Influence of school disciplinary policies on pupil performance in Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background

Primary schools in Wakiso District have a number of policies in place. The study examined how school disciplinary policies influence pupil performance in Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools.

 Methodology

The study employed a descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional survey design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative methods. A total of 169 respondents were purposively and stratified sampled from a population of 300, including head teachers, teachers, and Primary Seven pupils. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and documentary review checklists.

 Results

80 (53.3%) of the respondents were male, while 70 (46.7%) were female. The statement “The school has clear disciplinary policies known to pupils” had a mean of 2.40, implying that in most schools, pupils were either unaware of or not clearly informed about the disciplinary guidelines. The existence of rules for maintaining punctuality (M = 2.47) and classroom behavior (M = 2.58) was reported as weak, suggesting inconsistency in enforcing attendance and behavioral standards. Regarding respect for teachers and peers, the mean of 2.67 showed that while some level of regulation exists, it is not strongly upheld. Rules governing the use of school property (M = 2.59) and dress code (M = 2.59) were also rated low, pointing to inadequate supervision or enforcement mechanisms. Only a few pupils agreed that they could consistently answer questions during lessons (M = 2.10, SD = 0.98) or perform well in end-of-term examinations (M = 2.10, SD = 0.98). The standardized coefficient (β = 0.30, p < 0.01) indicates that disciplinary

policies have a positive and statistically significant effect on academic performance. This suggests that

 Conclusions 

This indicates that schools with well-defined, consistently enforced, and non-punitive disciplinary measures tend to have pupils who perform better academically.

 Recommendations

Schools should establish well-documented disciplinary policies that are communicated to both teachers and pupils.