Follow‐up study of ex‐students of a residential school for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties in New Zealand |
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| Authors: | Garry Hornby Chrystal Witte |
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| Institution: | 1. College of Education , University of Canterbury , Christchurch, New Zealand garry.hornby@canterbury.ac.nz;3. College of Education , University of Canterbury , Christchurch, New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | A follow‐up study was conducted on ex‐students of a residential special school for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties in New Zealand. Previous research on post‐school outcomes for students with emotional and behavioural difficulties has found low levels on quality of life indicators such as education, employment and community adjustment. Twenty‐nine ex‐students and/or their parents or caregivers were located and interviewed 10–14 years after they had left residential school. Interviews focused on their educational achievement, employment record and community adjustment. Findings indicated low levels of achievement in terms of educational qualifications and employment records, high rates of involvement with the criminal justice system and low levels of community adjustment. Implications of the study findings suggest that key factors in improving student outcomes are establishing effective procedures for transition, providing ongoing support for ex‐students, and better special needs training for teachers in mainstream schools. |
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| Keywords: | emotional and behavioural activities residential school follow‐up |
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