Citing a "school" typically involves referencing specific documents, policies, or information produced by or associated with an educational institution, rather than the institution itself as a primary source. The exact method of citation depends on the type of source and the specific citation style you are using (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago).
Citing Documents from a School
Most commonly, you will cite a specific document that originates from a school, such as a report, a policy handbook, or even a transcript. In these cases, the school is often treated as the publisher or an organizational author.
Works Cited Entry Format (MLA Style Example)
The provided reference illustrates a common format for citing a document like a report card or an official school publication within a Works Cited list, often aligned with MLA style guidelines:
Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Document (e.g., Report Card)." Name of the School, Year.
Let's break down each component of this citation for clarity:
| Component | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Author | The individual (if identifiable) or department responsible for creating the document. If no individual author is listed, you might start with the school/district name or the document title. | Smith, Jane. or Department of Education. |
| "Title of Document" | The complete and accurate title of the specific document you are citing, enclosed in quotation marks. | "Student Progress Report - Fall 2023." |
| Name of the School | The full, official name of the educational institution. This acts as the publisher or container. | Lincoln High School, |
| Year | The year the document was published, issued, or last revised. | 2023. |
Practical Application & Examples
Here are a few examples demonstrating how to apply this format:
- Citing a Student Report Card (if you are citing your own or one for which you have permission):
Doe, John. "Report Card - Spring Semester 2023." [Your School Name] High School, 2023. - Citing a School Policy Document:
[School District Name]. "Student Code of Conduct." [Specific School Name, if applicable], 2022.- Note: If the document is from the district and applies to multiple schools, use the district name as the author. If it's specific to one school, include that school's name.
- Citing an Official School Report:
Springfield Elementary School. "Annual Performance Review." 2023.- Note: In this case, the school itself is treated as the author if no specific individual is credited.
Other Common Scenarios for Citing School-Related Information
Beyond direct documents, you might need to cite other types of information related to a school.
Citing a School's Website
When referencing general information, an "About Us" page, or a specific article found on the school's official website:
- MLA Style (9th Edition):
"Title of the Specific Page." Name of the School's Website, Publisher (if different from school name), Day Month Year of publication/last update (if available), URL.- Example:
"About Our Curriculum." *Maplewood Middle School*, 15 Sep. 2023, www.maplewoodms.edu/curriculum.
- Example:
Citing School Policies or Publications (General)
For official documents or publications that do not list a specific individual author:
- Approach: Start with the name of the school or school district as the author.
- Example:
[School Name/District Name]. "Title of Document." Year.- Full Example:
Evergreen School District. "Special Education Program Handbook." 2021.
- Full Example:
Citing an Interview with a School Official
If your research involves original communication with a school official:
- MLA Style (9th Edition):
Last Name, First Name of Interviewee. Personal interview. Day Month Year.- Example:
Johnson, Sarah. Personal interview. 15 Oct. 2023. - In-text: Mention the interviewee's title and connection to the school within your prose (e.g., "According to Sarah Johnson, principal of Lakeside High School...").
- Example:
General In-Text References
For general mentions of a school in your writing that don't involve quoting specific data or documents, a formal citation might not always be necessary. However, always ensure clarity and attribution.
- Example: "The new STEM program at [School Name] has significantly improved student engagement."
- If you are referencing general data or common knowledge about a specific school that isn't from a particular source you need to cite, simply naming the school is often sufficient. If the information is specific and verifiable, a formal citation is required.
Key Considerations for Accurate School Citation
- Citation Style Adherence: Always consult the specific style guide (MLA, APA, Chicago) required for your assignment or publication. While the provided reference gives an MLA-like example, details can vary.
- Source Type: Clearly identify whether you are citing a website, a PDF document, an official report, a personal communication, or another type of source.
- Availability: If the source is online, ensure the URL provided is stable and accessible.
- Specificity: Be as precise as possible. If you are referencing a particular section, page number, or table within a longer document, include that information in your in-text citation.
