RESOURCES USED IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES TO ADOLESCENTS WITH EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS AT KAKAMEGA REHABILITATION CENTRE, KAKAMEGA COUNTY, KENYA

This study purposely sought to investigate resources used in the provision of services to adolescents with emotional and behavioural disorders.  The study adopted a case study design targeting 250 rehabilitees, 30 rehabilitators, and 1 manager. The study used a lottery method to select a sample size of 50% of the target population. The study sample comprised 125 rehabilitees, 15 rehabilitators, and 1 manager making a total of 141 respondents. The semi-structured interview guide for the manager, questionnaires for both rehabilitators and rehabilitees, and observation checklist for resources were used as research instruments. Piloting of the instruments was done at the Shikusa rehabilitation centre. A case study research methodology was used in the study. Data from objectives were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Descriptive statistics for example frequency tables and percentages sum up information measurably from the closed-ended items. The analysed information was introduced utilizing frequency tables, structured presentations, pie charts, and graphs while qualitative data from the manager's semi-structured interview schedule was summarized thematically and narrated in words. The findings indicated that the main material resources available were playing fields, workshops, dormitories, building and construction tools, carpentry tools, classrooms, poultry apparatus, and teaching and learning materials. The study recommends that service providers at the centre need to help the adolescents to achieve a greater sense of independence, and personal responsibility, setting goals, making choices, and understanding their responsibilities which would enhance their self-determination. There is a need for the government to implement strict measures that would ensure that juvenile acts are monitored and youths are protected from any harm. Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development should come up with guidelines on effective ways of managing learners with behaviour disorders while they are still in the childhood stage.  Article visualizations

TEACHERS’ PERCEPTION ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HEAD TEACHERS’ SUPERVISORY ROLE ON TEACHING AND LEARNING OF ADAPTIVE SKILLS BY LEARNERS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore teachers’ perception on the effectiveness of head teachers’ supervisory role on teaching and learning of adaptive skills by learners with Intellectual Disabilities (ID), Kenya. The study used Effective School Theory advanced by Lezotte. A descriptive survey design involving both qualitative and quantitative approaches was used. The target population was 227 respondents (207 learners, 5 head teachers and 15 teachers). The sample size was 124 respondents (104 learners, 15 teachers and 5 Head teachers). Purposive sampling was used to select special schools and units. Stratified sampling technique was used to divide population into strata and then through simple random sampling, the exact respondents were identified, i.e., head teachers, teachers and learners in special programmes. Data was collected by use of interview guide for head teachers, observational check list for learners and questionnaire for teachers. Piloting was conducted in Kathelwa Special Unit in Igembe Central Sub-county. Test-retest method was done and a coefficient level of 0.7 was obtained. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS Version 23.0 while qualitative data was analysed thematically. Data was presented using tables and figures for quantitative data while qualitative data was presented using reported verbatims and narratives. The key finding of this study was that majority of head teachers did not use appropriate instructional supervision skills due to lack of essential professional qualifications and knowledge of adaptive skills for learners with intellectual disabilities. The finding also established that teachers perceived majority of head teachers as ineffective in instructional supervision as they did not orientate or guide them in teaching strategies or even skills to teach their learners. The study also found that lack of adequate training and knowledge in adaptive skills, limited provision of teaching and learning resources hindered effective instructional supervision. The study recommended that there should be a policy that head teachers for special institutions be trained in the area of that disability so as to benefit both teachers and learners. The study also recommended that the government, through the ministry of education to provide and allocate adequate funds for both refresher courses and seminars for teachers and also for acquiring teaching and learning resources. Article visualizations

IMPLEMENTATION OF INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATIONAL PLAN AND ITS CHALLENGES IN NGALA SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF, NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA

The study aimed to establish the challenges in the implementation of the individualized educational plan in schools for students with hearing impairment at Ngala Secondary School for the Deaf in Nakuru County, Kenya. Data was collected from a target population of ninety-eight students, thirteen teachers and one administrator through purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. Purposive sampling was used on school administrators and teachers to select all 13 teachers and 1 school administrator. On the other hand, stratified random sampling was used to select a total of 24 students. The study sample comprised 24 students, 13 teachers and 1 administrator leading to a total of 38 respondents. The research instrument included the use of questionnaires, interview schedules and document analysis. A pilot study was conducted at Kedowa Secondary School for the Deaf to enhance the reliability and validity of the research instruments. Quantitative data were cleaned, labelled, coded, entered into a computer and organized using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 30. Quantitative data were analyzed statistically using descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies. The analyzed data were presented using tables, bar-graphs and pie-charts. Qualitative data collected were grouped into different themes, presented as a narrative and discussed based on the objectives of the study. Findings revealed that the major challenge towards implementation IEP was the lack of adequate teaching and learning resources. The study concluded that the major solutions to the challenges facing teachers in developing and implementing IEP suggest that the provision of adequate resources for IEP were anticipated to enhance the academic achievement of students with hearing impairment. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders should help acquire adequate resources for students with hearing impairment.  Article visualizations

The Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Academic Achievement of Girls with Hearing Impairments in Secondary Schools for the Deaf in Kenya The Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Academic Achievement of Girls with Hearing Impairments in Secondary Schools

Abstract Several factors had been cited as contributing to the perpetually dismal academic achievement of girls with hearing impairment in Kenya. Personal esteem factors had not been adequately explored. The study used Carl Roger's client-centered theory and an Expost facto design. Rosenberg self-esteem scale was used to measure self-esteem dimensions. School academic scores were used to measure academic achievement. A sample of fifty-three girls was drawn. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. The results: girls with hearing impairment possessed positive/high self-esteem but academic achievement was low. It was concluded that girls with hearing impairment placed more value on relational aspects (grooming), music and dance. They lagged behind due to lack of specialized technological devices. The study recommended: teachers to make deliberate use of positive reinforcement; principals to initiate active collaborations with interested partners; the government to make the curriculum more flexible and curriculum developers to reconsider curricula adaptation. Kenya National Examination Council to focus on practical assessment and/or use of sign language interpreters. The government to increase disability fund and provide opportunities for capacity building for assistive-devices-technicians. Further research in the area of teachers' proficiency in Kenya Sign Language to be conducted