Views of stakeholders. (c2011)

Abstract

School rules and policies are a major concern for educators, administrative personnel, teachers, and even students. Rules contribute to improve school effectiveness. This study elicited the views of stakeholders about the effects of rules on students' behavior and academic performance. The study was conducted in a private religious Lebanese school. The participants were 103 elementary students from grades 4, 5, and 6, 12 teachers, the school principal, counselor, and the Head of cycle. The instruments used included focus group interviews with students, semi-structured interviews with teachers, and observations using tally sheets, descriptive anecdotal table records, and journal entry records. The students' discipline records, report cards, and the school handbook were reviewed. The findings revealed that rules and policies are not only constructed to control students; but are perceived as important factors for improving students' academic achievement and alter students' inappropriate behavior. Recommendations for future research are included.