NCJ Number
93269
Journal
NASSP Bulletin Volume: 62 Issue: 415 Dated: (February 1978) Pages: 22-27
Date Published
1978
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The procedures currently available for resolving student complaints in high schools are ineffective because of limitations on the kind of problems that can be submitted to the procedures, the lack of credibility of the procedures, and the lack of proper testing for existing procedures.
Abstract
Data from a survey of all high school districts in California, site visits to 29 junior and senior high schools, and visits to high schools in several other states revealed a sense of powerlessness on the part of students. Complaints focus on inconsistent application of rules, harassment by other students, and indifferent or unfair treatment by teachers. The six mechanisms intended to resolve issues initiated by students are counselors, student councils, student-faculty committees, student advocates, appeal boards, and ombudsmen. Redesign and implementation procedures for solving problems in schools should be based on the following principles: simplicity; student and teacher involvement; prompt, specific, written responses; access to the procedure with freedom from reprisals; wider jurisdiction; neutral, disinterested review; and careful implementation based on administrative leadership, training, orientation, and monitoring.