Inclusive Education in Gombe State Public Primary and Secondary Schools

Parameters for Learners with Special Needs

Abstract

This study examined the children with special needs in basic and senior secondary schools as well as the pattern and parameter for learners with special needs in Gombe State public schools. Two research questions were raised and answered in this study. Descriptive survey research was used.  The target population consisted of headteachers, principals of public schools and EMIS Staff in Gombe State. Multistage and simple random sampling techniques were used in selecting headteachers and principals across all the local governments in each of the schools sampled. A Checklist was designed and used to collect data. The instrument has a sound psychometric property of 0.82 respectively and reliability coefficient of 0.80. Descriptive statistics of frequency count and percentages was used to analyze the data collected. The study found that the enrolment for primary school pupils was 1,429 (818 males and 666 females); the enrolment for JSS was 183 (98 males and 84 females); the enrolment for SSS was 192 (30 males and 25 females); and the enrolment of special needs children was 1,804 (946 male and 775 females). Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made that the enrolment of special needs children at both basic and secondary schools should be increased, that is, more children with special needs, especially females should be enrolled and accommodated into public schools and specialized teachers employed for them.