The School Discipline Fix: Changing Behavior Using the Collaborative Problem Solving Approach

by J. Stuart Ablon, Alisha R. Pollastri

A complete guide to a paradigm-shifting model of school discipline.  Disruptive students need problem-solving skills, not punishment. Traditional school discipline is ineffective and often damaging, relying heavily on punishments and motivational procedures aimed at giving students the incentive to behave better. There is a better way. Dr. Ablon and his co-author Dr. Pollastri have been working with schools throughout the world to refine the Collaborative Problem-Solving (CPS) approach, creating a step-by-step program for educators based on the recognition―from research in neuroscience―that challenging classroom behaviors are due to a deficit of  skill , not  will.  This book provides everything needed to implement the program, including reproducible assessment tools to pinpoint skill deficits in areas like frustration tolerance and flexibility that are at the root of students' challenging behaviors. Whether you are a teacher, counselor, coach, or administrator, the CPS approach to school discipline will provide you with a new mindset, an assessment process, and an effective intervention plan for each of your challenging students. You will walk away with strategies that are immediately actionable with the students in your life.

Genres: Education, Teaching

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2018

About the author

J. Stuart Ablon, Ph.D., is the Director of Think:Kids in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is also Associate Clinical Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Ablon co-founded the Center for Collaborative Problem Solving where he also served as Co-Director from its inception until 2008. Dr. Ablon is co-author of Treating Explosive Kids: The Collaborative Problem Solving Approach and author of numerous articles, chapters and scientific papers on the process and outcome of psychosocial interventions. A dynamic and engaging speaker, Dr. Ablon was recently ranked #5 on the list of the world’s top rated keynote speakers in the academic arena.

Dr. Ablon’s research has been funded by, amongst others, the National Institute of Health, the American Psychological Association, the American Psychoanalytic Association, the International Psychoanalytic Association, the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Institute, and the Endowment for the Advancement of Psychotherapy. Dr. Ablon received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of California at Berkeley and completed his predoctoral and postdoctoral training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Ablon trains parents, educators, and clinicians and consults to schools and treatment programs throughout the world in the Collaborative Problem Solving approach.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book outlines the core principles of CPS in order to overhaul traditional school discipline systems that don't actually address the root problems of challenging behavior. The book has value for both classroom educators and administrators, but I would suggest that it's difficult to follow or implement as a stand alone product; a seminar, workshop, or other professional support system would would a great assistance for what the book offers. In an era of rising emphasis on restorative practices and Social Emotional Learning, CPS has a natural home in schools.

[Kaitlin Jundt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a book study for credit toward my teacher licensure. It helped me reframe my thinking about children who struggle behaviorally. I like how the motto is to focus on what skill is missing and model what is expected. I also liked how the discipline approach involves the child in deciding how to restore their behavior. Both teacher and child get to share their concerns and come up with a plan of action that works for both.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and eminently practical. Loved this book.

[Carie Gall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Collaborative problem solving approach but more from a school lens.

[Desilu Anne Nair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and practical tips to handle discipline issues collectively at school.

[Anna]

I’m reading Ross Greene’s books instead.