"Foreword" for
Time To Teach: Encouragement, Empowerment, and Excellence in Every Classroom

FOREWORD

     Research as well as daily headlines proclaim that aggressive and violent behaviors are increasing among children and youth in America's schools. We are all alarmed by the increasing numbers of youth who confront their parents, teachers, and school personnel with persistent, threatening, and destructive behaviors. In the aftermath of recent tragedies in American schools, it is all to clear that violence corrodes the educational process and threatens the safety of both students and teachers.

     We do not pretend to have the secret to preventing such tragedies, whose causes are multiple and complex. But we do believe that good disciplinarians - at home and at school - promptly address minor problems in order to prevent major ones. Contemporary teachers realize that good discipline begins with the "little stuff." Yet there is very little research or atention focused on the low-level behaviors impacting every classroom almost every minute of every day - and often preceding far more challenging and aggressive behavior! We feel that such neglect must be corrected. This program shows how prompt attention to the "little stuff" can prevent the "big stuff" - that is, how good timing is the key to effective discipline.

     "Time To Teach" contains both theories and techniques. The theories will provide an understanding of low-level behaviors and how they impact children. The techniques will demonstrate how those behaviors can be eliminated. Additionally, the techniques can help you manage a wide range of behavioral challenges with confidence and satisfaction.