When ASCD asked us to write a new edition of Discipline with Dignity, we were given an opportunity to review our work and its impact on children in the years since we first wrote it. We invited Brian Mendler to join us in this endeavor. Brian is an experienced teacher and has used the Discipline with Dignity strategies and philosophy in his classroom with the most challenging of students. Brian adds real-life experience and fresh ideas to our original work. He has challenged us to review our older beliefs and brings a wonderful charm that has greatly enhanced this new book. We are very grateful for his contribution.

Throughout the process of writing this book, the three of us have carefully examined every page of our original work. We are happy to say that much of the original work is still pertinent and remains intact. However, we have enhanced, added, and learned so much since the first publication. Students have changed, society has changed, schools have changed, and, of course, so have we. This edition stays true to our original beliefs and values. Children and teachers need dignity and tools to learn to become responsible people. Yet so much more has been added. We hope you benefit as much from reading this new edition as we have from writing it.

Notes

Gender

We felt uncomfortable with the convention of using singular masculine pronouns like he and his, so we have tried to alternate between he and she throughout the book.

Voice

Throughout the book, we use the plural we for our thoughts, ideas, and strategies. We have also included personal stories and anecdotes. We have purposely left out the name of the author who experienced the anecdote.