The Assertive Discipline Model – Lee and Marlene Canter -

1. The Assertive Discipline Model – Lee and Marlene Canter - Abril Zavala – Period ¼ http://www.thelearningcommunity.us/resources-by-format/tips-for-parents/student-council.aspx

2. Lee and Marlene Canter (Early History) • Lee Canter achieved two degrees: a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in social work, while living in California. He met Marlene in the Los Angeles area and eventually got married in the 1960’s, having two children. • Lee and Marlene now devote their lives to education and helping teachers establish control in the classroom. http://eced3271-4.wiki.westga.edu/Lee+and+Marlene+Canter

3. What started Assertive Discipline? • In the 1960’s, it was discovered that teachers were having a hard time managing their classrooms, thus disrupting the learning environment and affecting student achievement and progress. It was thought that the social and political unrest of the 1960’s and the 1970’s were linked to students acting out. • In order to respond to all this, many discipline models were put into effect, such as the Assertive Discipline model, created by Lee and Marlene Canter.

4. The Assertive Discipline Model • The Assertive Discipline Model was built based on the premise that teachers should be able to properly conduct their classroom with authority. For students, it meant that they should be taught in a classroom with orderly control. They do not have the right to disrupt the class environment. • The model assumes that students know the rules, and only break them because they want to, not because they don’t know about it.

5. What is the model meant for? What the model IS: What the model is NOT: A tool to punish negative behavior A tool for the teacher to become a complete dictator in the classroom Physically or psychologically harming to the students • Positive reinforcement for good behavior • A tool for the teacher to maintain control in the classroom http://imgarcade.com/1/smiley-face-sad-happy/

6. Main Focus of the Model • Finding students having positive behavior • When the students are behaving well, the teacher should acknowledge that • Students obey the rules because they get something out of it (according to Canter) • Students should understand the consequences for breaking the rules • Teachers find this model easy, memorable, and effective in their classrooms http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assertive_discipline

7. Principal Teachings http://imgkid.com/teachers-in-classroom.shtml • 1. Teachers will not tolerate students misbehaving. • 2. Teachers will not let any student disrupt the environment nor let them disturb another student. • 3. Teachers will recognize and praise correct behavior whenever possible. • 4. Teachers are the head of a classroom, and they must take charge. • 5. Teachers must dismiss the thought that there is any acceptable reason for misbehavior.

8. How Teachers Should Use the Model • Give 4-5 memorable rules that are the best in your classroom • Have consequences for both negative and positive behavior • List both the rules and the consequences on the board or on the wall • Have a course syllabus for the students to take home have their parents sign • Initiate this program at the very beginning of the year.

9. First Infraction: The student is given a verbal warning to stop misbehaving. • Second Infraction: The student is given a ten-minute time out. • Third Infraction: The student is given longer time-out, approximately fifteen minutes. • Fourth Infraction: The student's parents are called to be informed of misbehavior. • Fifth Infraction: The student is sent to the principal/dean's office. Asserting Discipline Lee and Marlene Canter suggest a five-step discipline plan to follow, should students continue misbehaving. This discipline has escalating consequences. http://pastorronbrooks.com/dealing-with-discipline-classroom-and-ministry-ideas-and-tips/#sthash.BzaEOVLR.dpbs

10. Types of Assertiveness • Non-assertive teachers: They are passive, do not establish rules in the classroom nor consequences, and thus are weak in maintaining class control. • Hostile teachers: They act as though they are a dictator. They tend to yell frequently and do not like students. Hostile teachers use threats and sarcasm in order to assume control. • Assertive teachers: They give clear expectations and rules, along with consequences. They provide positive reinforcement for positive behavior and acknowledge misbehavior. They are most effective in establishing control. http://assertivedisciplinebycanter.wikispaces.com/Assertive+Teachers

11. Opposition? • Thought it has been praised as an effective tool for maintaining classroom control, some teachers and parents opposed the Assertive Discipline. They complained that the system of rewarding good behavior with treats was “unhealthy”, and that learning should be a reward by itself. • Parents also didn’t like the fact that their misbehaving students were being singled out in front of their classmates, or that they were losing their recess privileges. • But many teachers still approve of this system because it assists in giving them control over the classroom with little to no disruption. http://assertivedisciplinebycanter.wikispaces.com/Opposition+to+Assertive+Discipline