Date of Award

11-2008

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Executive Leadership

First Supervisor

Mary S. Collins

Second Supervisor

Julius Gregg Adams

Abstract

The primary objective of this intervention study was to examine the prevalence of bullying within a small Catholic, middle-school and to evaluate the impact of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) on prevalence rates of bullying and students' perceived sense of safety. Multi-informant information was obtained from students, teachers and parents. A quasi-experimental design was utilized that consisted of a time-lagged contrast between age-equivalent groups. Students and teachers who received the OBPP intervention tor one year were compared to students and teachers who did not receive the OBPP intervention. A total of 273 student , 18 teachers and 88 parents participated. The research instruments included the Revised Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire and Teacher and Parent Questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were generated to analyze findings. Statistically significant positive findings were noted for 7th grade females on prevalence of bullying and perceived sense of safety. In contrast, substantial variability was noted for 8th grade female students on prevalence and types of bullying reported. Findings further suggested significant gender and grade differences on multiple items related to types of bullying . Teachers reported consistent and significant improvements in capacity to identify manage and report bullying incidents following one year of OBPP intervention.

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