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Discover how Conscious Discipline began in 1996 as the “brain-child” of Dr. Becky Bailey and Kate O’Neil. Gain an insightful and exciting view of our remarkable growth and transformational results.
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Learn more about Dr. Becky Bailey, a remarkable educator, author and speaker, and the creator of Conscious Discipline. Browse her experience, education, publications and awards.
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Press Releases
Elevate Conscious Discipline 2024: Embrace Possibilities Keynote Speakers Announced
August 2024 – Conscious Discipline, a 25-year leader in educational practices for self-regulation and resiliency, has announced an impressive line-up of keynote speakers for their widely anticipated annual conference, Elevate Conscious Discipline 2024: Embrace Possibilities October 23-25, in Las Vegas, NV. The Elevate conference empowers educators and administrators with meaningful connections, inspiration for a successful school year, and the mindset and skillset necessary to create thriving learning environments.
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Amy Niemeier Elected as Zone 5 Director for NAESP
Conscious Discipline’s own Certified Instructor Amy Niemeier has been elected as Zone 5 Director for the National Association of Elementary School Principals. NAESP is a professional organization serving elementary and middle-level principals who represent 35 million children in pre-K through grade 8. As Zone 5 Director, Amy will represent school leaders in Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky during her three-year term. Congratulations, Amy!
![Students with teacher](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/middle-high-school-students-with-teacher-copy-2.webp)
We Are Teachers, a respected online platform and community for educators, featured Conscious Discipline’s revolutionary approach to discipline in an article titled, “Here’s How to Fix 3 Major School Discipline Failures: Serious Solutions Require Serious Support.” The piece identifies some of the current disciplinary struggles educators face in school districts, buildings and classrooms and pairs them with tried and tested Conscious Discipline solutions, such as viewing behavior as evidence of a missing skill and more.
Read More![](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/middle-school-student-disengaged_4-1024x512.jpg)
We Are Teachers, a widely recognized online platform and community for educators, featured Conscious Discipline’s transformative effects in an article about students with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). The piece exposes the pitfalls of the traditional model of discipline based on rewards and punishments and touts Conscious Discipline’s approach of “building connection and structuring the environment to better teach the desired behavior” as the more effective method for the lasting success of students with varying exceptionalities.
Read More![](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Potty-Mastery_-blog-banner-1024x512.webp)
Conscious Discipline’s Potty Mastery: A Child Centered Approach to Toileting book by Joan Morgenstern was recently recognized with awards by two publications. Creative Child Magazine honored Potty Mastery as 2024 BOOK OF THE YEAR! Baby Maternity Magazine awarded it with their TOP CHOICE AWARD of 2024. Potty Mastery: A Child Centered Approach to Toileting is an essential tool for parents, and a support to educators and caregivers in childcare and early childhood centers. It empowers adults to leave behind external motivators in favor of strengthening children’s confidence and cultivating healthy bonds.
Read More![Children at lunch](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/children-lunch.jpg)
Madison, WI – The Playing Field is celebrating a major expansion of its programs in Madison’s east side. They recently raised more than $4 million that will be directed toward a new location and services for up to 100 children ages six weeks to six years old. Construction is underway, with the goal of completion in January 2025.
Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor Abbi Kruse founded The Playing Field to provide quality education and care to a diverse population of students. Students who have experienced early adversity learn alongside students from more advantaged families. The Playing Field practices Conscious Discipline center-wide and is well known for leaning into our evidence-based and trauma-informed approach.
Read More![](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DAPodcast_Jill.webp)
District Administration Magazine Podcast – District Administration Magazine (DA Magazine) Podcast hosted by Michelle Dawn Mooney featured Conscious Discipline Director of Development, Jill Molli and Liberty Public School District’s Director of Special Programs, Jessica Meisenheimer in a conversation centered around the unprecedented levels of stress and strain education administrators are currently facing. “We know there’s a problem,” Jill says. “Administrators are leaving. Conscious Discipline is an approach to ultimately help children self-regulate, but the focus has always been on the adult first.”
