Opvoeding tot beroepsvolwassenheid in die Transvaalse spesiale skole

Abstract

In this study the author reflects on the education which pupils receive at special schools in the Transvaal. The aim of the study has been to determine possible contributory factors to and problem areas in the present field of Special Education which might lead to special school pupils being disadvantaged in their later professional choices as adults. Following the completion of the study a number of recommendations are made which arose out of the study. In order to obtain a proper perspective on Special Education, the following aspects were investigated: education and professional maturity; special schools; the curriculum and professional options for special school pupils; and means of measurement. A questionnaire covering a number of important aspects of Special Education was sent to all the principals of special schools in the Transvaal. Upon receipt of the completed questionnaires they were analysed and interpreted. A Departmental Survey of special school pupils who left school in the course of 1982 was integrated with the results of the questionnaire in order to obtain a more comprehensive synthesis with regard to the education offered and the pupil's ultimate choice of profession and their employment opportunities. From the study it emerged that there are definitely certain weaknesses within the present situation in Special Education which inhibit these pupil's professional maturity and their ultimate employment prospects. Certain conclusions were reached and a number of recommendations were offered in order to make a contribution towards a possibly more favourable education of these pupils.