Causes of Dropout among Students with Disabilities at Primary Level in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This research aimed to identify the actual causes which hinder the access of children with special needs and cause dropout of children at the primary level in schools.

Methodology: This study followed a survey research design and two questionnaires were developed; one for parents and one for dropout students. For the purpose of validation of the instruments, expert opinions were sought from the field and pilot tested and their reliabilities were found as 0.80 and 0.81 respectively. Further, these questionnaires were field tested on 169 students and their parents. These students were selected through purposive sampling, 100 hearing-impaired students and 69 visually-impaired students, a total number of 169 (N=169) who had dropped out from school, and their respective parents were approached to collect data.

Findings: The study reported that the distance of the school from home, lack of accessibilities, school distance, poor pick and drop service, poor infrastructure of the school, no extracurricular activities, and less understanding of content are the major causes of dropout according to the dropout respondents. On the other hand, poor learning abilities, lack of interest in their child, poor understanding of curriculum/content, poor infrastructure, inappropriate sitting arrangements, and lack of resources/ affordability issues are the major causes according to the parents of dropout respondents.

Conclusion: On the basis of the finding it can be concluded that Accessibility is a major hindrance in the achievement of quality education.