Keep Reading![World Entertainment Awards](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Feeling-is-Bright_World-Entertainment-Award-copy.webp)
World Entertainment Awards
Conscious Discipline’s own The Feeling is Bright: Self-Regulation Through Rhythm and Rhyme by Robert Leytham and Dr. Becky Bailey has won again! The World Entertainment Awards recently awarded this unique book and music combo the prestigious honor of “Best Children’s Book” during their awards ceremony on February 2, 2024. The World Entertainment Awards honors the best of the best in the global entertainment industry, providing a platform for recognition, celebration and cultural significance. We are thrilled to be included among one of the recipients.
Keep Reading![Poze Magazine Rob Leytham](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/poze.jpg)
Poze Magazine
Poze Magazine, an international publication dedicated to rising stars who are making an impact on the world, recently covered Conscious Discipline’s own Rob Leytham and our 2023 Creative Child Awards Book of the Year, The Feeling is Bright: Self-Regulation Through Rhythm and Rhyme in a three-page featured article. Rob’s dedication to the symbiotic relationship between Conscious Discipline’s principles and classroom arts shines in his work as an I.S.S. teacher at Ridgeview Elementary School in Liberty, MO. He also travels the world and teaches administrators in education how rhythm affects a brain in trauma.
Keep Reading![](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/CD-for-Parents-1024x512.jpg)
Nonprofit Receives $4M Grant for Groundbreaking Research on Conscious Discipline’s Impact on Behavior and Emotional Regulation in Early Education
Dayton Daily News, Dayton, OH- Preschool Promise, an early education nonprofit based in Dayton, OH was recently awarded a $4 million grant from the U.S. State Department to conduct research based on the positive impact Conscious Discipline has on classroom quality. “We have analyzed data year after year, and we see promising results from ‘Conscious Discipline’ or, of course, we would not have continued to use it,” says Preschool Promise’s Executive Director, Robyn Lightcap. The project will examine 100 classrooms over 4 years to better understand how to equip teachers with the powers and skills, collect data and implement Conscious Discipline for lasting, transformational change.
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DA Magazine Features Jill Molli in Thought Leadership Q&A
District Administration Magazine – The November/December 2023 issue of DA Magazine explores the benefits of social emotional learning in schools in a detailed Thought Leadership Q&A with Conscious Discipline’s Director of Development, Jill Molli. Jill exposes the heart of why Conscious Discipline’s adult-first focus on self-regulation is the key to social, emotional and academic success. “We show teachers how to coach themselves and to recognize and regulate their own emotions, and we focus on building a community of teachers who support each other in this approach. The whole culture of a school changes as a result.”
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Early Childhood Center to Focus on Conscious Discipline in Head Start Grant
The Mountain Mail Salida, CO – Staff shortages continue to affect early childhood centers across the nation. Theresa Gilson, principal at Salida Early Childhood Center addresses these concerns at a recent school board meeting and provides solutions such as incentives for teachers, as well as the introduction of the implementation of Conscious Discipline in year 1 of 5 for the Head Start Grant Application she is preparing. Conscious Discipline directly aligns with Gibson’s goals of increasing community and family engagement, building resiliency in the workforce, and encouraging play.
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News Coverage Highlights Conscious Discipline Success in Cullman County
WBRC FOX 6 NEWS Birmingham, AL – A recent news story focused on Cullman County Schools implementation of Conscious Discipline. The coverage highlights the benefits of Conscious Discipline for teachers as well as parents, featuring third grade teacher Summer Moon of Parkside School and Dr. Shane Barnette, Superintendent of Cullman County Schools. “Our discipline has been more of a challenge since the pandemic than it ever was in my 25 years of education before the pandemic,” says Dr. Barnette, “And I believe this (Conscious Discipline) is really going to help us.”
Keep Reading![Woman with hand raised](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/hand_raised.webp)
Wisconsin’s Early Childhood Programs Find Success with Conscious Discipline
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WI — A recent survey of Wisconsin’s early childhood educators marked an increase in challenging student behaviors post pandemic. Several early childhood programs in the state, such as Encompass Early Education and Care Inc. and University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Head Start turned to Conscious Discipline for support. The results have been so positive that these programs are “ramping up their training” in Conscious Discipline, getting the attention of more early childhood programs interested in pursuing implementation.
