Non-Punitive School Discipline

When educators are challenged to address problem student behaviors, the question in their minds should never be “What’s the right punishment?” Instead, this book describes the benefits to both teachers and students of using a relational discipline approach. The author draws on deep experiences as a teacher, coach, and school principal to show how discipline done right can help students to grow in self-management and responsibility. Listening to students and getting to know them are key to helping them to see consequences and make good choices. The author includes sample teacher–student dialogs with actual words to use to deflect power struggles, develop positive relationships, and keep kids accountable without fostering resentment. Frank shares guidelines that have already helped hundreds of grateful teachers to avoid the frustration and discouragement that often occur when working with student misbehavior. Featuring enlightening stories and situation-specific strategies, Non-Punitive School Discipline will help K–12 teachers, school administrators, and support staff experience the joy and satisfaction that can come when students grow in positive ways.

Book Features:

• Provides guidance for how to handle minor and major misbehaviors.
• Promotes discipline that includes accountability, within a non-punitive, restorative, and relational approach.
• Shows how schools can foster relationships that lead to positive growth for every student, even those who present problem behaviors.
• Ready-to-use forms and practical strategies to aid in implementation.

Adam H. Frank, principal at Palmer Ridge High School in Monument, Colorado, provides consulting, speaking, and professional development services specializing in school discipline, legal practices, student-centered engagement, leadership development, and change theory. Learn more at DrAdamFrank.com or follow him on Twitter at @DrAdamFrank.

“Dr. Frank’s book is based on his experience as a practitioner. He shows how he shifts the emphasis from discipline as a stand-alone product to discipline within the skillful practice of a purposeful relationship.”
—From the Foreword by Harry Wong, educational speaker and author