Session Information
23 SES 07 B, Representing The ‘Evidence’ Of Educational Reform: School Portraits From England, Australia, Italy And Poland (Part 1)
Symposium, to be continued in Session 23 SES 07.5 B
Time:
2009-09-29
15:30-17:00
Room:
HG, HS 7
Chair:
Ken Jones
Contribution
Almost 10 years after integration and non-segregated education was introduced in Polish schools, some separate special schools remain. This portrait represents one such institution, a special vocational school in Gdańsk, which some students ironically and knowingly call ‘the Sorbonne’. The school caters for young people aged from 16-25, most of whom started their education in mainstream schools. Students say that their school is cool and good because there is an emphasis on strong interpersonal relationships and the maintenance of a relaxed and friendly atmosphere/place. The staff know all of the students by name even if they do not teach them. Teachers also showreal understanding of students’ difficult living conditions and the school has a discreetly positioned washing machine as well as making available second hand clothing and occasionally free food. The school psychologist also monitors students regularly and assists them to manage everyday interactions with social welfare institutions. Teachers like working at the school because they do not have to teach the mandated curriculum or ensure that all students pass the state exams. However, the vocational aspirations of the school are rarely realised, and many of the students are further socially/economically marginalised by their experience, thus failing to meet special education policy goals.
Method
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References
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