Keep Reading![Lety Valero](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Lety.jpg)
Edutopia Interviews Conscious Discipline’s Own Lety Valero About the Growing Need for Self-Regulation
Edutopia— Nearly 80 percent of elementary school educators reported the need for more support in handling student and staff mental health, according to a National Center for Education Statistics survey last year. In this Edutopia article, Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor Lety Valero makes the case for why Conscious Discipline’s adult-first approach is the answer to the growing need for self-regulation in early education schools and programs world-wide.
Keep Reading![Woman with children](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/mt_pleasant.webp)
TeachStone Highlights Conscious Discipline’s Compatibility with Head Start’s Use of CLASS
On July 12, 2023, the Office of Head Start announced they will resume the use of CLASS® as a part of their monitoring system after a three-year hiatus due to COVID and resulting workforce shortages. As we’ve talked with our Head Start partners, we’ve heard mixed emotions about this, with many worrying about “one more thing” they need to fit into their busy schedules. We get this—running a Head Start program is one of the hardest jobs. And, many of the stressors from the pandemic remain — especially high turnover and workforce shortages.
Keep Reading![Fox 8 News Story](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/fox8.jpg)
News show highlights suburban Cleveland district’s success with the Safe Place
FOX 8 News Ohio — A recent news story focused on South Euclid Lyndhurst School District’s implementation of Conscious Discipline and the Safe Place. South Euclid Lyndhurst is a public school district encompassing inner-ring suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. Educators there recently introduced the Five Steps to Self-Regulation and Safe Places in every K-3 classroom as their next step in district-wide Conscious Discipline implementation.
In the interview, Rowland Elementary School’s Assistant Principal Sylvia Marshall reveals, “I don’t deal with a lot of behaviors… because what our teachers are doing in the classroom with their Safe Places is really helping students stay in the classroom.”
Watch Video![Cindy-Webster-MO-Principal-of-Yr-2021](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Cindy-Webster-MO-Principal-of-Yr-2021-B_600x350.jpg)
Cindy Webster Named Missouri’s National Distinguished Principal for 2021
Conscious Discipline practitioner and Weaver Elementary School principal Cindy Webster was named Missouri’s National Distinguished Principal for 2021. Cindy helped Weaver, a Title I school, exit Focus School status after three years of positive academic gains. On October 6, 2021, Cindy traveled to Washington, D.C. to represent Missouri at the National Distinguished Principal program. She chose to focus her two-minute talk on Conscious Discipline as a change agent for academic growth in her school. At the end of the talk, she gifted every attending principal with Conscious Discipline’s Skills on a String. Way to go, Cindy!
Keep Reading![Power of Intention - "Becoming the Best You Can Be" Webinar Series - Dr. Becky Bailey](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/10.01-power-of-intention-becoming-the-best-you-can-be.jpg)
Character.org Interview with Dr. Becky Bailey
Dr. Becky Bailey and Conscious Discipline were recently featured by Character.org., a national organization dedicated to fostering character development in schools and communities. Dr. Bailey discussed Conscious Discipline’s origin story, the essential components of the program, the Powers of Conscious Discipline, positive self-talk, her vision for future growth, and much more. She explained, “The program is called ‘Conscious’ Discipline because it cultivates a consciousness about one’s own mental models of learning, teaching, and self. Without conscious awareness of our current mental models, intrinsic change is impossible, and educational equity is impeded. Conscious Discipline…empowers teachers to be change agents rather than relying on a specific curriculum.”
Keep Reading![Powers of Resilience: SEL for Adults - Session 6 - Power of Acceptance - thumbnail](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Session-6-Thumbnail.jpg)
Can Conscious Discipline Training Address the COVID-19 Mental Health Crisis?
