Discipline Answers

QUESTION: I’d like to put my student’s names on clothespegs and then move them to different levels on the Hierarchy chart if they misbehave or do something at a high level?  Does this fit with the DWS approach? RESPONSE: Although it might seem as if clothepegs on the Hierarchy chart create a concrete visual to help remind [...]

QUESTION: Dr. Marshall says that we should teach students that in this system of discipline, operation on Levels A and B “automatically invites the use of authority” by the teacher. My students understand that continued operation on the lower levels will result in the use of authority. They see this as a good reason for [...]

QUESTION: What if a child trips and accidentally hurts another student? Is this Level A behavior according to the RRSystem of discipline? RESPONSE: When teaching the Hierarchy, it is important to ensure that students understand that with regard to Level A, we are discussing deliberate actions that result in damage or injury, not accidents. Accidents [...]

QUESTION: Today I began introducing the DwStress Hierarchy to my class. As we were discussing the four levels of behavior, one boy with emotional problems said, “I like Level A. I like to be on Level A. I don’t want to be on Level C or D.” This boy has had so much negative attention [...]

QUESTION: Does anyone know if DWS is ever implemented in high school? I teach high school Leadership classes and I think high schoolers need these things even more immediately than little ones. The real world is going to require self-discipline of them, real soon! Raising their responsibility is exactly what high school kids need. Most [...]

QUESTION: Although I use Marshall’s levels, I’m a bit put off by 
the “reverse A-D system,” with D being the best. It goes opposite to how we typically think of grades or levels. 
I’ve finally come up with my own labels. I think they have the 
same meaning but in reverse order.
 Any comments? Lowest [...]

QUESTION: I am still waiting for my Discipline without Stress book to arrive, but this morning I introduced the system to my class anyway. Even though it’s almost the end of the year, I have such big behavior problems that I decided I had nothing to lose and everything to gain! However, I must have [...]

Question: Although I use Marshall’s levels, I’m a bit put off by 
the “reverse A-D system.” D being the best goes so 
opposite of how we usually think of grades or levels. Response: Although it’s true that school letter grades and the DwSTRESS Hierarchy levels are arranged in opposite order, at my K-6 school, we [...]

QUESTION: I am considering modifying the descriptions of the Hierarchy levels, however I’m not sure I understand the difference between Levels C and D. The following is my rough draft–would this be correct? Level D – Democracy – Shows caring, kindness, respect, responsibility and honesty because of INTERNAL motivation. Level C – Compliance – Shows [...]

QUESTION: I am confused about the specifics of the Hierarchy. I need concrete examples of behaviors for each level so that I can correctly explain them to my students. RESPONSE: Below are some examples of behaviors on each of the four levels as well as the most important understandings to convey to your students. Level [...]