Discussion Questions

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1.   Charles states that Lee and Marlene Canter published their book, Assertive Discipline: A Take-Charge Approach for Today's Educator in 1976 because of a "prevailing permissiveness" (72) at that time made it impossible for teachers to teach. What do you think Charles means by that?  By the turn of the century, Assertive Discipline was no longer prevalent in the classroom.  What do you think happened?


2.   In the mid 1990's, the Canters made some changes to Assertive Discipline to meet the changing needs of the classroom. Some of those key changes involved:
  • Making a sharper distinction between rules and directions
  • Distinguishing between disruptive and non-disruptive off-task behavior
  • Emphasizing positive strategies for keeping students on-task
  • Keeping consequences minimal
  • Tracking behavior in a private way
Suggest some other ways Assertive Discipline can be revamped to meet the needs of today's classrooms. Describe how these ways would help improve classroom management and make the Canter philosophy more practical.

3.   Have you ever had an experience with an Assertive Teacher -- as a student or adult?  Describe the experience and whether it was positive or negative and why. 
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