Grounded in Discipline with Dignity – Niles Community Schools
The background and rationale for the Niles Community Schools in Niles, Michigan are grounded in the concepts of Discipline with Dignity, a phrase coined by Drs Mendler and Curwin:
“The student is the reason for our being. We know that our students have diverse backgrounds and needs. Our charge and challenge is to accept these differences and meet each student’s needs as we educate the adult citizens of tomorrow. …The success of the students today and in tomorrow’s global society is directly related to their perception of self-worth; their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills; and their ability to problem solve, predict consequences, and make appropriate choices.”[1]
[1] Mendler, A.N., & Curwin, R.L. (1999) Discipline with Dignity for Challenging Youth. Bloomington: National Education Service., p.170.
black board, white chalk 