Degree Name

Education Specialist (EdS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1980

Thesis Director

Gerhard C. Matzner

Abstract

The project selected for completion of my degree evolved from numerous situations experienced during my first year as Assistant Principal at Warrensburg-Latham High School, where I was primarily responsible for dealing with student discipline.

Early in the school year it became evident that the existing student handbook was not as diverse or explicit as I felt should be necessary. In continual discussions with the principal it was concluded that a new student handbook should be implemented for the following school term. I operated through the remainder of the 1978-79 school year with the existing laminated folder type handbook, which consistently proved to be difficult to utilize.

The methods used to collect information and create guidelines for developing a new handbook were varied. Certainly the existing information would be included where appropriate, but a great deal of new or revised material would be adopted from situations and problems faced during the routine operation of the current school year. Teacher input was solicited and discussions with colleagues served a useful function. The final source for compiling pertinent information was derived from other districts' handbooks. Many items in the new Warrensburg-Latham Student/Parent Handbook came from various sections of other handbooks. It was significant that our new handbook was a "Student-Parent" Handbook. The policy that parents should read the rules and procedures was stressed to the student body and it was expected of each student to make the handbook available to his or her parents.

The disciplinary situations faced under the new handbook seemed significantly more effectively handled. It was felt the handbook, in itself, was a factor in a more positive atmosphere, with the student body more clearly aware of what the school considered reasonable or acceptable conduct.

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