Punjab University Institute of Education and Research (IER) lecturer has conducted a study on the root causes of dropout rate at primary level schools and proposed an Inclusive Schooling Model for Pakistani Schools and further gave a plan of its implementation from macro to micro level in the field. This study can form a basis for achieving the targets of 'zero dropout' and 'Education for All' which will lead our society towards social inclusion in future.
For this study, Punjab University has awarded PhD degree to Muhammad Shahid Farooq in the subject of Special Education. His thesis was entitled "Development of An Inclusive Schooling Plan for Prevention of Dropout". He completed his research thesis under the supervision of PU Department of Special Education Ex-Chairman Professor Dr Abdul Hameed. The researcher applying quantitative and qualitative approach conducted intensive interviews of dropout students of primary schools.
He also interviewed these students' teachers and parents to know the cause of their dropout. The study was conducted in eight districts of Punjab province including Okara, Hafizabad, Sheikhpura, Gujrat, Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Chakwal and Multan. The major causes identified through study are students' difficulty in learning, lack of interest in school, lack of interest in studies, class repetition and low socio-economic status of parents of dropout.
The present primary school seems unhealthy, unfriendly and not open for all the students belonging to different shades of society. Based on identified causes of dropout, this proposed plan has salient features like professional, social and school transformations.
These transformations can be made through initiatives such as inclusive education policy, community involvement, parental participation, research assistance for quality initiatives, teachers' professional development for inclusive schooling, curriculum development for inclusive classroom, developing child responsive school, instructional adaptation and flexible evaluation system, school open for all and early identification and intervention for children with special needs.