Maryland Department of Education – During the COVID-19 pandemic, children have experienced worsened mental and emotional health. At St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) in Maryland, Conscious Discipline (CD) training has provided helpful tools during this difficult time. SMCPS officials found that the training effectively drove SEL, literacy skills, and family engagement. “CD training has become even more valuable during COVID-19,” said Dr. Kelly Murray Hall, the Chief of the Department of Equity, Engagement, and Early Access. “CD training is a mindset shift. It acknowledges the stress on both families and educators, particularly now during the pandemic, and provides strategies to manage it more effectively.”
Keep Reading![Dr. Becky Bailey and some of her talented staff pause during filming of the Powers of Resilience: Social Emotional Learning and Adults E-course, which was released January 2021.](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screen-Shot-2021-04-30-at-3.29.06-PM.jpg)
Not All Who Wonder Are Lost: Dr. Becky Bailey and Conscious Discipline
The Torch FSU College of Education Magazine – Dr. Becky Bailey sat down with her alma mater, the Florida State University College of Education, to share the inspiration behind Conscious Discipline and the company’s journey from the bedroom of her home to international recognition. At a time when early childhood education was seen as “babysitting, not brain science,” Dr. Bailey saw a need and set out to fill it. She said, “I had a heart and a concept and the mission and the vision, and from that I created a skillset that teachers found useful, and they then marketed it all over the world. They told another teacher who told another teacher.”
Keep Reading![The Conscious Discipline Method Helps Parents Think More and Punish Less - Fatherly News Coverage](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/calmconsciousdiscipline-header.jpg)
The Conscious Discipline Method Helps Parents Think More and Punish Less
Fatherly – Emily Kelleher from Fatherly explains how Conscious Discipline helps parents override their instinctual reactions to challenging behaviors, making wise choices instead. The Conscious Discipline response to discipline, she writes, “…centers around two main ideas: One, that when kids act out, they don’t need punishment, but rather guidance in calming down and working through their feelings. And two, that parents can’t provide this guidance if they don’t know how to calm down themselves.” The article outlines the “blueprint” that Conscious Discipline provides parents for overriding the stress response and addressing conflict with rational thinking and problem solving.
Keep Reading![Tabatha Rosproy Is the First Early Childhood Educator to Be National Teacher of the Year](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/tabatha-rosproy.jpg)
Tabatha Rosproy Is the First Early Childhood Educator to Be National Teacher of the Year
Education Week – 2020 National Teacher of the Year Tabatha Rosproy is a Conscious Discipline practitioner and the first early childhood educator to receive this honor. She creates a classroom environment where all children feel safe and connected, and she is using her platform to encourage teachers across the nation to make social-emotional learning (SEL) part of every child’s day. Tabatha’s journey with Conscious Discipline began when she was a student teacher. She said, “Many of my practices have been shaped by Conscious Discipline’s research and dedication to building self-regulation skills in students. Conscious Discipline has given me so much, and I am forever thankful.”
Keep Reading![2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools recognizes three in east metro](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2020-National-Blue-Ribbon-Schools-media-thumb.jpg)
2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools recognizes three in east metro
Twin Cities Pioneer Press – The U.S. Department of Education announced that the Conscious Discipline practicing school Highland Elementary of Apple Valley, Minnesota will be honored as a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School. Students at Highland Elementary make above average progress from year to year and perform above average on standardized tests. The school also has above average progress in how well they are serving disadvantaged students. The National Blue Ribbon Schools program was created in 1982 to celebrate schools based on academic excellence and their progress in closing the achievement gap, which the program describes as “schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels.”
Keep Reading![Media Coverage: Lindsey Merrick on Her School's Successful Charter Program](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Lindsey-Merric-on-her-Schools-Successful-Charger-Program.jpg)
Lindsey Merrick on Her School’s Successful Charter Program
Comcast Newsmakers – Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor Lindsey Merrick, Principal of The School of Arts and Sciences, a tuition-free charter school in Leon County, talked with Comcast Newsmakers about what makes her school successful. The school was founded by parents who wanted a more holistic approach to learning for their children. All teachers are trained in Conscious Discipline and teach self-regulation to students. Every classroom is equipped with a Safe Place, and teachers focus heavily on connecting with students. As Merrick says, “Academic learning and social-emotional learning can’t exist separately. They have to work together.”
