EFFECTS OF PARENTS` STATUS ON THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN BAUCHI, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the effects of parents` family status on the education of children with special educational needs in public primary schools in Bauchi, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey design and employed questionnaire to collect data from the respondents. The study targeted all parents of children with disabilities in the study area. Purposive sampling was used to sample 100 parents of children with disability to participate in the study. The validity and reliability of the instruments was ascertained by experts who were privy to the research.  Pearson Product Moment Correlation formula for test-retest was used to compute the correlation coefficient in order to establish whether the content of the questionnaire was consistent in eliciting the same responses every time the instrument is administered. A correlation coefficient of 0.84 was obtained and considered high enough to judge the reliability of the instrument. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to generate frequency tables and Percentages to describe and summarize the data. The findings of the study revealed that, half of the parents that participated in the study have 7-10 children in their house hold, 7 parents have 11 and above children, 13 parents have 4-6 children while 19 parents have 1-3 children in their household. The study recommended that, Special Committee at the community level to be set up in collaboration with organizations of persons with disabilities to ensure the education of children with disabilities in general education schools. Parents of children with disabilities should be involved in all matters related to education of their children in regular schools. Enlightenment campaigns should be carried out by the mass media stressing the importance of education of children with disabilities in general education schools.