INFLUENCE OF STUDENT COUNCILS’ INVOLVEMENT IN POLICY FORMULATION ON MANAGEMENT OF DISCIPLINE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MANDERA SOUTH SUB-COUNTY, MANDERA COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Cases of student indiscipline have been on the rise in most secondary schools in Mandera South Sub-County. This surge in indiscipline is manifesting through notable strikes, bullying, arson, vandalism of school property, general refusal to follow school rules and regulations, and an increase in alcoholism among students.
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of student councils’ involvement in policy formulation on management of discipline in public secondary schools in Mandera South Sub- County, Kenya
Methodology: Mixed methodology was applied and concurrent triangulation design. Target population was 245 respondents comprising of 35 principals, 175 Heads of Departments and 35 presidents of student councils. The researcher sampled 10 public secondary schools. Stratified sampling was used. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically along the objectives and presented in narrative forms. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages and inferentially using linear regression analysis with the help of Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS Version 23) and presented using tables.
Findings: The study established that cases of students’ indiscipline are high. This is attributed to ineffective involvement of student council in key aspects of school management such as policy formulation.
Conclusion: The study concludes that increased involvement of student councils in school policy areas is significantly related to a decrease in the number of reported cases of student indiscipline. Specifically, for every additional policy area where student councils are involved, cases of indiscipline are expected to decrease by a factor of 1.900. This suggests that student participation in policy-making has a positive impact on student behavior. However, the study also acknowledges that student indiscipline is influenced by a variety of factors, not just policy involvement. Interviews with deputy principals indicate that student councils are often involved in certain areas like school uniforms and meal planning, but less so in the formulation of school rules and regulations.
Recommendations: The study recommends that school management should enhance involvement of student councils in school policy formulation. They should also design training programmes meant to equip the student council leaders with appropriate leadership skills on ways of addressing student discipline. Equip student councils with the skills needed to effectively participate in policy-making through leadership training programs. It is important to involve other stakeholders like parents, teachers, and administrators in discussions about school policies. Schools to implement a feedback system where students can anonymously report how they feel about school policies.
Keywords: Student council involvement, students’ discipline, policy formulation, public secondary schools.
References
Ali, A., Dada, I., Isiaka, G., & Salmon, S. (2014). Types, causes and management of indiscipline acts among primary school students in Shomolu Local Government Area of Lagos State. Journal of Education and Practice, 8 (2), 254-287.
Bush, T. (2014). Educational Leadership and Management: Theory, Policy, and Practice. South African Journal of Education, 27 (3) 391-406.
CDC (2018). School Violence: Prevention Tools and Resources. Retrieved on 2019
Creswell, J. (2014). Research design: qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodology. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications.
Harper, D. (2013). Democratic Management and Effectiveness in Africa: Learning from Tanzania, 7:13.
Huddleston, T. (2014) From Student Voice to Shared Responsibility: Effective Practice in Democratic School management in European Schools: London. Citizenship Foundation
Kuo, L. (2009). Principles of School Management Theories and Practices. International Journal of Management Theory & Practices. Vol. (3), 234-255
Maitles, H. & Deuchar, R. (2012). We don’t Learn Democracy, we live it: consulting the pupil voice in Scottish schools, Education, Citizenship and Social Justice, 1 (3): 249. https://doi.org/10.1177/1746197906068123
Masitsa, G. (2011). Discipline and disciplinary measures in the Free State township schools: Unresolved problems. Acta Academica, 40(3), 234 - 270.
McKenna, M. (2016). Building Tomorrow’s Citizens in Today’s Classroom. Ann Arbor: Bell & Howell Information and Learning Company.
Pont, B., Nusche, D. & Moorman, H. (2014). Improving School Leadership. New York, USA: OECD. Retrieved on 2019.
Republic of Kenya (2012). Ministry of Education Task force on the realignment of the education sector; towards a globally competitive quality education for sustainable development. Nairobi; Government Printer.
Wanjiru, J. (2011). Students’ involvement for Democratic participation in Decision Making Processes. Secondary school of Nairobi: Unpublished Thesis.