Keep Reading![](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/A-Parents-Guide-to-Conscious-Discipline_feature.jpg)
“Conscious Discipline” Could Be the Parenting Trend That Has the Greatest Impact in 2020
Family Education – Through a conversation with positive parenting coach Heather Wallace, Family Education explains the basics of Conscious Discipline and why it is having a “tremendously positive impact” on families. As Wallace explains, “Conscious Discipline teaches adults to control their own emotional responses to children so they can stay present at the moment, connect with the child, and then work through the feelings the child is having together.” The article outlines strategies parents can try right away, including creating a Safe Place for children. Wallace says Conscious Discipline helps families feel stronger, calmer and more connected.
Keep Reading![](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Educators-learn-about-Conscious-Discipline-as-a-positive-alternative-to-punishment.jpg)
Educators learn about Conscious Discipline as a positive alternative to punishment
KRTV Great Falls – Educators in Great Falls, Montana recently gathered at the local Civic Center to learn about Conscious Discipline. Opportunities, Inc. Head Start director Bev Matsko explained, “The goal of today’s session is to provide our staff with the tools necessary to go into the classroom and support children in a very positive way.” Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor Annette Chastain added that this form of discipline equips adults and children with skills for developing connection and resilience. “It’s how we create environments where people feel safe and connected and can learn skills to cope and be resilient,” she said.
Keep Reading![](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/EdSurge-Want-to-Support-Early-Childhood-Education-Start-with-the-Parents..jpg)
Want to Support Early Childhood Education? Start with the Parents.
EdSurge – The Primary School in East Palo Alto, California operates on the premise that effective early childhood education requires academic, health and family support services. Co-founded by Priscilla Chan and partially funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the school is tuition-free and provides medical services and screening. It employs nine parent wellness coaches, and parents meet for monthly “Parent Circles” on lessons inspired by Conscious Discipline. Each family is assigned a coach who checks in regularly. Conscious Discipline is also implemented throughout the school, with an emphasis on safety, connection and the School Family.
Keep Reading![](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/dreamstime_s_74505468.jpg)
Mental Health in Our Schools
ABC WLNE-TV – Cumberland Schools in Cumberland, Rhode Island were selected for a three-year rollout of Conscious Discipline funded by the Autism Project. Teachers focus on the behaviors they do want to see, engage in greetings and commitments, teach breathing exercises and more. Although the program is in its infancy, teacher and student attendance is on the rise and major behavior incidents are down by “at least 80 percent.” Special education teacher Linda Rosaco described Conscious Discipline as “transformative” and said, “I’ve been teaching for 31 years, and I’ve never had a program like this.”
Keep Reading![](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/5dbcddc3b1b4a.image_.jpg)
Making a smoother transition into school life
The News-Review – At Winchester Elementary School, teacher Ann Carey noticed that early elementary school students often struggle to adjust to school life. The school is piloting a transition classroom where children can learn skills that will help smooth the transition. In the Skill Building Center, K-1 children in need of support learn skills like self-regulation and self-management, while their parents receive training in Conscious Discipline. At Parent Information nights, children and parents complete Conscious Discipline lessons and activities together. After the first year of the program, discipline referrals for K-1 students dropped by over 200.
Keep Reading![](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/noble-elementary___29095317291.jpg)
Heights Schools’ Preschool Program Given 5-Stars By State
Patch – The Noble Elementary School preschool program in Cleveland Heights, Ohio has received a five-star rating from the state. The Ohio Department of Education’s Step Up to Quality division uses star-tiers to recognize programs that meet quality standards “over and above basic licensing requirements,” with a five-star rating being the highest possible designation. Early Childhood Specialist Diane Foran said, “Noble Preschool’s many highlights include its implementation of Conscious Discipline and high-quality classroom space, which was prepared intentionally to meet students’ individual needs.”
