Date Approved

5-31-2004

Embargo Period

4-20-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in Educational Leadership

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Capasso, Ronald

Subject(s)

Washington Township High School (Washington Township, N.J.); School discipline; Service learning

Disciplines

Educational Leadership

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate student attitudes when a voluntary school service project alternative was offered to those serving a school detention. Another purpose was to examine the potential benefits reaped by the school as a result of these students' work. The sample population for study (n=60) was selected voluntarily from high school juniors and seniors. Data was collected through the use of: 1) student surveys for those who participated in a school service project, 2) material culture collected from student discipline records, and 3) surveys completed by custodians, teachers, and administrators in the school building. Data analysis of the student and staff surveys was conducted on an ongoing basis. A structured analysis of the material culture was conducted at the conclusion of the project. The findings of this study suggest that the majority of students, when given the option of performing a service project to sitting in a detention, will volunteer for such a service. Additional findings indicate a latent desire among the students for a neat and clean school facility. The study concluded that for students, voluntary school service projects were more productive alternatives to that of serving a traditional detention.

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