Discipline: Art or Science?

Do you think student discipline is an art or a science? or both? explain.

How can you tell at your current school, when the students are not being disciplined?

We all have our own philosophies and opinions about how students need to be disciplined for inappropriate behavior. I have seen teachers frustrated because the students have no fear to go to the office to see the principal. I have witnessed students stating that "I can do whatever I want because the Principal won't do anything to me." I think this presents a huge problem between the principal, teachers and students. If students know they can get away with something, they will keep doing it. Bottom line, I want the students to be prepared for reality. We all know that in the "real world" there are consequences for not following the rules. If we don't teach them that now, we are simply setting them up for failure in the future.

Sample School Discipline Plan

From:
Carman Elementary School
Carman, Manitoba
Canada R0G 0J0

Here is a sample of a school discipline plan.

http://www.cici.mb.ca/carmanel/discipline.htm

On their site, you can also find their Behavior Policy and Code of Conduct. It is interesting to see that their plan also includes snow balls!! Canada!

A school discipline plan is telling and important for school success. It fosters transparency, promotes academic success as well as provides the format for a safe environment. A good plan also creates a feeling of comfort, mutual respect and responsibilities.

Questions - What do you think is missing from this plan? What is confusing or needs to be clarified? Is it possible to have a standard discipline plan, or does it need to be customized?

Welcome!

Hello teachers, adminstrators and others interested in student discipline. This blog is a space where you can share advice, strategies and thoughts on student discipline. You can, of course, comment to any of the posts on the site. If you want to be a regular poster on this blog please e-mail the blog administrator at gill_family@verizon.net and request to be added as a contributor. We look forward to reading all of your comments!