who is tired of our extremely politically correct society? I am!

The theory of Discipline with Dignity (Curwin, 2010) brings all of the elements of instruction and discipline that we need in our society today.  We have become a soft society and too “PC” or politically correct.  What does that really mean anyway?  Discipline as swung from far right to far left over the last twenty plus years.  Our principal paddled the “bad” students back in the day, but you cannot do that now.  Heck…spanking your own child, in the public grocery store, will most definitely result in “PC” stares.  One might be able to get away with a “time-out” but don’t raise your voice or yell because someone might drag you into court.  The lack of discipline from parents and ultimately some teachers has caused children, in our current society, to think that they are in charge and the rules don’t apply to them.  Do our children really even know what a consequence is?  Do we use the word “consequence” however; never follow through with the action?

The point is, with everything happening in our current changing society, wouldn’t it make sense to provide discipline in the middle and keep it balanced.  

In my opinion, getting to know your students and your children, including them in the development of a classroom plan, making them feel a part of something, getting their buy-in, and managing it together can only build mutual respect and minimize bad behavior.  Then you develop the contract with the students, because there must be consequences and we must follow through with them.  The difference is in the delivery.  This is a reminder of something Mom always said, “Amy, remember that actions speak louder than words.”