Student transfer procedures and practices of Alabama K--12 school districts: Implications for school safety and security

This study investigated the uniformity of student enrollment information for transfer students in K--12 schools in Alabama. The purpose of the study was to collect written procedures and related documents from Alabama school districts regarding student transfers. By compiling an information base related to safety issues and educational challenges that relate to student transfers, this dissertation has hoped to provide a guide for student transfers in the state of Alabama.;Frequency and percentages techniques were used to analyze the data and to provide a profile of current policy, practices, and procedures of Alabama school districts regarding student transfers. The findings indicated that school districts depend on and comply with guidelines provided by the Alabama State Department of Education, including information on basic demographics. School districts had documents to record individual student discipline incidents, services, and disciplinary history of transferring students. Fewer than 50% of responding school districts had policy and procedures regarding the correctness and/or truthfulness of information provided by parents or guardians.;Findings demonstrated the need for better communication regarding a student's educational history. Portions of a student's education history are as important as their immunization history. A majority of responding school districts are doing what is minimally required by the Alabama State Department of Education. Based on the findings, recommendations are offered for improvement of the student transfer enrollment form.