Assertive Discipline is a classroom management approach that aims to allow teachers to engage students in learning despite misbehavior. It involves clearly defining rules for student behavior, providing positive recognition for following rules, and escalating consequences for breaking rules. While it is meant to reduce disruptions and encourage rule following, critics argue it is a totalitarian approach developed for specific student populations and assumes one model fits all. Proponents state it gives teachers more teaching time when students understand expectations and consequences.

1. Assertive Discipline in the classroom
by Lee and Marlene Canter
Assertive Discipline
* The underlying goal of Assertive Discipline is allowing teachers to engage their students
in the learning environment in the classroom and continue on despite the misbehavior of
other students in the class
* This is partly achieved by developing a precise and clear set of classroom rules, which
students must follow at all times inside and outside the classroom
-Positive recognition that students receive for following the rules
-Consequences that result when students choose not to follow the rules
(consequences escalate when students break more rules in the same session)
-With the start of a new day comes a new chance to be quality students
There are some preconceived ideas that come with Assertive Discipline
That students are going to misbehave
It is enforced that students comply with rules, and that there is a totalitarian approach
Teachers want to be able to teach without interruptions from students who are doing the
wrong thing
That Punishment for wrong behavior discourages students from breaking rules that the
teacher has put into the classroom enviroment.

2. Positive’s of Assertive Discipline
Gives teachers more valuable teaching time in the classroom
Gives students clear understanding of what is expected, and hence helps stop problems
occurring in the first place. They don’t break the rules because they know exactly what will
happen if they do
When only a warning is required to stop behavior, it helps save time the teacher doesn’t need
to deviate from their teaching for long periods of time.
Negative’s of Assertive Discipline
All rules are made by a teacher and students are told to obey or not, but if they do not obey
then there will be consequences
Canter developed assertive discipline for a specific type of students (those with special needs)
but assumes that the same model will work for all students.
Very little “hard research” on assertive discipline
How Assertive Discipline is best used in the classroom environment
There is no reason whatsoever for misbehavior
Have your 4 or 5 rules and STICK TO THEM
Determine appropriate positive and negative consequences for the respective outcomes
Display rules clearly in the classroom on the wall
Students sign an agreement or contract stating they will follow rules, it is between teacher
and student.
Whenever a student chooses to behave in the correct manner RECOGNISE IT IMMEDIATELY
The KEY to assertive discipline is to catch students being good, quality students.