An Investigation into the Robustness of the Assessment of Learners with Special Needs Case of Leseli Community School

Education for learners with special needs remains a challenge for developing countries like Lesotho where development of infrastructure and appropriate training for personnel is still at its infancy. With the number of learners with special needs on the rise, lack of basic necessities has compelled such learners to be absorbed in the main stream education system, leaving educators frustrated. Although having all inclusive education as professed by the government may be an ideal situation for learners with special needs, what remains a barrier is the mode of assessment for such learners. The study sought to establish the depth and breadth of the assessment of learners with special needs in Lesotho. The study was conducted using the qualitative methodology. The in depth interviews were conducted in order to get a thorough and informed insight that reveals how learners with special needs are evaluated. Documents such as Education Act 2010, The National Constitution and Children's Protection and Welfare Act 2011 were analysed to assess whether they respond to the needs of such learners. The informant selection techniques employed were convenience and purposive sampling. respondents were selected based on their availability and willingness to respond. The findings were analysed using thematic method of analysis. The study revealed that the government has not done enough to ensure inclusive education. This is evidenced by lack of clear policies for learners with special needs, as well as facilities and trained personnel for such learners. Tsepiso Mncina | Tawanda Mukurunge, | Takura Bhila "An Investigation into the Robustness of the Assessment of Learners with Special Needs: Case of Leseli Community School" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-3 | Issue-6 , October 2019, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd29183.pd