| dc.description.abstract | Globally, special schools are set up to address the special needs of children; in other words special schools are set up for special education. In Kenya like the rest of the world, some of the special needs include needs for mentally challenged children which are covered or addressed through p.rograms implemented in special schools. The purpose of this study was to assess factors influencing implementation of special programs for mentally challenged children in special public schools in Nakuru municipality. The study was carried out in Nakuru Municipality amongst Head teachers, teachers and parents.
The specific objectives guiding the study were: finding out the extent to which adequacy of technical equipment influences implementation of special programs in schools for the mentally challenged children; determining the extent to which teacher characteristics influence implementation of special programs in schools for the mentally challenged children; and finding out the extent to which family attitude influences the implementation of special programs in schools for the mentally challenged children in Nakuru municipality. The study adopted descriptive survey design and purposive sampling technique was used in the selection of the sample for the study. A study sample of 68 respondents was used for the study.
The sample size was computed using a Krejele and Morgan sample size determination table provided. Data was collected by use of both structured and unstructured questionnaires. Data collected was then analyzed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Microsoft excel for computation of descriptive statistics (means, frequencies and percentages) and non-parametric tests (chi-square tests). After data analysis, the results were presented in the form of tables for interpretation.
The findings revealed that inadequacy of technical equipment negatively influenced implementation of special programs in schools for the mentally challenged children; that teacher characteristics had an influence on implementation of special programs in schools for the mentally challenged children; Family attitude had an influence on the implementation of special programs in schools for the mentally challenged children in Nakuru municipality. Following this the study recommended that the Government of Kenya through the .
Ministry of education should: consider mobilizing and allocating more resources to special schools and inclusive schools to enhance the adequacy of technical equipment; consider promoting training programmes aimed at increasing the number of teachers; and consider organizing regular stakeholders workshops geared towards promoting parental and guardian involvement in the implementation of special programs in schools for the mentally challenged children in Nakuru municipality. This study is significant to the school managers, Municipal education authority, Ministry of Education, Nongovernmental organizations and all interested stakeholders (individuals - families), who may use information obtained for the development of comprehensive strategies geared at ensuring quality education to all children with mental disability. | en_US |
