AWARENESS OF THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENT IN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK

A quantitative research paper presented in the faculty of

Luna National High School in SHS Department

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in the subject

Practical Research II

Leaders:
Novales, Jasmine Joy Q.
Novales, Rhona Mae L.

Members:
Ballesteros, Renvel R.
Nantes, Lee Ann N.
Sabado, Rhyza Maye B.
Tumabcao, Desiree T.

ACADEMIC TRACK-
HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES(HUMSS)
G12 PLATO

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 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Education is a vital component of human development, and the quality of education plays
a critical role in shaping the future of students. In the context of senior high school, students
often rely on various resources to navigate their academic journey. One such resource is the
student handbook, which serves as a comprehensive guide to the school's policies, procedures,
and available resources. However, the effectiveness of the student handbook relies heavily on
students' awareness and utilization.
The student handbook's main goal is to help students fit in better by giving them
information, rules, and standards that govern their school community. "One of the most
important documents that describe the student experience is the Student Handbook. According
to George Fox University (2015). This tells people who have chosen to join our community who
we are, what we believe, how we live and journey together, and what is expected of them." It
also said that "students should read and understand the student handbook so they can fully
participate in all aspects of being a student."
In the contemporary education system, the student handbook serves as a vital resource for
students, providing information about school policies, guidelines, and a wide range of academic
and non-academic matters. It is a comprehensive document designed to assist students in
navigating their educational journey effectively. However, the extent to which senior high school
students are aware of the contents and significance of the student handbook remains an
understudied area of interest.
International studies, such as those by Smith (2017), emphasize the importance of student
handbooks in enhancing the educational experience. These handbooks are designed to provide
students with essential information about academic programs, campus facilities, codes of
conduct, and support services. However, the assumption that students are fully aware of and
effectively utilize these handbooks is not always accurate.
To address the knowledge gap regarding student handbook awareness, this study seeks to
investigate the level of awareness among senior high school students, identify any potential areas
of confusion or misinterpretation, and assess the impact of this awareness (or lack thereof) on
their overall academic performance and experience. By shedding light on these aspects, this
research aims to contribute valuable insights to the field of educational administration and
student support, ultimately fostering an environment that facilitates students’ success and well-
being. The student handbook is an integral document within the educational framework of
academic institutions, serving as a comprehensive guide for students throughout their academic
journey. This document typically encapsulates the rules, regulations, policies, and resources that
govern student life within a specific educational setting.
The student handbook itself would typically provide information about the purpose and
significance of the student handbook within an educational institution. The student handbook is a

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foundational document within educational institutions, serving as a guide that outlines rules,
policies, and resources meant to govern student life and conduct. While the creation of a student
handbook is standard practice for most educational organizations, there is often a gap in
understanding how aware students are of its contents and to what degree its policies and
guidelines are effectively implemented. This study aims to shed light on the significance of these
two interrelated aspects: awareness and implementation. Understanding the significance of the
student handbook within the educational ecosystem is paramount, as it not only informs students
but also plays a crucial role in shaping the culture and atmosphere of an institution. The chief
purpose of this is to establish guidelines that protect the rights of the students and to outline
responsibilities, obligations, and expectations for students necessary to ensure success and
stability of disciplined inside the school (Keraga, 2014). Furthermore, Student Handbook is a
great tool that can be used in maintaining peace and order in school if properly implemented.
This is in response to the appeal of the government that every school administration shall
develop and maintain a healthy school environment conducive for the promotion and
preservation of academic freedom and effective teaching and learning and to progressive school-
personnel relationship (Batas Pambansa 232). Effective implementation of rules and regulations
maintain discipline in school. In fact, discipline is a pre-requisite to almost everything a school
has to offer students (Mc Gregory, 2006). In addition, Vomberg (2002) stated that to create
satisfactory climate in school, a certain level of discipline must exist. Each student must be
aware on the consequences or sanctions that corresponds to each violated rules and regulations.
There should be strong implementation of this so that students may act accordingly in different
situations inside the school premises. Teachers and other school authorities also have a big
responsibility in establishing discipline among students. Ensuring that content of the Student
Handbook is properly implemented, the school authorities conduct programs that will develop
awareness about it. Orientation is usually conducted at the beginning of the school year. Contents
are properly explained to the students, parents, and other stakeholders by the guidance
counselors, advisers and even the principal of the school. New students are given copies of the
Student Handbook. But despite this, many students are still violating the rules and regulations of
the school. This study will delve into the student handbook’s role, effectiveness, and potential
areas for improvement, aiming to enhance its utility and impact in the lives of students, by
extension, the broader educational community.
In the Philippines, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has recognized the
significance of student handbooks in promoting academic integrity (CHED, 2017). The transition
from secondary to senior high school is a crucial phase in a student's life, and the successful
navigation of this transition depends on access to accurate information. The student handbook, if
underutilized due to a lack of awareness, can result in students missing out on valuable resources
and opportunities
Within the local context of La union, a region with its unique educational landscape,
understanding the awareness levels of senior high school students regarding the content and
utility of their student handbooks is of particular importance. This research aims to assess the
extent to which senior high school students in Luna National Highschool are aware of the
information contained in their student handbooks and how effectively they utilize this resource.

