ABSTRACT

This chapter looks at the cultural beliefs held about the problems that the children of immigrant parents might present in schools, so as to be able to consider any links between these problems and possible referral into special education. The most crucial element in the assessment process is the referring school. The schools with a high proportion of children of immigrant parentage appear to have quite a good staff-pupil ratio. It is the outer suburban schools which have a higher ratio. It is the school's judgment that a child is potentially mild educational subnormality, and the formal referral by the head, that sets in motion the whole lengthy process of ascertainment. The heads overwhelmingly used behavioural and functional criteria in deciding to initiate the referral process. In some cases the head may decide to consult other professional personnel before he makes the referral. The head should also consult the parents before the referral is made.