Title: Academic Status, Challenges, and Prospects of SWDs in Karat Town of Konso Zone Integrated Schools.
Authors: Bezawit Eshetu Alemu, Muluken Tesfaye Kabtyimer, Habatmu Debasu Belay
Volume: 9
Issue: 1
Pages: 115-125
Publication Date: 2025/01/28
Abstract:
This study examines the academic status, challenges, and prospects of SWDs in integrated school settings in karat town of Konso Zone. The study utilized a convergent mixed research design. The research employed random number table and purposive sampling techniques to select a total of 136 participants, consisting of 6 principals and vice-principals, 80 teachers, and 50 SWDs students. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. The findings revealed low academic status. Key challenges include a rigid curriculum, shortage of special needs education teachers, inaccessible physical environments, negative attitudes, communication barriers, lack of assistive learning materials, parental overload and limited participation in extracurricular activities. Academic prospects of SWDs in integrated school environments has when schools provide accessible environments and sufficient assistive learning materials, SWDs are able to meet academic standards and pursue their education successfully. Moreover, the result of multiple regression (p=.00) proved that the predictor and residence variable had strong relationship and there is no multi-collinearity problem and they are auto-correlated. The result of two-way ANOVA indicated that the variables are statistically significant (P<0.05), we will reject the null hypothesis. Finally, the recommendations emphasize the school should make accessible and become active inclusion of SWDs.