Misconduct, antisocial and offending (criminal) behaviour is becoming a problem in South African schools and maintaining discipline in schools is facing many challenges. Current practices do not solve disciplinary challenges. This study reflects upon the discipline system in South African schools as well as risk factors playing a role in possible offences, by means of a case study. An enormous number of learners are still experiencing difficulties concerning their education because of their disadvantaged position in South Africa. In cases where there are disruptions of the learning process due to ill-discipline and antisocial behaviour, it leads to unsuccessful education in a country where there are already obstacles underlying the foundation of the education system. It is important to have an effective disciplinary system implemented in schools. The discipline system in South African schools, currently, views a learner as an offender, when behaviour is such that it is against the school’s rules. The focus is then on proving the offender guilty and then punishing him/her in order to proof that responsibility is taken by the school for his/her actions. The learner punished, in some cases rebel and this leads to further divergent behaviour. In the current school discipline system, the victim plays no role in the process and the changes needed in the discipline process should include the victim. The discipline process should move from a punitive to a restorative system. In a restorative discipline system, intervention plays an important role. The study also places focus on identifying possible risk behaviour at an early age and explored risk factors that may play a role in the management of discipline related concerns and conduct. This process plays a significant role in the intervention process, as learners can be identified and counselled before offending behaviour takes place or intervention can take place the moment that the learner is involved in deviant behaviour. Dynamic risk factors, for example antisocial friends, antisocial behaviour and lack of respect for authority can be addressed through restorative rather than punitive intervention. This study was also directed to develop a South African theoretical framework to be used by schools and the Department of Education, as an alternative to the current punitive system through the application of restorative practices as a support to troubled learners. / Criminal and Procedural Law

