The main aim of this study was to explore and describe the development and cognitive ability of a sample of children aged six to eight enrolled in specialised education, in the category of specific learning disability (SLD). This was achieved through the utilization of the Griffiths-Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised, the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fourth Edition and input from the trans-disciplinary team. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was employed and the sample consisted of eight participants. The multiple case study method was used in order to achieve the aim of the study. Both qualitative and quantitative data were incorporated to provide a holistic description of the participants. Quantitative data was obtained from the Griffiths-Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised, the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fourth Edition while qualitative data was obtained from the Biographical Questionnaire, input from members of the trans-disciplinary team, data from the participants‟ archives as well as clinical observations made during the assessment process. The data was analysed according to the domains of childhood development.The results obtained revealed that the general development of the sample as measured by the Griffiths-Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised was average. The Eye and Hand Co-ordination Subscale was the most problematic for the participants. The majority of the sample obtained below average scores on the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fourth Edition‟s full scale IQ (FSIQ). The Verbal Reasoning Index and the Working Memory Index yielded the lowest scores amongst the sample. The results indicated that the majority of the participants are stronger with non-verbal as opposed to verbal reasoning. The study revealed that the two measures, the Griffiths-Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised, the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fourth Edition complement one another. The developmental and intellectual nature of the measures allow for gaps left by the one measure to be filled by the other. The study highlighted the importance of gaining information from the trans-disciplinary team and not relying purely on psychometric measures. It was made clear through the study that deficits often exist that are not picked up by assessment measures alone. In order to gain a comprehensive, holistic picture of a child, one needs to consult a variety of sources. Questions regarding the classification system of high needs learners as well as the current system of specialised education were raised.

This research focuses on the perceptions of future fulfilment of visually impaired adolescent learners at the Khanyisa Special School. The qualitative research was undertaken at the selected special school, which is situated in Nelson Mandela Bay in the western region of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, with ten learners, ten parents and five teachers as participants. The concluding chapter suggests ways and recommendations to assist the visually impaired adolescent learners at the Khanyisa Special School financially and academically.

Bibliography: pages 71-78. / Educational Psychology has been defined in the past as an interventionist profession, mainly focused on the alleviation of educational problems that interfere with the educational process. Currently a paradigm shift seems to herald new opportunities for the profession to develop whole school approaches and devote less of its time to individual case work. Educational psychologists world-wide foresee a broadening in the focus of their work to include a larger commitment to consultancy and school systems development. The benefits are seen in terms of the more efficient use of time, eliciting wider ranging change and the opportunity for offering a preventative approach to service delivery. School systems consultation represents such an approach. This study explores the practice of school systems consultation using an action research approach. It is argued that action research methodology provides a framework to contain and guide the complex developments which emerge once the consultation gets under way. Central concepts in an action research approach such as collaboration, participation and reflection are analysed and reflected upon in terms of the opportunities and constraints they presented to school systems consultation as a service delivery option for the educational psychologist. The role of the educational psychologist in South Africa has been conservative and the shift towards a more socially accountable one seems inevitable if such services are to be regarded as appropriate. The role of the educational psychologist as change agent in the transformation process in the South African education system is explored in this study.

Summary in English. / Bibliography: leaves 92-99. / This study aims to illustrate, explore and argue for school systems consultation as a dimension of educational psychology service deli very which is appropriate in the South African context. It connects with the principles which guide policy development in education, and particularly, education support services in the country. A qualitative inquiry approach was adopted, in which case study methodology was employed to illuminate systems analysis and intervention at a special school in Cape Town. The participants included all adults who were employed in the school, with focus on the management, teachers and teacher-assistants. A variety of methods were used including interviews, observation, role-play and facilitation of group process. A qualitative, thematic approach was employed in the analysis and interpretation of data, extrapolating patterns, themes and relations around communication, beliefs, change and power.

Inclusion has been adopted by the South African Department of Education as the policy for special needs· learners. This study explores the role of education managers in independent Christian schools in implementing this policy. A literature review and data gathered from interviews with principals of Christian schools which practise inclusion reveal that education managers have a vital role to play by offering leadership and vision to the inclusive school. They control the human and material resources required to bring about change towards greater inclusivity. Their accepting attitudes communicate to the community that all learners can belong in a school willing to accommodate them. The Biblical values that give the Christian school its reason for existence makes reaching out to those with special needs an imperative. Practical strategies for implementing inclusion are discussed in the context of organisational development and the management of change. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

Educational Studies / (M.Tech. (Inclusive Education))

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities and learners affected by it are found in both mainstream and specialist schools. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the school experiences of learners who had been diagnosed with dyslexia and attended a long-term remedial school. A phenomenological research design was followed. Six learners in grades 6 to 9, who were attending a long term remedial school, were the participants. Semi-structured individual face-to-face interviews were held to collect data, posing questions that focused on the learners’ experiences with their educators, peers, written and verbal school work, as well as homework. From the data collected themes were formed. The findings showed that participants believed most of their teachers were aware of and knowledgeable about suitable methods to use when teaching dyslexic learners. The results also indicated that the school understood the challenges faced by the dyslexic learners and it was doing well in attempting to provide them with an educational environment suitable for their academic and personal needs. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

Thesis (PhD (Educational Psychology))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / Research indicates that the success of inclusive education lies within the provision of adequate support for learners who experience barriers to learning in mainstream schools as well as in the changing roles of teachers and support services staff. In South Africa, the provincial Western Cape Education Department (WCED) responded to the implementation of inclusive education by introducing a learning support model that was designed to systemically deal with barriers to learning in some primary schools in the province. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the learning support model that was introduced in some primary schools in the Western Cape with specific reference to schools within the West Coast/Winelands district. The evaluation was located in a comprehensive mixed methods research design, which focused on the evaluation of both process and outcomes of the learning support model. The evaluation was done sequentially in three phases: Phase one consisted of a comprehensive literature review. Phase two focused on both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis (through questionnaires containing both closed- and open-ended questions). The focus in Phase three was on follow up semi-structured focus group interviews. The participants were drawn from all primary schools situated within the boundaries of the West Coast/Winelands district and where the services of a learning support teacher (full-time or itinerant) were available. While learning support teachers were selected through purposive sampling, mainstream teachers were systematically selected. The four primary schools and learning support teachers that participated in the focus group interviews were systematically selected. Findings indicate that the current learning support model used in the West Coast/Winelands area does not provide effective learning support to all learners experiencing barriers to learning in mainstream primary schools. Constraints that contribute to this situation can be identified on all levels of the education system including the macro and micro systems. By mapping the findings from the data against the literature review, the researcher recommends that the provision of learning support should be addressed systemically from within a whole-school approach, taking into account local contextual factors impacting on the school. In conclusion a model for the improvement of learning support service delivery within a wholeschool approach is provided.

Inclusion has been adopted by the South African Department of Education as the policy for special needs· learners. This study explores the role of education managers in independent Christian schools in implementing this policy. A literature review and data gathered from interviews with principals of Christian schools which practise inclusion reveal that education managers have a vital role to play by offering leadership and vision to the inclusive school. They control the human and material resources required to bring about change towards greater inclusivity. Their accepting attitudes communicate to the community that all learners can belong in a school willing to accommodate them. The Biblical values that give the Christian school its reason for existence makes reaching out to those with special needs an imperative. Practical strategies for implementing inclusion are discussed in the context of organisational development and the management of change. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

Educational Studies / (M.Tech. (Inclusive Education))