This document outlines the Assertive Discipline model developed by Lee and Marilyn Canter. It describes assertive discipline as a direct and positive approach that helps both teachers and students succeed. The model asserts that teachers must insist on responsible behavior from students and maintain firm control over the classroom in a humane way. Both teachers and students have basic rights - teachers have the right to an optimal learning environment while students have the right to support and understanding of consequences from their teachers. The document provides guidelines for an assertive discipline plan, including stating clear expectations, using a calm and firm voice, and following through consistently with limits and rewards.

1. Assertive Discipline
The Canter Model
BY:
Regina Klotz
Melissa Wannemacher

2. Assertive Discipline
• A direct and positive approach making
teachers and student successful

3. Model
• Teachers insist on responsible behavior
• When teachers fail, it is typically due to
poor class control
• Firm control maintained humanely is
liberating
• Teachers and students have basic rights

4. Teachers Basic Rights as
Educators
• Right to maintain an optimal setting for
learning
• Right to expect appropriate behavior
• Right to expect help from administration
and parents when appropriate

5. Students Basic Rights as
Learners
• The right to have teachers who help them
develop by helping them limit self-
destructive and inappropriate behaviors
• The right to have appropriate support from
their teachers for their appropriate behavior
• The right to choose how to behave with
advance knowledge of the consequences
that will logically and certainly follow

6. Discipline Plan
• State and teach expectations early
• Persistence in stating expectations with “I”
statements
• Use clear, calm, firm voice and eye contact
• Use non-verbal gestures that support the verbal
statement
• Influence student behavior without threats or
shouting
• Practice the broken record technique rather than
escalating into an argument

7. Types of Teachers
• Hostile - hostile
• Nonassertive – wishy washy
• Assertive – calm, firm, consistent
The assertive teacher is more effective than
the nonassertive or the hostile teacher

8. Assertive Discipline Steps
• Recognize and remove roadblocks
• Practice the use of assertive response styles
• Learning to set limits
• Learning to follow through on limits
• Implementing a system of positive
assertions

9. Rewards
• Personal attention
• Positive notes/phone calls to parents
• Special awards
• Special privileges
• Material rewards
• Home rewards
• Group rewards

10. References/Websites
• http://www.humboldt.edu/~tha1/canter.html
• http://www.honorlevel.com/techniques.html
• http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk.gyhsmith.assdis.html
• http://webpages.marshall.edu/~hardest3/disc.html
• http://www.msrossbec.com/discipline.shtml
• http://maxweber.hunter.cuny.edu/pub/eres/EDSPC715_MCI
NTYRE/AssertiveDiscipline.html
• http://www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/wagerman/486FOO/ch4%20canter.html
• http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndsu/wageman/486F00/ch4%20
Canter.htm
• http://www.ceres.k12.ca.us/caswell/Disc.htm