What is the key to maintaining good student discipline?

There isn't just one key but a number of key elements to maintaining good student discipline. Consistency. Fairness. No idle threats: Say what you mean and mean what you say. Follow-through. Most important: 'They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.'
Donna Signs, Owego, N.Y.

High expectations, respect for students and their parents and always being consistent. But we must also have the backing of the administration.
Addilena Little, Austin, Texas

Make sure the students are not bored. A lot of times, students will act out because they are bored, maybe because the work is too easy or too hard. If students are bright, they should be challenged. If students are barely getting by, their classes should be smaller and they should be given more and adequate help.
John Franzese, Saint James, N.Y.

Discipline should be a coordinated, schoolwide effort on the part of the administration, teachers and all staff members. As things are today, too much is left to the individual to handle, and the result is inconsistent and just plain does not work.
Carl Amick, Corpus Christi, Texas

Set high standards. Even if they miss, they will be better off than not having any standards at all.
Carolyn Duncanson, Orlando, Fla.

Respect for yourself as well as the student. If you lay down the ground rules, explain expectations and consequences, and stick to them, students usually will follow the rules.
Katherine Trozzi, Utica, N.Y.