Keep Reading![EdSurge Langley](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Kindergarteners_drawing_pictures_at_Langley_EdSurge-1570806472.jpg)
A New Approach to Discipline Slashed Suspension Rates and Transformed This DC School
EdSurge – EdSurge reporter Emily Tate takes an in-depth look at Langley Elementary School’s astonishing transformation with Conscious Discipline. The Title I school in Northeast D.C. once felt unsafe and out of control. When Principal Vanessa Drumm and Dean of Students Monique Robinson came aboard, they decided to implement Conscious Discipline. After just one year, Tate writes, “The changes were so noticeable that several parents actually called the school and asked if everything was OK—they hadn’t gotten any calls about misbehavior lately and wanted to make sure the school still had their phone numbers.” Now three years into implementation, Langley is nearly unrecognizable. Suspension rates have dropped steeply, and attendance, student satisfaction and test scores continue rising.
Keep Reading![Social emotional learning taught at Arkansas school](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Social-emotional-learning-taught-at-Arkansas-school.jpg)
Social emotional learning taught at Arkansas school
KCAU 9 – Afton Schleiff, an instructional facilitator and former English teacher at Southwest Junior High School, is pioneering Conscious Discipline in her district. Schleiff says that the practice helps teachers stay calm enough to see misbehavior as a signal to teach. Assistant Principal Karen Johnson has also seen the impact on students, who learn about Conscious Discipline in their advisory periods. “When they come to me, they’re already trying to use these tools and strategies. They’ll say, ‘Can I just take a minute to breathe?’ and then we start talking.” After seeing Conscious Discipline make a difference at SJHS, other schools in the district have expressed interest in expanding the program.
Keep Reading![TCCHS ECE I students gain training in Conscious Discipline](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/TCCHS-ECE-I-students-gain-training-in-Conscious-Discipline.jpg)
TCCHS ECE I students gain training in Conscious Discipline
THOMASVILLE-TIMES ENTERPRISE – Thomas County Central High School students interested in educating future generations recently learned about Conscious Discipline. Early Childhood Education I students participated in a training session with Hand-in-Hand Primary School counselor Whitney Robertson. Robertson says that Hand-in-Hand is implementing Conscious Discipline in all classrooms. She connected with the program on a personal level after attending a training several years ago. Robertson says, “I’m deeply passionate about sharing Conscious Discipline with others because my children and I are proof that it works.” 14-year-old ECE student Ashley Morris said she learned, “You have to make connections with students so they will want to be in your classroom and learn from you.”
Keep Reading![Conscious Discipline bringing new approach to learning in the classroom](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Conscious-Discipline-bringing-new-approach-to-learning-in-the-classroom.jpg)
Conscious Discipline bringing new approach to learning in the classroom
WSPD LOCAL 6 – In McCracken County, Kentucky, the School Board is prioritizing the implementation of Conscious Discipline. Superintendent Steve Carter says, “We can get students to recognize at an early age that emotions are OK.” Conscious Discipline, says Carter, will help students develop self-discipline and become better learners. A local news station visited kindergarten classes at Reidland Elementary School to see Conscious Discipline in action. Classes start with the Greeting Ritual, and students learn to manage their emotions and resolve conflicts with peers. Principal Anne Cox says, “If students don’t feel safe, if they don’t feel loved, then they are not going to listen to any instruction that we can give them.”
Keep Reading![Conscious Discipline and The Playing Field Featured on PBS Kids Get Up and Go! Day](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Conscious-Discipline-and-The-Playing-Field-Featured-on-PBS-Kids-Get-Up-and-Go-Day.jpg)
Conscious Discipline and The Playing Field Featured on PBS Kids Get Up and Go! Day
PBS WISCONSIN PUBLIC TELEVISION – The Playing Field and their implementation of Conscious Discipline were featured during PBS Kid’s annual Get Up and Go! Day in Madison, Wisconsin. The Playing Field is an early learning program that brings together children from different communities and backgrounds to create a School Family where every child’s needs are met. As part of this effort, the school, led by Certified Instructor Abbi Kruse, implements Conscious Discipline. In two Get Up and Go! segments, Kruse and Program Director Michelle Henner explain how they use Conscious Discipline to manage big emotions and help all children feel safe and loved. Jump to minutes 43:20-45:40 and 1:32:00-1:37:33 to watch the segments!
