Evaluating the performance of Ukrainian boarding schools: results of sociological surveys

Abstract

The article analyzes the results of a number of sociological surveys on the problems of boarding schools. The surveys showed that the opinion about the negative influence of boarding schools on a child is stereotyped, reprehensible and biassed because, in most cases, the given type of schools follows the educational functions and prepares a child for the adult life. Social adaptation and intergenerational mobility of the boarding school graduates are successful but slow, pupils have no inclination for further marginalization. The results of the survey demonstrate a balance between positive and negative judgements about boarding schools. But the reputation of boarding schools is lower in comparison with the reputation of general education schools. The idea of elimination of boarding schools as educational institutions is not accepted in the society. But, at the same time, the society allows the possibility of placement of orphan children to different types of families and their further education at the inclusive schools on condition of sufficient financing. The study presents general information about boarding schools teachers’ opinion on the problem. The majority of teachers consider that school reform is insufficiently prepared and ignores the needs of vulnerable children and can cause the drastic reduction in the number of boarding schools.