The image of a school is mechanism that defines a certain school amongst other schools in the vicinity, as well as the country. The image model developed in this study, can be used as a management tool through which the school can evaluate all the different facets contributing to the image of a school, and identify positive and negative factors requiring action plans for maintenance or development. Transvalia High School has been one of the top 100 schools in South-Africa since 2009. The evaluation done by Perry (2009) does, however, only focus on the academic side of the school and not on the other factors as defined by Howard (1998:15) that contributes to the image of a school. The question thus is how the image of Transvalia presents itself, and what could possibly be done to enhance it and strengthen its position between the top 100 schools in South-Africa. It was decided to research die possible factors as identified by the literature study, that supports the image of the school and the measure of their impact. Through prioritization of the factors, management actions were derived to enhance the image of the school. Research was done through a quantitative questionnaire with a sample size of 450 students, parents and teachers randomly selected from each class in the school. The design of the questionnaire stemmed from the literature study done. The results from the questionnaires were used to: • test the validity, reliability and comparative fit of the questionnaire; and • identify critical, development and maintenance areas of the image of the school. Only 345 valid questionnaires could be used in the study. Additional comments from the questionnaires were divided into positive and negative areas, with several main focus points. The qualitative data were then sorted into these focus areas and quantified. The results of the questionnaire as a measuring instrument showed beyond doubt, that the questionnaire was sufficiently valid and reliable to measure the image of a school. A structural equation model was developed through factor analysis and the statistical department of the North-West University to determine the exact influence of each of the pillars onto the image as well as onto each other. The following results were obtained: • Only 79% of the environment contributes to the image of the school where the environment consists of the parents, the Department of Education and the school governing body; • The school culture consists of the history of the school, the climate within the school, recognition, appearance, discipline, safety and religion. Only 82% of the school culture contributes to the image. • Approximately 85% of Product Catalogue supports the image. The Product Catalogue is supported by academics, sport, leadership and tertiary alignment. • Lastly, the image is supported by 84% of delivery mechanisms that consists of the principal, teachers, infrastructure and technology of the school. From the study and the conclusions drawn, the following recommendations were made: • Parent involvement in supporting their children with homework and with sport and fundraising activities, is insufficient and requires development; • The selection of teachers, especially in the lower grades, has to have stricter requirements in line with subject needs; • Safety at school and in particular evacuation plans, requires attention and drills; • Discipline application between the teacher core has to be standardized and focused on reducing smoking students, intensified; • The perception of an imbalance between sport and academics requires proper information distribution; • Formal leadership courses have to be introduced in to the product catalogue; • Performance appraisal for teachers through a Balanced Scorecard and individual development plans have to be introduced; and • A visible marketing plan utilising the various media available have to be developed. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The image of a school is mechanism that defines a certain school amongst other schools in the vicinity, as well as the country. The image model developed in this study, can be used as a management tool through which the school can evaluate all the different facets contributing to the image of a school, and identify positive and negative factors requiring action plans for maintenance or development. Transvalia High School has been one of the top 100 schools in South-Africa since 2009. The evaluation done by Perry (2009) does, however, only focus on the academic side of the school and not on the other factors as defined by Howard (1998:15) that contributes to the image of a school. The question thus is how the image of Transvalia presents itself, and what could possibly be done to enhance it and strengthen its position between the top 100 schools in South-Africa. It was decided to research die possible factors as identified by the literature study, that supports the image of the school and the measure of their impact. Through prioritization of the factors, management actions were derived to enhance the image of the school. Research was done through a quantitative questionnaire with a sample size of 450 students, parents and teachers randomly selected from each class in the school. The design of the questionnaire stemmed from the literature study done. The results from the questionnaires were used to: • test the validity, reliability and comparative fit of the questionnaire; and • identify critical, development and maintenance areas of the image of the school. Only 345 valid questionnaires could be used in the study. Additional comments from the questionnaires were divided into positive and negative areas, with several main focus points. The qualitative data were then sorted into these focus areas and quantified. The results of the questionnaire as a measuring instrument showed beyond doubt, that the questionnaire was sufficiently valid and reliable to measure the image of a school. A structural equation model was developed through factor analysis and the statistical department of the North-West University to determine the exact influence of each of the pillars onto the image as well as onto each other. The following results were obtained: • Only 79% of the environment contributes to the image of the school where the environment consists of the parents, the Department of Education and the school governing body; • The school culture consists of the history of the school, the climate within the school, recognition, appearance, discipline, safety and religion. Only 82% of the school culture contributes to the image. • Approximately 85% of Product Catalogue supports the image. The Product Catalogue is supported by academics, sport, leadership and tertiary alignment. • Lastly, the image is supported by 84% of delivery mechanisms that consists of the principal, teachers, infrastructure and technology of the school. From the study and the conclusions drawn, the following recommendations were made: • Parent involvement in supporting their children with homework and with sport and fundraising activities, is insufficient and requires development; • The selection of teachers, especially in the lower grades, has to have stricter requirements in line with subject needs; • Safety at school and in particular evacuation plans, requires attention and drills; • Discipline application between the teacher core has to be standardized and focused on reducing smoking students, intensified; • The perception of an imbalance between sport and academics requires proper information distribution; • Formal leadership courses have to be introduced in to the product catalogue; • Performance appraisal for teachers through a Balanced Scorecard and individual development plans have to be introduced; and • A visible marketing plan utilising the various media available have to be developed. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The following research question motivated the study: "How can education management effectively address factors influencing teachers to migrate from the teaching profession?" To answer this research question, one school was selected in Limpopo Province, which is not affected by the migration of teachers from the teaching profession; this was demonstrated by the school retaining expert and veteran teachers and its excellent grade 12 results. Factors influencing the migration of teachers from the teaching profession were researched by means of qualitative approach. Focus group interviews, phenomenological interviews and unstructured (in-depth) interviews were conducted, transcribed and analysed. The research findings indicated that education management team needs to urge the government to pay teachers attractive salaries, introduce performance bonus scheme, deal with overcrowding and lack of resources, curb violence in schools, deal effectively with corruption, improve poor learners' discipline and do away with corporal punishment. / Teacher Education / M. Ed. (Education Management)

