 or older who had come from mainstream schools rose from half to three-quarters between 2005 and 2009. The study was carried out by Dr Aine Kelly and Catherine Devitt of Saint John of God Hospitaller Service with teachers, parents and students at 54 of the country’s 119 special schools, which had more than 6,600 pupils in 2009, around 40% of them aged 12 or older.

Although the increased numbers of older children moving from mainstream settings are not explained, academic reasons were identified as one of the main causes, although social and emotional or behavioural issues were also significant.

“The most important thing is for students to have access to the curriculum, but they had difficulty with the types of subjects on offer (in mainstream schools) or methods of teaching. Having a more flexible curriculum would make it more accessible for them,” Dr Kelly said, adding that it is important that parents and children are informed of options and have a voice in decisions about the kind of education they should receive.

NABMSE general secretary Breda Corr welcomed the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment proposal for a new qualification for special needs students. As part of junior cycle reform plans sent to the Education Minister last month, those students would be assessed on five main elements such as literacy, numeracy, community living, communication and preparation for work.