Date of Award
7-20-1991
Document Type
Dissertation - NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Center for the Advancement of Education
Advisor
Dr. Kenneth Bush
Abstract
This report describes a strategy for reducing the number of repetitions of misbehavior resulting in suspension and loss of allocated learning time at a 365 student 10th through 12th grade high school in a rural northeastern community of diverse economic characteristics. The non-white population comprises less than five percent of the school enrollment. Problems were noted in the area of suspension when the school disciplinary committee reviewed the in-school suspension program. The data gathered by the principal indicated that there were more students who were repeatedly suspended for infractions of school rules than was acceptable to the administrator. The predominant cause for suspension was truancy, Smoking, insubordination and cutting class were, respectively, the next most frequent reasons for suspension. There were 48 instances of only one suspension. The target group for this practicum were the students who had been suspended. Strategies focused upon identification of at-risk students and team intervention approaches to the situation. In the instance of suspensions for smoking intervention strategies involved using the services of outside agencies to modify behavior through clinics and information dissemination. There was a reduction in the number of repetitions of suspendible offenses by students. No students were suspended for smoking. There was only one repetition for truancy. The student repeated for the infraction before the truancy team had an opportunity to meet with him. Student support teams were developed and implemented at the senior high school. The support team met me during the day as a part of their work schedule. This assignment was in lieu of another duty.