Keep Reading![Edmond Teachers Learn to Teach Life Skills](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/big-Amy-Speidel-Edmond-Sun.jpg)
Edmond Teachers Learn to Teach Life Skills
THE EDMOND SUN – More than 160 Edmond, Oklahoma teachers spent a week of their summer vacations at a Conscious Discipline Summer Institute with Certified Instructor Amy Speidel, their training funded by an anonymous donor. Teachers learned to meet the emotional needs of children and equip them with vital life skills. Edmond started using Conscious Discipline in pre-kindergarten and elementary programs seven years ago. “We’ve seen it work,” said associate superintendent Angela Mills Grunewald. “We’ve seen the difference it makes when the teacher is fully invested and does it well. Not only does their classroom perform as a family and a community, but those kids have skills and strategies coming out of the classroom.”
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How Social Emotional Learning Transformed Our School
SMARTBRIEF – Monique Robinson, Dean of Students at Langley Elementary School in Washington, D.C. reflects on how Conscious Discipline transformed the culture of her school. Historically, Langley struggled with high suspension rates, under-enrollment, and unimpressive student satisfaction. Seeking a change, the school turned to SEL. Leaders selected Conscious Discipline for its integration of SEL, discipline, and school climate and for its unique “adult first, child second” approach. Gradually, teachers established a nurturing and connected School Family at Langley. Today, Langley is at 110% enrollment. Suspensions have dropped from 65% to 23%, and the student satisfaction rate has skyrocketed from 70% to 94%. For other schools and districts interested in SEL, Robinson’s advice is simple: “Do it.”
Keep Reading![Great Dads Give Their Children Emotional Security](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/5d1a7b5fa7d6d.image_.jpg)
Great Dads Give Their Children Emotional Security
EO PARENT MAGAZINE – Rob Kleng, a dad and the director of Eastern Oregon University Head Start, works long hours and is often away from home. He wants the time he spends with his children to be of the highest quality. Kleng uses Conscious Discipline, including I Love You Rituals and the four components of connection (eye contact, touch, presence and playfulness) to bond with his kids. Kleng has also learned that providing security to his children is about more than food, shelter and safety from physical harm. It also means fostering emotional security. He said, “The foundations of connection provided by Conscious Discipline create strong connections, which produce security and lead to willingness.”
Keep Reading![Building Emotional Literacy in Preschoolers](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Building-Emotional-Literacy-in-Preschoolers_thumb.jpg)
Building Emotional Literacy in Preschoolers
EDUTOPIA – At Educare New Orleans, teachers use Conscious Discipline to give preschool children the language to communicate their emotions and the tools to regulate them. Children learn to resolve conflicts, express their needs, and manage their emotions enough to focus and learn. An Edutopia video of the center shows Conscious Discipline in action: daily commitments, Big Voice, language of safety, breathing icons, practice with conflict resolution, and more. As a result, children flourish academically. Since 2013, 95% of Educare students have met or exceeded kindergarten readiness standards, both in SEL development and academically. Lead teacher Antonia Celius explained that with Conscious Discipline, “You don’t have the disruption. You just teach.”
Keep Reading![Madison child care center seeks to level the field for diverse group of youngsters](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Madison-child-care-center-seeks-to-level-the-field-for-diverse-group-of-youngsters.jpg)
Madison Child Care Center Seeks to Level the Field for Diverse Group of Youngsters
WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL – The Playing Field, a nonprofit early learning and childcare center in Madison, Wisconsin, serves an economically diverse population. Children experiencing homelessness or moving through the foster care system play and learn alongside children from more affluent families. Founder, executive director, and Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor Abbi Kruse uses Conscious Discipline to provide trauma-informed care and prioritize safety, connection, and skills like self-regulation. This approach is intended to level the playing field so children from all backgrounds can relax enough to learn and thrive. Kruse said, “We have got to do better for all of our kids, but especially low-income families.”