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By identifying gaps in awareness, the study can offer insights into improving the dissemination
of information and the design of student handbooks for better student engagement and academic
success.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

An effective approach to achieving the desired structure needed for school improvements
may be found in school student handbook. These are the relevant theories that will support this
study.

Social Cognitive Theory. This theory explains the acquisition of knowledge from its
environment through thought, experience, and senses. It also includes self-regulation or self-
efficacy. Behaviors can be changed if students are sufficiently encouraged to overcome barriers,
such as self-doubt, that influence personal and environmental factors. If the administration,
teachers, students, and the community embrace a student handbook, then the climate of learning
may be enhanced. Student handbook may be a way for students to gain confidence in their
appearance, which may also promote learning in the classroom and enhance the learning climate.

Fashion Theory: Published by Routledge, the publication of Dress, Body & Culture is an
academic publication subject to peer review. It was founded in 1997 and focuses on the study of
fashion, incorporating anthropological, sociological, art historical, and consumption studies
perspectives. School uniforms are supported for a variety of familial, social, educational, and
financial reasons. A 1998 paper by D. Brunsma and K. Rockquemore in The Journal of
Educational Research (The JER) asserts that there is a negative correlation between academic
achievement and uniforms; however, the data presented in this article demonstrates a positive
correlation between achievement and uniforms for the entire sample and for all school sectors
except one. This idea aims to explain why students should wear school uniforms appropriately to
improve both the school and each individual student's growth. It clarifies why students want to
uphold the school's honor by setting a positive example. Additionally, the goal of this theory is
for students to impact society and the community in a behavioral, affective, and cognitive way

School Climate Theory. Climate is an objective element of an organization that is measured by

the perceptions of its members. Climate is an integral element of the organization, regardless of
how it is perceived (Stringer, 2002). According to proponents of the school climate theory, a
school's ecology, social system, and culture influence its capacity to regulate student behavior
(Patton, 2011). According to proponents, student outcomes, including school disturbance, will be
reduced when the social climate is more socially unified and has a shared sense of values and
beliefs (Zaykowski & Gunter, 2011). Since school climate is influenced by the school's
environment, school uniforms should influence school climate, as they impact the environment.
Because everyone is outfitted similarly, school uniforms contribute to a child's sense of family
and belonging.

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Communication Theory. Utilize communication theories, such as the Shannon-Weaver model or
the two- step flow model, to understand how information about the student handbook is
disseminated to students and how they receive and process this information. Certainly,
Communication Theory is a broad and fundamental theoretical framework that can be applied to
various aspects of communication, including the awareness of senior high school students about
the student handbook.
The Theory of Planned Behavior by Icek Ajzen can also be related to the study. This theory
state that the attitude towards behavior, a subjective norm, and perceived behavioral
control can together shape an individual’s behavioral intentions and behavior. It is a theory that
links one’s belief and behavior. The theory is used to predict an individual’s intention to engage
in a behavior at a specific time and place. The theory was intended to explain all behaviors over
which people can avert self-control. The key component to this model
is behavioral intent; behavioral intentions are influenced by the attitude about the likelihood thatt
he behavior will have the expected outcome and the subjective evaluation of the risk
and benefits of that outcome.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework which served as the guide in pursuing the
study. Specifically, it shows the Input, Process and Output Model.

The first frame shows the Input to the study: The sections of Student Handbook that
enhance discipline in school namely: the Rules and Regulations, Acceptable Behavior,
Unacceptable Behavior and Potential risk. The profile of the respondents in terms of year level
and strand.

In the second frame, the Process includes the following: collection of data through
interview and distribution, administration, and retrieval of the questionnaires. After tabulating
the data, it was followed by the statistical treatment, analysis and interpretation of the data and
information gathered.

