We believe that discipline must be logical. In other words, it means doing what is necessary to get desired results for both the educator and the student. Logical discipline is proactive to avoid problematic behaviors, builds skills and tools with students, and it holds students accountable for their actions in a way that changes behavior while maintaining their dignity. Student behaviors can be frustrating and make teaching harder. Especially student behaviors that don’t seem to change. We don’t always know what to try next or how to go beyond the surface-level behaviors to get down to the why behind it. Many of our students need support with their social-emotional development, work habits, academics, soft skills, and more. By supporting, teaching, and collaborating with students where they are, real growth can occur. Logical discipline combines strategies from restorative practices, trauma-informed practices, equitable practices, and more to improve outcomes for all students.
Brad is a co-author of the Washington Post bestseller Hacking School Discipline: 9 Ways to Create a Culture of Empathy and Responsibility Using Restorative Justice and has been featured in numerous high-profile publications and podcasts. Brad was the founding Director of Curriculum and Instruction for a network of high schools in Indiana dedicated to an innovative student-centered approach to equipping students with future-ready skills to enhance outcomes in college attainment and career success. Prior to that, he served as principal of a high school on the east side of Indianapolis. Brad is a former teacher of the year and taught for 11 years at the middle school and elementary school levels. Over the past three years, he has been working with school districts across the United States on restorative practices implementation.