Perception of Students on School Policies and its Effect on Student's Discipline

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

A school policy promotes a safe and supportive school community through student self-discipline. Each school is a unique, diverse and dynamic social community, with particular characteristics that need to be reflected in local school policy. This fact is true to the research locale where the study was conducted. This study is an exploration of students' perception of a very recently designed and implemented school policy locally known as Balete Integrated School Student Handbook. The purpose of this study is to explore students' experiences on the implementation of the handbook and their perceptions on the school policies as reflected in the handbook.

METHODS

The researcher utilized a qualitative-phenomenological method which aimed to describe the participants' perception and experiences in the implementation of the new school policy and its implication of those experiences to their lives as students, particularly to their discipline. Participants were Grade-11 students belonging to STEM class who experienced being a leader that promote and follow school policies. Gathering of data was done through a semi-structured, face-to-face interview.

RESULTS

Based on the responses given by the participants, students recognize only a few areas from the number of rules and regulations. Some of which pertain to policy on school I.D, uniform and proper haircut, bullying, and waste disposal. The result also revealed that although many students follow the school policies, they also experience having hard times following some policies with identified reasons for disobedience with alarming natures such as the absence of respect to school and a having a belief of not being able to express their true identity if they follow those school policies. Nonetheless, students participants said that school policies help them improve their discipline, to be a better person and mold someone to be good enough. Thus, they are all getting advantages in following those school policies implemented in their school.

DISCUSSIONS

Results revealed that students have different perceptions concerning school policies. Through this study, teachers and parents may understand the reasons why students' perception varies and how it affects students' discipline. This exploratory study may serve as a basis for improving the perception of students to existing school policy in the research locale. This study, however, was conducted to a small number of students and thus recommend to include more students for a possible extension of the study.