An assessment of the implementation of learner discipline policies in four high density secondary schools in the Graff Reinet district, Eastern Cape
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Date
2012
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University of Fort Hare
Abstract
This study assessed the implementation of learner discipline policies in the Graaff Reinet District in four township Secondary schools. The study arose as a result of the decline of learner discipline in secondary schools.
This study is located in the interpretive paradigm and adopted a qualitative research approach in the collection of data. It employed triangulation to collect data and obtained valuable information on the implementation of learner discipline policies.
Four township secondary schools in the Graaff Reinet District were purposively selected for the sample in this study. Semi-structured interviews, focus groups of learners and parents
Data has revealed that schools were using different strategies to implement learner discipline such as Code of Conduct, Disciplinary hearing, Safety and Security
Committee, Educators, Corporal Punishment, Alternative methods to Corporal Punishment and the role parents. Data revealed that there has been no success in implementing learner discipline strategies. There were a number of limitations in
implementing policies to maintain learner disciplines which were identified in the
study. There were inconsistencies like educators not supervising learners in
detention classes, some of the educators were sabotaging the system by not putting
into practice the measures and strategies which were put in place to maintain
discipline and so forth. The School Management Teams did not capacitate the
Representative Council of Learners so as to assist in the monitoring of discipline.
The Department of Education is not supportive in the maintenance of discipline in the schools under study in Graaff Reinet District.
To address disciplinary problems, the study has the following key recommendations
Policies should be crafted by all stakeholders for ownership and there should be collaboration in implementation of those policies. The Code of Conduct should be issued to all learners at the school at the beginning of the year in the language of preference, with school rules. Learners should know the consequences of transgressing the Code of Conduct. SMTs should adopt different management styles so as to take action against educators who are failing the system of maintaining discipline. Educators should realise that it is their duty to maintain discipline in schools; therefore they should stop complaining about disciplinary problems.
Educators should engage the Department of Education to conduct workshops in building capacity of educators to maintain learner discipline. Schools should establish partnerships with other sister Departments such as SAPS, Social
Development, Correctional Services, Health to, maintain learner discipline.
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Keywords
School discipline -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape, School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape, Corporal punishment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape, School violence -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape, School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape, School environment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape, Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape