Assessment of Availability and Use of Teaching and Learning Resources for Retention of Learners with Special Needs in Regular Primary Schools in Dadaab Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

The status of implementation of inclusive education in terms of availability and use of teaching and learning resources for retention of learners with special needs in Garissa County was unknown. Inclusive education refers to a situation where learners with disabilities and special educational needs have full membership in age-appropriate classes in their regular neighborhood schools with appropriate supplementary aids and support services. Records from Educational Assessment and Resource Centres (EARC) Garissa County revealed that there was a decline in the retention rate of learners` admitted. For example, in the year 2014, the retention rate was 37 learners (45.7%), 2015 (114 learners, 38.0%), 2016 (43 learners, 28.9%), 2017 (35 learners, 31.5%) and 2018 (41 learners, 23.7%). The purpose of the study was to assess the status of implementation of inclusive education practices for the retention of learners with special needs in regular primary schools in Dadaab sub-county. The specific objective of the study was to establish the extent to which the availability and use of teaching and learning resources affect the retention of learners with special needs in regular primary schools in Dadaab sub-county. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised 26 head-teachers, 78 teachers, 300 learners with special needs, and 4 education officers. Saturated sampling technique was used to select 23 head-teachers, 70 teachers, 100 learners with special needs, and 4 education officers. Instruments for data collection were questionnaires, interview schedules and observation schedules. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and mean. The findings of the study indicated that the availability and use of teaching and learning materials were inadequate (mean= 2.18). The study concluded that the low retention of learners with special needs as a result of the availability and use of teaching and learning materials to a small extent.  The study recommended that the country and national government should ensure that there is adequate provision of teaching and learning resources to enhance learning for learners with special needs. The budget for materials should be enhanced. The study also recommends to non-governmental organizations to assist regular primary schools to access teaching and learning materials that can be used by learners with special needs.