Therapeutic Strategies (8)

Discipline with Dignity

Discipline with Dignity involves an approach to behavior management in schools that fosters development of a school  climate of mutual respect. Developed by Richard Curwin and Allen Mendler -- and incorporating a variety of techniques and strategies, Discipline with Dignity provides means for preventing disciplinary problems, for dealing effectively with disciplinary situations when they occur, and for resolving especially difficult disciplinary matters.

Curwin and Mendler view student discipline as an integral aspect of classroom life, not as something that is imposed upon -- or separate from -- classroom activity. They state, ". . . the best decisions for managing student behavior are based on a value system that maintains the dignity of each student in all situations." The four principles of their approach hold that . . .

Most teachers would probably agree with the first three principles, for they suggest that teachers are reasonably responsible and in control of their classrooms. The fourth principle is somewhat controversial, however, for it indicates that some disciplinary problems may be due to the school's practices,
the teachers' behavior, or both (!).   Now, we briefly examine some Model Programs.