Why is Discipline Such a Problem?

I'm really going to stick my foot in my mouth on this one, but it needs to be said. Discipline is an issue because responsible adults allow it to be an issue. We are raising a generation of entitled children that won't be able to face life's realities or accept rejection. Give everyone a trophy. Give everyone an "A". Let everyone be class helper or line leader. In reality, there is a winning team, not everyone can earn an "A", and we all have to take turns.

Based on past experience and tales told by colleagues, the parent that thinks you are doing a wonderful job doesn't show up to sing your praises. Rather, it is the one that thinks you are an evil teacher plotting how to pick on her child. When this happens, it takes a confident and prepared administrator to successfully resolve the issue. Unfortunately, we are seeing fewer and fewer administrators equipped to handle these situations and fewer administrators that are supported by their superiors.  Let's face it, this is a new generation. This is an entirely new learning curve, but we must learn how to form school-home teams to teach our children about success AND failure. We have to teach them boundaries using structure and timeliness. We can't be afraid to speak up and speak out.  If we are, than our kids become the losers.

Discipline doesn't have to be a problem. It doesn't have to be cruel to be effective, but it does have to be enforced and consistent.  Teachers must be supported by school administrators and school administrators must be supported by district administrators. It is a necessary chain of command that has worked in the past and can still work, if we all make the effort.  Yes, discipline starts in the classroom, but you can't expect a teacher to have an effective discipline policy if she/he isn't supported by their superiors.  

A working system results in students being more productive, feeling more secure, and being safer.  It also results in higher morale of faculty and staff.  Maybe it's time to put a stop to the problem of discipline and put effective discipline into practice.

My newest resource! Over two weeks of reading lessons covering the life of Chief Seattle, caring for the environment, and eagles. Check it out at Chocolate 4 Teachers!

Take at look at the preview

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com