US Teachers' Perceptions of School Violence Prevention Programs

163 Pages·2017·1.09 MB·English

Walden University
ScholarWorks
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Collection
2016
U.S. Teachers' Perceptions of School Violence
Prevention Programs
Natakie Tamu Chestnut
Walden University
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Walden University

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

This is to certify that the doctoral study by

Natakie Chestnut

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,
and that any and all revisions required by
the review committee have been made.

Review Committee
Dr. Timothy Lafferty, Committee Chairperson, Education Faculty
Dr. Mary Lou Morton, Committee Member, Education Faculty
Dr. Barbara Jo Bennett, University Reviewer, Education Faculty

Chief Academic Officer

Eric Riedel, Ph.D.

Walden University
2016
Abstract
U.S. Teachers’ Perceptions of School Violence Prevention Programs
by
Natakie Chestnut

MEd, Cheyney University, 2004
MS, Cheyney University, 2001
BA, Cheyney University, 2000

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Education

Walden University
May 2016
Abstract
In response to high profile violent incidents and crimes, many schools have developed
plans that address school discipline to create a school climate and culture wherein
everyone is valued and treated with respect. The problem that prompted this study is
teachers are struggling with effectively implementation prevention program. The purpose
of this study was to explore the perceptions of teachers about school violence prevention
programs. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, this study examined
the connection among school violence, environment, discipline and prevention programs;
and it explored approaches to creating safe communities in schools. The research
questions focused on teachers’ perceptions of the implemented strategies, of the barriers
to program success, and of supervising roles of high school administrators. The 9
participants were Grade 9-12 urban school teachers who had 3 to 5 years of full time
teaching experience and who had 2 to 3 years of work experience at the targeted high
school. This qualitative case study described and analyzed data from individual
interviews, self-reported observations, and researcher observations. Emergent themes
were identified from the data through open coding and findings were developed and
validated. The key results were that teachers support a uniform program and security
officers help reduce school violence; that program implementation can be strengthened
by increased funding, community support and professional development. Implications for
social change are that educators, parents, students and community members must work
collaboratively to create a safe school environment and a culture of problem solving and
resolution.
U.S. Teachers’ Perceptions of School Violence Prevention Programs
by
Natakie Chestnut

MEd, Cheyney University, 2004
MS, Cheyney University, 2001
BA, Cheyney University, 2000

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Education

Walden University
May 2016
Dedication
This research study is dedicated to my daughter, Tabia Jolie. Tabia, remember
that as long as you do your best, God will do the rest. I am proud to be your mother. The
twelve years of your life, I have watched you grow from an infant to blossoming into a
very beautiful, intelligent, independent, and critical thinker. God could not have blessed
me with a more wonderful child.
Acknowledgments
The time writing this dissertation has been one of the most stressful periods in my
life. I have experienced many huddles and trials during this doctoral journey. Many have
caused me to cry, scream, and even ask God why me, but all of my tribulations have
molded me into a stronger person.
I would like to thank Dr. Boykins for believing in me and never giving up on me
when I was ready to give up. However much your feedback at times discouraged me,
especially when I had to change directions altogether, your honestly and expertise was
appreciated. I would also like to thank Dr. Bennett, Dr. Lafferty, and Dr. Thomasson;
although you were not with me in the beginning of my journey, all your feedback and
assistance thus far has been appreciated.
A special thank you to my mother for being that itch that would not go away and
reminding me constantly that I have come too far to quit now. I know it is for you that I
am able to complete this task. Mom, you have been a role model of courage, dedication,
strength, hope, and love. I love you! Thank you to my husband Herman for being that
listening ear and voice of reason when I did not know what to do next. Herman, your
encouragement kept me pushing forward.
Table of Contents
List of Tables .................................................................................................................... v
List of Figures .................................................................................................................. vi
Section 1: Introduction to the Study ................................................................................. 1
Introduction ................................................................................................................. 1
Problem Statement ...................................................................................................... 2
Evidence of the Problem at the Local Level ......................................................... 5
Evidence of the Problem from the Professional Literature ................................... 5
Purpose Statement ....................................................................................................... 6
Guiding/Research Questions ....................................................................................... 6
Conceptual Framework ............................................................................................... 7
Nature of the Study ..................................................................................................... 8
Subsystems and Their Influence on School Violence Prevention ............................ 10
Societal Influence................................................................................................ 11
School Influence ................................................................................................. 11
Parental Influence ............................................................................................... 12
Outside Organizations, Institutions, and Media Influence .................................. 12
Evidence of the Problem at the Local Level ....................................................... 13
Evidence of the Problem from the Professional Literature ................................. 14
Operational Definitions ............................................................................................. 14
Assumptions .............................................................................................................. 15
Scope and Delimitations ........................................................................................... 16
i
Significance of the Study .......................................................................................... 16
Summary ................................................................................................................... 17
Section 2: Literature Review .......................................................................................... 18
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 18
Literature Search Strategy......................................................................................... 19
School Uniforms and Dress Codes ........................................................................... 19
School Security ......................................................................................................... 25
Preventive Intervention ............................................................................................. 32
Gang Prevention and Intervention ............................................................................ 37
Combating Bullying in Schools ................................................................................ 42
Implications............................................................................................................... 46
Shaping Policy .......................................................................................................... 47
A Review of Differing Methodologies ..................................................................... 51
Summary ................................................................................................................... 54
Section 3: Research Method ........................................................................................... 56
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 56
Research Design and Rationale ................................................................................ 57
Methodology ............................................................................................................. 59
Ethical Protection of Participants.............................................................................. 60
Role of Researcher .................................................................................................... 61
Criteria for Selection of Participation ....................................................................... 62
Data Collection ......................................................................................................... 63
ii
Self-Reporting Observation ...................................................................................... 65
Journal Field Notes ................................................................................................... 65
Data Analysis ............................................................................................................ 65
Methods to Address Validity .................................................................................... 66
Member Checking ............................................................................................... 67
Triangulation ....................................................................................................... 68
Bracketing ........................................................................................................... 68
Summary ................................................................................................................... 69
Section 4: Results ............................................................................................................ 71
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 71
Data Collection ......................................................................................................... 71
Data Analysis ............................................................................................................ 72
Results ....................................................................................................................... 74
Perceptions of Program Effectiveness ................................................................ 74
Factors That Influence Student Behavior ........................................................... 82
Factors That Influence the Success of Violence Prevention Program ................ 94
Effective Practices .............................................................................................. 97
Evidence of Quality ................................................................................................ 102
Section 5: Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations ........................................ 105
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 105
Interpretation of Findings ....................................................................................... 106
iii