The implementation of the South African Schools Act (Act 84 of 1996) has placed additional financial management responsibilities on school principals and school governing bodies. Financial management has created several challenges for school principals and members of school governing bodies who do not have the necessary financial knowledge, skill and expertise to perform this function. This research was undertaken primarily to determine how principals and members of school governing bodies, in public primary schools, implement financial policy. The research is supported by a detailed literature study covering financial policy, the budget process, approaches to budgeting, the advantages of a budget system and requirements for effective financial control. In order to determine the financial management practices at public primary schools a questionnaire was designed and administered amongst twenty five public primary schools in the Ekurhuleni South District of the Gauteng Department of Education. The findings suggest that there is a need for schools to communicate resolutions adopted at parents’ meetings and other consultative procedures to parents of learners and in this way ensure the dissemination of pertinent information. There is a need for early intervention by schools concerning outstanding school fees to prevent the exacerbation of the problem. Educational institutions should prepare their budgets on the basis of their main objectives and policies in order to ensure an efficient allocation of funds. / Education / M. Ed. (Education Management)

The aim of the study was to investigate the experiences and challenges of the SGBs in secondary schools in KwaZulu-Natal. The research study focused mainly on the following key areas: the handling of learner discipline, the management of school finances, the formulation of the admissions policy and finally, the appointment of staff. The South African Schools Act promulgated in 1994 was committed to ensuring democracy in education through the active involvement of all stakeholders such as parents, learners (in secondary schools), educators and principal in the decision-making processes in schools. However, the evolution of school governance within the South African context during the past sixteen years has gone through many challenges in its determination to create an equitable society. Many School Governing Boards (SGBs), especially those in rural and previously disadvantaged schools do not adhere to the practices stipulated within the South African School Act of 1996 and as a result fail in their mandate. The empirical approach, namely qualitative research was successful in obtaining information from participants about the challenges they faced in school governance. The study revealed that SGBs faced immediate challenges and were not adequately capacitated to handle these challenges. Findings on learner discipline included cases such as stabbings, bullying, theft, alcohol and substance abuse, gang fights, school violence and learner fights. Findings on the handling school finances included cases such as the misappropriation of funds and the lack of proper financial planning. The adoption of discriminatory admissions practices by schools was also evident. In particular, cases of discrimination against age, religion and the use of admission tests were reported. A high level of corruption, nepotism, personal preferences and the abuse of power was common in the staff appointments vii made by the SGBs were also reported. Finally, the study made a number of recommendations with regard to the research findings for all stakeholders in South African education to consider. / Educational Leadership and Management / D. Ed. (Education Management)

The study focused on the role of the School Governing Body (SGB) in the management of conflict in schools. The investigation was done in one of the secondary schools in Gauteng Province. Causes of conflict and the challenges facing the SGB, teachers, learners and parents have been discussed. Types and nature of conflict have been listed and discussed including the resolutions and management of conflict. A literature review provided a conceptual framework and covered definitions of conflict, conflict management strategies, conflict resolution, governance and qualities required for a successful SGB in governing conflict in a secondary school. An empirical investigation using a qualitative approach was conducted and data gathered by means of interviews with the SGB. Finally a synopsis of findings and recommendations was made to assist the policy makers, departmental officials, SGBs, principals, teachers and parents in proper management of conflict in secondary schools. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

This research investigates the vision of excellence in secondary schools leadership in Ekurhuleni East District (Gauteng East District) and the existence of a vision of excellence in schools. A literature study investigated models of leadership related to vision of excellence and aspects of vision of excellence in school leadership. An empirical investigation used both a quantitative and qualitative research design to collect data from a purposefully selected and stratified sample of participants and secondary schools in the Ekurhuleni East District (Gauteng East Education District). A questionnaire and focus group interviews were used to gather data from the respondents. Data were analysed and interpreted using quantitative and qualitative approach. The findings of both the literature study and the empirical research on the above-mentioned vision of excellence in secondary schools leadership in Ekurhuleni East District revealed that there is a lack of support from school leadership and the School Management Team (SMT) in realising a vision of excellence in secondary schools leadership. The main challenges that were identified by qualitative method were the lack of support by both the district office and school management or school leadership. The realisation of the vision of excellence is dependent on how the information is managed and disseminated by the school leadership, principals and SMTs. It appears that the realisation of the vision of excellence would enhance the level of understanding of new developments in the education system including the curriculum change and technological advancement. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

