Publications

This cross-sectional survey investigates the attitudes, opinions, and experiences of teachers,students, and head teachers regarding school policies' influence on student discipline in FortPortal Municipality's secondary schools, Kabalore District. The study's objective is to identifythe effects of school policies, causes of student indiscipline, and the role of schooladministration in shaping discipline. A sample size of 210 respondents was selected usingpurposive and random sampling techniques. Data collection involved structuredquestionnaires and face-to-face interviews, employing both primary and secondary datasources. Statistical analysis using SPSS and qualitative descriptive analysis revealedintriguing insights. A comprehensive survey encompassing the distribution of respondentsby sex, marital status, and age bracket was conducted, revealing intriguing demographictrends. A robust exploration was undertaken to discern the influence of school policies onstudent discipline, eliciting responses from diverse stakeholders including teachers, headteachers, students, PTA members, and Board of Governors. The findings underscore thesignificant influence of school policies, with identified factors including Universal secondaryeducation, Compulsory Science subjects, trained teachers, games and sports, vocationalsubjects, and specific registration criteria for academic progression. Moreover, the researchdelved into the underlying causes of student indiscipline, highlighting pivotal issues such asdomestic violence, heredity, peer influence, lenient disciplinary measures, dearth of positiverole models, and cultural influences. These insights underline the complex interplay ofsocietal factors impacting student conduct. Additionally, the study expounded on the effectsof school administration strategies on student discipline, emphasizing the critical roleplayed by rule-setting, guidance and counseling, supervision, parental involvement,sensitization programs, and robust administrative structures in fostering a disciplinedacademic environment. The comprehensive analysis of these diverse dimensions unveils theintricate landscape influencing student behavior in secondary schools, suggesting the needfor nuanced policy interventions and administrative strategies to cultivate a conduciveenvironment for positive student conduct and academic excellence.Keywords: School policies, student discipline, secondary schools, cross-sectional survey,attitudes, causes of indiscipline, school administration