Assertive Discipline

1. Assertive Discipline What does this mean for your classroom?

2. What is assertive discipline? • It is a classroom management tool. • Created by the teacher. • Implemented at the beginning of the year This model is made up of three major components. • Set of classroom rules. • Established positive reinforcements for the students that follow the rules. • Established consequences for the students that do not follow the rules.

3. Classroom Rules • Develop a small number of classroom rules • Maximum of five – easier for students to remember • Use the broken record technique. • Repeat the rules several times. • Have the students write out the rules, take it home for their parents to review, and sign • Focus on observable behavior rules • Should apply to classroom behavior every time Example: Raise your hand before speaking No talking while the teacher is talking

4. Positive Reinforcements • Positive recognition for students who follow the classroom rules. • Creates a positive learning environment. • Classroom recognition makes everyone responsible for classroom behavior. Examples of good behavior rewards: stamps, stickers, positive notes home, special privileges

5. Consequences • This should include a list of consequences. • Each consequence becoming more severe. • Make it age appropriate. • Make it something students will not enjoy. Example of consequences for bad behavior: Warning, name on the board, losing recess minutes, note home to parents, visit to the principal.

6. Pros of Assertive Discipline • It develops good classroom control. • Students know the expectations and the consequences. • It builds classroom respect. • Promotes a caring, respectful, positive leaning environment. • It is an easy plan for students and parents to understand. • It is an easy plan for teachers to implement.

7. Cons of Assertive Discipline • It may not fit your teaching style. • This model may not fit the needs of all students. • Teachers may misuse the control. • Teachers may not be consistent with all of the rules all of the time. • Teachers could lose credibility with the students.

8. Principles and assumptions • Assertive discipline is based on the assumption that the teachers are the leaders of the classroom. • It is the responsibility of each teacher to teach students about rules and expectations. • It is the responsibility of each teacher to enforce the consequences for misbehavior. • This is a proactive way to maintain classroom management. • The purpose is not to punish students, merely to provide guidance.

9. Principles and assumptions continued • If a rule is broken, do not accept excuses. • Teachers should use a soft but firm tone of voice. • Do not embarrass the student in front of the class.

10. Classroom management sample • Explain the rules, positive rewards, and consequences. • At the beginning of school, give each student a stamp sheet, positive reward and explain the brownie sheet. • When a student is caught following the rules give them a stamp. • When they get 10 stamps they get to put a piece of the brownie on the sheet. • When the brownie sheet is filled the classroom gets a reward. • When they get their sheet filled they get a personal reward.

11. References Curwin, R. L., Mendler, A. N., & Mendler B.D. (2008). Discipline with dignity. New challenges, new solutions. (3rd ed.). 103-124. Klotz, R. &. (n.d.). Assertive discipline, the canter model. Retrieved September 17, 2012, from www.cehs.wright.edu/~cfinegan/.../Ede.../Assertive_Discipline.ppt McIntyre, T. (n.d.). Assertive discipline. Retrieved September 17, 2012, from http://www.behavioradvisor.com/AssertiveDiscipline.html Sandidge, R. F. (2006). Classroom management. Retrieved September 17, 2012, from Education. com, inc.: http://www.education.com/reference/article/classroom- management/