Managing inclusive education at selected special schools in Pietermaritzburg with special reference to the vocational training of learners

• Main Author: Maniram, Radhika
• Other Authors: Van Zyl, A. E.
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: Learners with barriers to learning; Learners with special education needs; Inclusive education; Transition planning; Vocational training; Skills; Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory; Employment; Open labour market; Service providers; 371.920968475; Learning disabled children > Education > South Africa > Pietermaritzburg > Case studies; Inclusive education > South Africa > Pietermaritzburg > Case studies; Special education > South Africa > Pietermaritzburg > Case studies; School management and organization > South Africa > Pietermaritzburg
• Online Access: Maniram, Radhika (2015) Managing inclusive education at selected special schools in Pietermaritzburg with special reference to the vocational training of learners, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/19737>; http://hdl.handle.net/10500/19737

There has been a paucity of research concerning vocational training of learners with special education needs. The literature study focused on a vocational training and transition planning programme in the United States of America, which could provide as a useful guide to educators and school managers, when implementing vocational training and transitional planning in South Africa. Research was conducted using semi-structured interviews with educators and principals at special schools, observation of learners whilst performing skills training and documentary analysis, to explore whether learners with barriers to learning are receiving skills training that could position them for employment in the open labour market after they exit school. Findings revealed that principals and educators at special schools are faced with challenges in the learner’s microsystem, exosystem and macrosystem, resulting in the inadequate preparation of learners with special education needs for employment in the open labour market. Based on the findings, recommendations in terms of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory were made, to increase the opportunity for learners who experience barriers to learning, to be engaged in meaningful employment. === Education Management === M. Ed. (Education Management)