Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Tina Jaeckle

Abstract

Student discipline issues can impact student achievement and disrupt the learning process in the school setting. Behavioral issues among female students have become prevalent in public schools, and disciplinary rates of African American female students are disproportionately high. School administrators have the responsibility to manage student discipline on their school campuses while ensuring a positive and safe learning environment for all students. Previous researchers have focused on student discipline of male students; there have been limited studies on the perspectives of school administrators on disciplinary practices for female students. The purpose of this study was to gain the perspectives of campus behavior coordinators (CBCs), school administrators designated by law to effectively manage student discipline on Texas public school campuses; specifically regarding female students. Social learning and labeling theories framed this generic qualitative study. Purposive sampling and discipline scenarios were used to collect in person data from 8 CBCs at 6 junior high schools in a public school district in Texas. Data content analysis entailed identifying emerging codes and themes from audiotaped and transcribed interviews. The findings of the study led to 6 themes identified; realtionships with students, student behavioral supports, traditional discipline practices, mandatory discipline practices, discipline concerns for female students, and school climate. The impact for social change will inform discipline practices of school administrators for female students; bring awareness of the state mandate and its implementation by school administrators, determine best practices to address student discipline, and explore behavioral supports for female students.

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