An investigation of parents' decision to transfer their children from regular to special schools

Aim: This goal of this study was to understand the decision-making process of parents who chose to transfer their children from regular to special schools.Method: 80 parents living in Queensland, Australia completed a survey which collected information about the decision to transfer their children from regular to special schools. A factor analysis was undertaken with the survey items relating to: reasons for leaving the regular school; hopes for the special school; the decision-making process; and beliefs about inclusion.Results: Clear factors emerged as underlying dimensions in the decision-making process of parents. These included components relating to: school work, including support and resourcing; socio-emotional issues, including parental and children's stress; school culture; the difficulties associated with the decision-making; and beliefs about regular and special schooling.Conclusions: A number of complex factors were involved in parents’ decision-making including a strong link between the emotional impact of regular schools and parental hopes for learning and belonging in the special school