COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEMS FACED BY SPECIAL STUDENTS AND REMEDIAL MEASURES AT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN DERA ISMAIL KHAN

Abstract

This study examined the challenges of special students and the remedial measures identified in District Dera Ismail Khan’s public and private secondary schools. Barriers in social and educational domains, and problems in the infrastructure and resources of contemporary educational systems, limit the educational participation of students with disabilities, and consequently the achievement of students with disabilities. A quantitative descriptive survey was employed in this study. The target population of this study comprised public and private secondary school teachers in the District of Dera Ismail Khan. The sample consisted of a total of 422, 222 public secondary school teachers, and 200 private secondary school teachers. For data collection, a structured questionnaire containing 24 items was developed and was measured using a five-point Likert scale. For data analysis, SPSS was used to compute the percentages, means, standard deviations, and t-tests. The study found that special students experience challenges from peers and teachers’ negative attitudes, communication challenges, feelings of inadequacy, physical and structural barriers, difficulties in note taking, and inadequate support services. The study observed that teachers from public and private secondary schools differed in their perceptions of barriers and challenges of special students, supportive services and facilities for special students. Despite the recognition of educational rights of special students, both public and private secondary schools have inadequate supportive services and facilities for special students. The study suggests the improvement of school infrastructure, inclusion of special education services, and positive changes in the community.