MEd (Educational Management) / Department of Educational Management / The aim of the study was to investigate the capacity-building of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) in the area of policy interpretation and implementation. The research was carried out in schools under Klein Letaba Circuit in the Mopani Education District, in the Limpopo Province. This was a qualitative study where the researcher used purposive sampling to select schools and participants and interviews and document analysis to collect requisite data. In analysing data collected, content analysis was used. On the basis of data analysed and interpreted, the research findings revealed that SGBs do not have the necessary capacity to interpret and implement policies in schools. This is as a result of the inadequate training that they receive during their term of office, high level of illiteracy among them and lack of monitoring and support by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The study therefore recommends that SGBs be adequately trained in their home languages and encouraged to form cluster committees to share experiences to develop their capacity. The DBE should continuously monitor and support SGBs in the execution of their duties.

PhDRDV / Institute for Rural Development / The need for sustaining the provision of high quality education in all countries cannot be overemphasised. Linked to this is the centrality of ensuring that effective governance prevails. In an effort to address the latter challenge in South Africa, School Governing Bodies (SGBs) were introduced through the South African Schools Act (SASA) 84 of 1996. A SGB is composed of democratically elected members, viz. Principal who serves in an ex officio capacity, teacher representatives, learner representatives in secondary schools, and parent representatives. The parent representatives are the majority in this body. The current case study was carried out to analyse the effectiveness of SGBs in rural secondary schools with respect to their designated roles and responsibilities. The mixed methods approach in two sequentially integrated phases was applied in the study undertaken in Vhembe District‟s Thulamela Municipality in Limpopo Province of South Africa. There were nine secondary schools located in rural areas from four circuits. In each circuit two schools were sampled, a performing and an underperforming. Principals, teacher governors and non-governors, learner governors and non-governors, teacher union representatives, a traditional leader, circuit managers, manager for governance, deputy managers for governance and parent governors participated in the study. Interviews were held with Principals, and the following governors; teachers, learners and parents, individually, and focus group interviews were held with the following non-governors: teachers and learners who were purposively sampled to take part in this study in Malamulele cluster of Vhembe Education District. A questionnaire was generated from the results of the qualitative data and completed by Principals, parent governors, teachers and learners. To analyse and organise qualitative data, Thematic Content Analysis was used and for quantitative data, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used. The results revealed that the governors related well with traditional leaders; parent governors‟ illiteracy impacted negatively on their performance; Principals and teachers were not supportive to parent governors; funding received from government was insufficient; and learner governors were passive during meetings with other governors. There were no statistically significant effects of schools and interest group or category of respondents on the views expressed. However, statistically significant effects (P < 0.05) were observed with regard to the following challenges: “some Principals are not conversant with Department of Basic Education (DBE) policies and may mislead SGBs in making informed decisions”; „„the writing of quarterly reports v by SGBs that would assess their progress in relation to their plans,‟‟ and “some teacher governors are bench warmers and are not interested in SGB activities”. It was recommend that Traditional leaders be represented in the SGB; parent governors be encouraged to further their studies to improve their literacy; training should address the needs of schools instead of using a one-size-fits-all type of training; and the funding model used by government be relooked into so that rural secondary schools and their communities could benefit more. The cordial relationship existing between traditional leaders and SGBs was crucial for improved disciplining of learners and nurturing strong bonds between schools and neighbouring communities. This work provides ingredients for formulating strategies for improving the performance of rural-based secondary SGBs and enhancing their contribution to local development.