The Most Influential Determinants of School Dropout: A Case of Special Education Complex at Skardu
Keywords:
School dropouts, Special education, Trained teachers, Facilities in schools, Community role in educationAbstract
The current study aimed to find the most influential determinants behind students' dropouts at Special Education Complex Skardu. The study was a quantitative method, and a survey design was used in this descriptive study. The study's sample included 78 special education students who had been dropped from Special Education Complex Skardu between 2016 and 2022. To collect data regarding determinants of dropout, the researcher developed one research tool. The field expert validated the tool, and the reliability of the questionnaire was calculated using SPSS through the Cronbach Alpha formula and Pearson r (Questionnaires for dropped students, Cronbach Alpha =0.84, Pearson r=0.80). Data were analyzed by using SPSS. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were carried out to find the determinants of dropout of school. The study found that the significant, influential determinants of the dropouts were lack of trained teachers, the attitude of teachers, parents, siblings, and community members who do not love special needs children, non-availability of basic facilities at school, and language difficulties. The findings of the study indicated that there was a dire need for a survey regarding dropouts so that dropout rates may be reduced in the future. Based on the study, it is concluded that there is a need for a policy regarding overcoming the dropout ratio in schools and providing necessary provisions before opening new schools at the tehsil level.
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