The last frame shows the output of the study. The findings of the study may serve as the
springboard in coming up with an intervention program called Student Handbook
Implementation Enhancement Program.

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 INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1.The sections of Student Collection of data through

Handbook that enhance Survey and Questionnaire
discipline in school namely:
Retrieval of the
Rules and Regulations Questionnaire Student Handbook
Implementation
Acceptable Behavior Tabulation of data Enhancement Program

Unacceptable Behavior Statistical treatment of data

Potential risk Analysis and interpretation of

data in information gathered
-Profile of the Respondets

year level
strands

Figure 1: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Awareness of the student handbook.

Independent
Variables

Various sections that may influence awareness, such as

Dependent demographic variables, Rules and
Regulations,Acceptable Behavior, Unacceptable
Variables Behavior and Potential Risk.

Figure 2: Paradigm

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Review of Related Literature

According to Article XV, Section 3 of the Constitution from 1987, the State must
guarantee children's rights to help, including sufficient care and nutrition, as well as specific
protection against all sorts of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other circumstances that
are harmful to their development.

The goal of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is to safeguard children
from all types of maltreatment, exploitation, neglect, and physical or mental abuse, including
sexual abuse. The same Constitution establishes the child's right to an education, and it requires
the government to take action to promote regular school attendance and lower dropout rates to
realize this right gradually and based on equal opportunity. Therefore, it is required that all
necessary steps be taken to ensure that school discipline is handled in a way that respects the
child's human dignity and is in accordance with the CRC. In order to achieve this, the
Department of Education (DepED), in partnership with its partners and stakeholders, shall ensure
that all schools are conducive to the education of children, whether conducted by public or
private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities, or legislative bodies,
in accordance with the principle of First Call for Children, as enunciated in the CRC .Teachers,
particularly those working in learning centers, serve as the students' substitute parents and are
required to carry out their responsibilities in this regard. In this regard, the Family Code gives the
school, its administrators and instructors, or the person, company, or institution providing
childcare the authority and obligation to exercise special parental control over the child while the
kid is under their care, supervision, or custody.

The Department is aware that instances of abuse might occur because of the challenging
circumstances that teachers and other authorities deal with both inside and outside of schools.
DepEd has adopted the policy to offer extra protection to children who are badly threatened or
endangered by situations that have an impact on their normal development but over which they
have no control, and to support the relevant organizations in their rehabilitation.
Additionally, this Department aims to guarantee the child's special protection from all
forms of abuse and exploitation as well as the care required for their wellbeing, while also
respecting their primary rights and obligations as parents, legal guardians, or other people who
have custody of them legally. DepEd acknowledges that children have the right to participate in
the creation and implementation of policies as well as in any processes that may affect them,
whether they are the aggressors or the victims, either personally or through a representative. This
Department therefore reiterates its zero-tolerance policy for any act of child abuse, exploitation,
violence, discrimination, bullying, or other types of abuse, and hereby issues a Department Order
to that effect.

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Statement of the Problem
This study seeks to assess the level of awareness and degree of implementation of the
student handbook of Senior High School Students of Luna National High School.
Specially, it sought answers the following questions:
1. What is the profile of the Senior High School Student in terms of:
A. Year level,
B. Strand?

2. What is the level of awareness in the student handbook of the Senior High Student of
Luna National High School in terms of:
A. Rules and Regulations,
B. Acceptable Behavior,
C. Unacceptable Behavior,
D. Potential Risks?

3. What is the degree of implementation in the student handbook of the Senior High Student
of Luna National High School in terms of:
A. Rules and Regulations,
B. Acceptable Behavior,
C. Unacceptable Behavior,
D. Potential Risks?
4. Is there a significance difference between the profile of the students and the level of
awareness in the Senior High School Student Handbook?
5. What Policy Recommendation could be created to improve the Senior High School
Student Handbook?

Assumption
This study assume that school policies and procedures are equally distributed and applied
to all students, which could affect their awareness. It assumes that students will provide honest
and accurate responses in surveys or interviews regarding their awareness, rather than
misrepresenting their knowledge.

