TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION
APPROVAL
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
TERMS iv
DEDICATION
ABSTRACT
LIST OF FIGURES
CHAPTER ONE 1
INTRODUCTION 1
Introduction I
Problem statement 2
Purpose of the study 3
Objectives of the study 3
General objective 3
Specific objectives 3
Research Questions 4
Scope of the study 4
Significance of the study 5
CHAPTER TWO 6
LITERATURE REVIEW 6
Theoretical Perspective 6
Current Suspension Policy in Ugandan Schools 6
Background to Secondary School Discipline Policies 7
Context of the Research 8
Empirical Literature 9
CHAPTER THREE 13
METHODOLOGY 13
Design 13
Settings 14
Participants 15
Data Collection 15
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Data Analysis .17
Limitations and Delimitations 19
Ethical Considerations 20
CHAPTER FOUR 21
DATA ANALYSIS 21
Introduction 21
Analysis of the data 21
CHAPTER FIVE 31
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND AREAS OF FURTHER STUDY 31
Summary of findings 31
Conclusion 31
AREAS OF FURTHER STUDY 31
References 33
Appendix A
ABSTRACT ‘Suspension’ is a sanction used by schools in which students who have contravened the rules are not allowed to attend school for a specified number of days. Despite its widespread use, empirical research suggests that suspension is ineffective, punitive, and a predictor of further social problems, such as substance abuse and crime. The report study would use qualitative methods to explore the beliefs of teachers and administrators regarding the rationale for and the impact of suspension in Central Uganda schools. Case studies were conducted on three schools, two of which are currently trialling different programs to assist in both reducing Suspensions and Expulsions and making them more effective. The third schools were selected for its more traditional ways of dealing with students, and would have been identified by District Education Officer (DEO) as a school with a high suspension rate. One-on-one interviews were conducted with teachers from different Learning Areas at each school, Non-teaching staff, the Deputy Principal/headmaster/headmistress in charge of Students welfare and discipline. After analysis of the data, the themes were presented to the participants in focus groups for them to verify or refute. It is hoped that by examining the reasons why school staff suspend students, viable alternatives and suggestions to improve practice may be created that are more well-supported by school staff.
