By Megan WeissmannA guide to more effective disciplineBecause of the kids; the very reason you decided to become an educator (hopefully). It can be easy to succumb to cynicism after many years of teaching bad kids, but you just cant.Dont be one more person in their life that doesnt believe in them. Why should we care?As educators, we all have a lot on our plates. But the fact is that we, as a society cannot afford (both fiscally and culturally) to keep doing what we are doing. No one expects you to be perfect, but the mark of a good teacher is trying to do right by your students. Sometimes, we succeed in this, but not always. The important thing is that we all take the necessary steps towards improving our teaching practices, and the advice laid out in this pamphlet provides you with some of those steps. I know, easier said than done, right?Breaking the School-to-Prison PipelineWhat can we, as educators, do to help these students avoid the path that has been laid out for them? Here are some helpful tips and tricks that will make your discipline practices more effective for you and your students. Communicate with your students in a meaningful way Inform your students about the resources available to them for support Avoid punitive discipline when dealing with students Practice preventative discipline whenever possible Control your biases when dealing with students Allow your students to express themselves openly Take time to build healthy and open relationships with studentsit will pay off Reduce, prevent, and improve harmful behavior Resolve conflictsdont ignore them Hold individuals and groups accountable for their actions Throw out your zero-tolerance policy Dont get discouraged! Every childs future is worth your frustrationTreat young offenders like your own child. The US has 25% of the worlds prison population, but only 5% of the worlds population Prison Population has risen 700% since 1970 58% of all males in federal and state prison do not have a High School Diploma The US spends $70 Billion annually on incarceration, probation, and parole

The School-to-Prison Pipeline is a national trend whereby students are funneled out of public schools and into the criminal justice system. KnowtheFactsSteps to breaking this trend