2024 Doctoral Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research study was to analyze the effect that the School-Wide Positive Behavior Plan had on the number of discipline referrals that were submitted to
the principal’s office and the effect that the plan had on the overall school climate at Hasson Height Elementary School. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, using
surveys, interviews, as well as numerical data gathered from the school’s student information system. The survey used Likert-scale questions about the student’s perceptions about their school, teachers, other students, and themselves. The interviews consisted of open-ended questions developed by the researcher to gain the staff’s perception on the program, the staff’s interpretation of the students’ perceptions and the staffs’ perception on how the community feels about the program. The quantitative data was collected from the student information system on the number of discipline referrals that were submitted involving students’ interaction with other students, students’ interactions with staff members, and discipline on transportation. The data was analyzed together to determine the effectiveness of the program and its impact on the school climate. The research suggested that the program had a minimal impact on the discipline referrals. The staff has indicated that the school climate is positive and the School-Wide Positive Behavior was a large component of that.