Importance of the Study

This study seeks to assess the awareness of the Senior High School Student in the Student
Handbook Student handbooks are the guides to student life in the district, providing an
orientation for new and current students. Each handbook should include general information

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about the district as well as on each school, such as contact information for administrators and
the school board.
The student handbook contains essential information about school policies, rules, and
regulations. Being aware of these guidelines helps students navigate their academic environment
more effectively. Awareness of the handbook ensures that students are aware of and adhere to
the rules and code of conduct, promoting a safe and orderly school environment. The handbook
may contain information about grading systems, academic support resources, and other critical
details that can contribute to a student's academic success. It often includes details about
available resources, such as counseling services, library facilities, and extracurricular activities,
which can enhance the overall educational experience. Understanding the handbook helps
students know their rights and responsibilities, empowering them to advocate for themselves and
make informed decisions. When issues or disputes arise, the handbook can provide a framework
for conflict resolution, ensuring a fair and consistent approach to problem-solving. Familiarity
with the handbook can help students develop important life skills related to following rules and
understanding procedures, which are valuable for their future endeavors. Studying the student
handbook is essential for students to succeed academically, follow school policies, and be
informed about their rights and responsibilities within the educational institution.

Significance of the Study

The significance of the study is to know the awareness of the Senior High School Student
in the Student Handbook. This can help the people included in the issue concerning the Student
Handbook.

The following people are the beneficiaries of the study and the benefits they received
from the result of the study:

To the students, there will be a chance that their complaints about the Student Handbook will be
addressed to the school. Their awareness can make alternative actions toward the Student
Handbook. And lastly, this can help them in understanding why there is a need to have a Student
Handbook.

To the School, they can make alternative action towards the student’s awareness. They will
know the student’s awareness regarding to Student Handbook and the result may serve as their
guide in the implementation of the Student Handbook.

To the parents, they will be enlightened about the Student Handbook and may serve as an eye
opener to guide more their children in the Student Handbook.

To Future Researchers. Future Researchers will profit from this study because it will serve as a
guide or reference when they perfor the sane study.

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 DEFINTION OF TERMS

These significant terms are hereby operationally defined to give the readers better and
clearer understanding of its concepts.

Students. This refers to the Senior High School students at Luna National High School

Level of Awareness. This refers to how knowledgeable the students about the Student
Handbook.

Degree of Implementation. This measures the extent to which the Student Handbook is put into
practice, including adherence to guidelines, enforcement, and consistency.

Awareness.: The state of knowing or being conscious of the existence and content of the student
handbook. In this context, it refers to how much students know about the handbook and its
policies
Student Handbook. A document provided by the school that contains information about school
policies, rules, regulations, code of conduct, academic requirements, and other important
information relevant to students.
Senior High School Students. Students who are in the final years of their high school education,
typically in the 11th and 12th grades. The term specifies the target population of the study

Demographic Factors. Characteristics of the students, such as age, gender, grade level, and
previous educational background, which can influence their awareness of the handbook.

Acceptable Behavior. Refers to the expected standards of conduct and behavior that students are
required to adhere to while on school or engaged in school-related activities. Largely a matter of
respect for others combined with good common sense.

Unacceptable Behavior. Actions that violate the schools code of conduct, policies, or rules.

Potential Risks. Actions that could lead consequences for students.

Rules and Regulations. Guidelines and directives established by an educational institution to

govern the behavior and conduct of its students. These rules are designed to create safe,
respectful and conducive learning environment and often cover a wide range of area.

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 CHAPTER II
METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Presented in this chapter are the Research Design, Research Method, Locale and the
Population of the Study, Instrumentation and Data Collection, Validity and Reliability of the
study, Data Gathering Procedure, Tools for Data Analysis, Data Categorization, Formulation and
Validation of the Study and the Ethical Consideration.

Research Design

This study uses Descriptive Methodology of research using survey-questionnaire as the

main Instrument in gathering pertinent data. This enables the researchers to label an
understanding on a certain event or phenomena.

According to Jhonson and Christensen (2012), the primary goal of descriptive research
was to accurately portray the status or characteristics of a situation or phenomenon while
considering criteria for the examination of its concepts and system. To quantify outcomes and
make the choice to accept or reject null hypotheses, it uses statistical and mathematical means
with the goal of describing problems in a descriptive and numerical manner.

The Descriptive Quantitative research approach was employed in the study. Thus, design
is intended to collect information about current situations. Descriptive research is defined as a
research method that describes the characteristics of the population and a phenomenon studied.

In this certain case, the study was conducted to ascertain the awareness on the different
sections of Senior High School Student of Luna National High School in the Student handbook.
In terms of the level of awareness and degree of implementation of the Senior High Student in
the Student Handbook. Further, differences on the different sections of SHS Student in the
Student Handbook were given focus in this study.

