Hacking School Discipline

Eliminate old-school punishments and create a community of responsible, productive learners.

Are you or your teachers frustrated with carrots and sticks, detention rooms, and suspension–antiquated school discipline practices that simply do not work with the students entering our classrooms today? Our kids have complex needs, and we must empower and embrace them with restorative practices that not only change behaviors but transform students into productive citizens, accountable for their own actions.

Replace traditional school discipline with a proven system, founded on restorative justice.

“Maynard and Weinstein provide practical tips and strategies in the context of real-world examples, guided by the imperatives of changing the behavior and preserving the relationship. An important read for teachers and administrators.” -Danny Steele, award-winning principal and co-author of Essential Truths for Principals and Essential Truths for Teachers

Before you suspend another student …

read Hacking School Discipline, and build a school environment that promotes responsible learners, who never need to be punished. Then watch learning soar, teachers smile, and your entire community rejoice.

Course Format: 

This course is four weeks, self-paced, and asynchronous. As your professor, I recognize that life is complex and unpredictable, and I am committed to supporting your learning journey while considering your individual circumstances. While the hours for this course are outlined below and separated into ‘in class’ and ‘out of class’ hours, these may vary as to ‘where’ you do your learning. 

In-class activities may include (but are not limited to) interactive discussions, video lessons, guided reflections, interviews, and simulations that allow participants to explore key concepts in practical and engaging ways. Readings may take place both in and out of class, depending on how they support the application of course content. Out-of-class activities often encourage real-world application through assignments, observations, and continued reflection. This balanced approach helps educators connect their learning to everyday teaching practices and deepen their professional growth.

If you encounter challenges—whether personal, academic, or otherwise—that may impact your ability to meet course expectations, I encourage you to reach out to me as early as possible. Together, we can discuss options such as extensions, alternative assignments, or other accommodations to ensure your success in this course.

My goal is to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that prioritizes open communication and mutual respect. Please do not hesitate to advocate for yourself or seek guidance—I am here to help you succeed.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants will…

• Identify and describe the ten dimensions of an inclusive learning environment.
• Assess personal strengths and growth areas within each of the ten dimensions of an inclusive learning environment.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of their current school-wide behavior system.
• Interpret and analyze office referral data to identify trends and areas of concern.
• Facilitate a data-driven conversation with school leadership to set measurable goals for reducing office referrals through the implementation of one or more “Hacks.”
• Implement strategies that reduce recurring negative behaviors while fostering student self-regulation and empathy.
• Strengthen communication and collaboration to accurately identify the root causes of negative behaviors.
• Apply restorative justice techniques to reflect on behaviors, promote student voice, and design actionable steps toward meaningful change.

Course Details:

Date: Available now.
Instructor: Stephanie Scott
Number of Graduate/License Renewal Credits: 2 credits (Licensure Renewal or Graduate Credit)
Higher Ed Partner for Graduate Credit: CSU Pueblo