School-related problems through the eyes of different actors: An analysis of professionals' perceptions

This study aimed to closely investigate the perceptions of school-related problems among teachers and/or pedagogical coordinators and health professionals working in public and private health care services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants, five education professionals who work in a municipal public school and four health professionals experienced in working with children with school-related problems. The educators' responses confirmed the traditional tendency to pathologize school-related problems and to "outsource" these issues. The health professionals showed critical and broad understanding of the educational problems and indicated intention to a partnership with the school seeking to address and overcome these issues. The results confirmed the need to instrumentalize educators to ensure an effective and adequate pedagogical approach to dealing with differences in school.

Underachievement; Mainstreaming (education); Psychology, educational; Learning disorders