Research Method
The survey questionnaire was the main instrument of data collection in this study, which
was structured, and self-administered. The questionnaire consisted of inquiry that helped in
making an assessment on awareness in the Student Handbook. It consists of questions that
determine the awareness of the respondents on the different sections of handbook.

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 Survey Questionnaire was developed by the researcher, reviewed by her adviser, and
validated by the experts composed of the guidance counselor or the guidance designate. These
groups checked the questionnaires validity to ascertain whether they could solicit the right
information that will answer the research problems. Corrections on the content and structure,
comments and suggestions from the validators were considered and applied on the final copy of
the questionnaire.
Locale and Population of the Study
The respondents of the study are the students of Senior High School Students of Luna
National High School in different grade level and strands.
Respondents of the study
The data on table 1 shows the total respondents in Grade 11.
Table 1: Grade 11 and their Strands
Sections Population
11-STEM LEIBNEZ 40
11-STEM PASTEUR 39
11-STEM PASCAL 39
11-HUMSS ANGELOU 50
11-HUMSS SHAKESPEARE 51
11-ABM MANUCCI 31
11-TVL HESTIA 46
11-ICT LOVEACE 29

The data in table 2 shows the total respondents in Grade 12.

Sections Population
12 STEM FIBONACCI 50
12 HUMSS PLATO 50
12 HUMSS AQUINAS 52
12 HUMSS SOCRATES 53
12 ABM PACIOLI 26
12 ICT TURING 30
12 HE RAMSAY 22
12 HE FIERE 22

Table 2: Grade 12 and their Sections

Instrumentation and Data Collection

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 The researchers used the survey questionnaire in gathering data. In choosing this, the
group created survey questionnaire answerable by Agree (1), Somewhat Agree (2), Somewhat
Disagree (3), Disagree (4), The survey questionnaire was answered by the Senior High Students
of Luna National High School, and aimed to determine the awareness of the senior high students
in the student handbook.

Validity and Reliability

The questions about the awareness of Senior High Schol Students in the Students
Handbook depends on the quality of the questions in the survey questionnaire and the methods
and procedures used to developed them. The survey should be conducted using survey
questionnaire that takes into Students Handbook. To ensure the validity of the questions that will
be asked in the survey questionnaires, it will be presented to the members of the panel and
experts in the field of Research.
Data Gathering Procedures
With the use of Survey Questionnaire guides. After the final printing of the survey
questionnaire, the researcher sought permission to conduct study through a letter from the
Research Adviser. After the approval of request to conduct study, letters to the panelists were
sent for approval and permission.
Thereafter, the researchers went to the respondents to administer survey questionnaire
personally to Senior High Student. Respondents were told not allowed to share their answers
while answering the questionnaire. Retrieval was done right after answering the survey
questionnaire. Lastly, data gathered were tabulated, analyzed, and interpreted for the completion
of the study.

Tools For Data Analysis

The data were gathered in response to the problems stated in the Chapter 1. The goal of
this research study is to find out the ‘awareness of senior high school student in the student
handbook’. The study employed quantitative data analysis procedure where descriptive research
frequency was use. Survey in form of questionnaire were given to Senior High School of the
Luna National High School. Gathered inform were analyzed through tables and figures to
summarize data which is an organized tabulation of the number of individuals and scores located
under each category of frequency distribution.

Ethical Consideration
Before performing the research, the researchers will first get consent from the
respondents. Survey questionnaire will be used. The researchers will not compel respondents to

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complete the questionnaire and will ensure that any personal information provided by
respondents is kept strictly.

REFERENCES
https://ojs.aaresearchindex.com/index.php/AAJMRA/article/view/3366?
fbclid=IwAR3HjyBhKMQcTxWiMJxfgLmwiI8ZUObIG5dk_mMoljR8Zd_V24f45v6O0qw

https://www.academia.edu/40823414/
Extent_of_implementation_of_student_handbook_basis_for_an_implememtation_program?
fbclid=IwAR3S6iICDoDpNQ2YQJhfKdwT0GeFzSrK6u4MP4XgSPYLiZk_QGFMDHM3c6E

Smith, A. (2017). "The Role of Student Handbooks in Higher Education." Journal of Educational
Administration, 38(2), 215-230. 2.
Commission on Higher Education (CHED). (2017). CHED Memorandum Order No. 30, Series
of 2017. Guidelines for Student Handbook Development

Book:
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY AND STUDENT HANDBOOK (2019)

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