The maintenance of order and discipline in schools depend on several key persons playing important roles.
The Role Of The Head Teacher
- Lead in the formulation and implementation of a Code of Conduct and a Disciplinary Policy for the school.
- Play a lead role in the articulation and implementation of the Code of conduct and Disciplinary Policy for the School.
- Ensure that all teachers have written classroom rules and access to the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy.
- Establish partnership between home, school and community by encouraging active participation in the formulation and implementation of the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy.
- Establish a Misdemeanours Book to record instances of disciplinary actions being administered.
- Monitor order and discipline both within and out of the school.
- Keep learners, teachers and parents au fait with activities and decisions in relation to school discipline.
- Ensure that Peace Education, Conflict Resolution and Social Skills are taught to learners.
- Draft and monitor the implementation of plan of co-curricular activities to keep learners constructively occupied; religious clubs/societies, debating clubs, organized games – indoor and outdoor, etc.
- Control access to and use of the school compound.
- Screen all visitors to the school. Visitors to the school must report to the Head-Teacher.
- Administer corporal punishment to learners who warrant such.
- Report promptly any serious case (Category 2) of unacceptable behaviour to the relevant authorities.
- Reviews disciplinary strategies on a regular basis – include parents, learners and teachers.
- Expect support from officers of the Ministry of Education, Department of Education, teachers and parents in the implementation of disciplinary strategies.
- Model desirable/acceptable social and professional behaviours.
The Role of The Teacher:
- Participate in the drafting of the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy.
- Develop, in collaboration with learners, written classroom rules and sanctions.
- Accept responsibility for maintaining discipline and order within and outside of the school.
- Implement class, and school rules and regulations in a firm, consistent and prompt manner.
- Adhere to the guidelines adumbrated in the Disciplinary Policy.
- Include Peace Education, Self Concept, Conflict Resolution, and Social Skills in the regular instructional programme.
- Respond to learners in a caring and respectful manner.
- Display impartial behaviour to all learners – regardless of ethnicity, religion, social or economic standing.
- Use rewards for acceptable behaviours demonstrated by learners and punishment for unacceptable ones.
- Impartially dispense punishment and reward.
- Keep accurate misdemeanour records and always inform the Head Teacher of discipline problems.
- Expect support from parents, Head Teacher and learners in the implementation of disciplinary strategies.
- Model desirable/acceptable social and professional behaviours.
The Role Of the Learner:
- Treat each other and members of the school staff with respect and courtesy.
- Follow established Class Rules and School Rules.
- Report contravention of Class Rules, School Rules and Code of Conduct to the class teacher or Head Teacher.
- Avoid acting in a manner which will expose others to danger, harm or injury.
- Avoid use of threats and intimidation against others.
- Respect the rights and property of others.
- Protect eh school property and facilities.
- Avoid engaging in immoral activities.
- Obey legitimate instruction of teacher, prefects, class monitors and student government members.
- Participate in co-curricular activities - religious, debating clubs, organized indoor and outdoor games, etc.
- Use principles of peace education and conflict resolution skills to resolve conflict.
- Refrain from carrying, using or being in possession of any weapon, illegal drug or prohibited electronic device in the school or on the school compound.
- Maintain high academic and non-academic standards.
- Attend school regularly and punctually.
- Maintain personal hygiene and practice good grooming.
- Accept responsibility for his/her own behaviour.
The Role Of The Parent/Guardian:
- Participate in drafting and reviewing the Class Rules, School Rules, Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy.
- Study the Class Rules, School Rules, Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy with your child/ward.
- Control and correct the behaviour of your child/ward.
- Request and participate in training that will assist you in better understanding and education your child/ward.
- Keep the school informed of the needs, peculiarities and health status of your child/ward
- Request information on your child’s/ward’s performance and behaviour at least once each term.
- Encourage your child/ward to adhere to the Class Rules, School Rules, and Code of Conduct.
- Visit the school to discuss your child’s/ward’s performance and behaviour with his/her teacher. Arrangements must be made in advance, or notify the Head Teacher of your presence and intention.
- Be involved in school activities.
- Encourage your child/ward to participate in school sponsored activities.
- Ensure that the school can make contact with you during the day in case of an emergency – by phone at home or work, by electronic mail, or at your residence.
- Report promptly to the head Teacher any unacceptable behaviour demonstrated by your child/ward or any other learner away from the school premises.
- Treat your child/ward with love and respect.
- Model desirable/acceptable social behaviours.
- Seek assistance of the school or a relevant agency if you experience difficulties in your attempts to discipline you child/ward.
