Cotton (2001) suggests a number of strategies for creating a well-disciplined school. The following preventive measures are key elements of schools that exercise preventive practices and are well-disciplined.
- The entire staff must be committed to exercising an intolerance of conditions that inhibit learning.
- Communicate high expectations for appropriate student behavior.
- Clearly state rules that are developed as a result of input from all participants within a school, including staff, students, and administrators.
- Create a warm environment where educators take an active interest in the personal goals, achievements and problems of students.
- School leaders are visible, accessible, and supportive.
- Teachers are expected to handle routine discipline problems. Help from the principal is provided in the form of staff development and assistance for critical situations.
- Form partnerships with the community.