Assessing the competency levels of students with intellectual disabilities in the vocational training programmes at Garden City Special School, Kumasi.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the competency levels of students with intellectual disabilities in the vocational training programmes at Garden City Special School, Kumasi. A case study design with a mixed research strategy was adopted for the study. The population was 98 – made up of 82 students and 16 teachers. The sample size consisted of 15 students and 5 teachers. A purposive sampling technique was adopted to select the sample size. The researcher gathered both quantitative and qualitative data to measure the students’ competencies in the processes involved in batik/tie and dye and leather work (sandal making) as well as the other challenges militating against vocational training programme. The findings indicated that comparatively, students’ competency in batik/tie and dye skills were higher than in leather work. Thus, students had reached stages in the conscious competencies matrix in the former than the later. It was generally noted that challenges militating against students’ competencies in the vocational training programmes in the school were inadequate qualified personnel in vocational training, time constraint, problem of fine motor skills; student’s attitude towards the training of the vocational training and students reporting late after re opening. Based on this it was recommended that efforts should be made by the school and management authorities to well to provide the needed materials for the training in order to improve on students’ competencies in vocational skills.