Career guidance for high school students with specific learning difficulties: Hong Kong perspective

Abstract

Career guidance has long been regarded as an integral part of secondary education. This form of guidance is particularly important for students with specific learning difficulties because they face many unique challenges in their career development. For these students, career guidance programs need to be carefully planned to address their special needs and to smooth their transition from school to post-secondary education or employment. It is surprising to find that relatively few research studies, especially in Asian societies, have investigated the career preparation needs of high school students with specific learning difficulties. This chapter first draws on pertinent literature to review the situation faced by these students and to highlight their priority needs. Consideration is then given to existing government policies and school programs in Hong Kong, and suggestions are made for how current provisions can be strengthened.