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Healing Generations with Connection and Support
EO PARENT MAGAZINE – Traditionally within tribal communities, extensive kinship networks worked together to provide children with a stable structure to nurture, connect, serve as role models and instill important teachings. Trauma has since disrupted the thriving environment that allowed tribal children and families to connect. To revitalize the traditional tribal aspects of parenting, the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center’s Native Connections program utilizes a cultural adaptation of the Conscious Discipline model. The program is helping to create healthy connections, give adults the skills to be role models for children, establish nurturing relationships, and support families in openly discussing emotions.
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New NIH Grant Puts Focus on Zika Virus’ Effect on Child Neurodevelopment
ST. GEORGE’S UNIVERSITY – The Saving Brains Grenada program in Grenada, which is funded by Grand Challenges Canada, enables community workers to interact with caregivers and their children to implement Conscious Discipline-based brain smart methods that foster neurodevelopment in young children. These methods focus on attachment, safety, self-regulation, and early childhood stimulation. With a grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH), this program is now being adapted for a new purpose: rescuing neurodevelopmental outcomes in toddlers exposed to the Zika virus. You can learn more about the NIH grant and Zika program here.
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Health Check Kids: Program helps children problem solve, connect with others
WJAR – Conscious Discipline is being implemented in three Southern New England school districts, with some educators calling the program “the soul of teaching” and labeling the results “life-changing.” The program was piloted through the Autism Project of Rhode Island. Teachers say that Conscious Discipline gives them the tools to calm themselves and manage any situation, and it equips children with problem-solving and conflict resolution skills that set them up for success. Lisa Vura-Weis, secretary of the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services, says, “[Kids] need much more than just the academics to be a strong member of society, to be resilient, to be able to deal with adversity.”
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Conscious Discipline Featured in Principal Magazine’s List of Top 25 SEL Programs
PRINCIPAL MAGAZINE – Conscious Discipline was featured in Leading Lessons, a Principal magazine guide to social and emotional learning. Ranked among the top 25 leading social and emotional learning and character education programs, Conscious Discipline was recognized for its focus on emotional processes and integration with classroom management. Principal is a National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) publication. The award-winning magazine is an indispensable resource for K-8 principals.
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Dr. Bailey Leads Conscious Discipline Training at Yale Child Study Center
VIA – In partnership with the Yale-China Program on Child Development, Dr. Becky Bailey and Certified Instructor Kim Jackson conducted a Conscious Discipline training at Yale Child Study Center. A delegation from China learned about the Conscious Discipline brain state model and how to recognize and respond to the executive state, emotional state, and survival state. Dr. Bailey shared the essential powers and classroom structures of the Conscious Discipline methodology, including The Safe Place Self-Regulation Center, School Family Job Boards and rituals such as greetings and wish wells.
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How SEL inspired a transformation in my school
eSCHOOL NEWS – Vanessa Drumm-Canepa, principal of Langley Elementary School, tells the inspirational story of how Conscious Discipline inspired a schoolwide culture shift. When Drumm-Canepa became principal three years ago, Langley was struggling with dropping student enrollment, a rise in suspensions, and a poor student satisfaction rate. Seeing that Langley needed a change, Drumm-Canepa implemented Conscious Discipline. The results? School culture shifted to a more nurturing, safe, and cooperative environment, with both students and teachers benefitting from new skills. Student satisfaction and enrollment skyrocketed, and the suspension rate dropped from 65 percent to 23 percent.
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Preschool handshake ritual is everything right in the world
ABC NEWS – At Greensboro Elementary School in Greensboro, Alabama, 54 preschoolers start the day with a hug, handshake, fist bump, or smile. Each child has a job, and one of these jobs is being the class greeter. The greeter wears an apron featuring the four greeting choices. This ritual is part of the school’s Conscious Discipline initiative. Preschool teacher Sara Collins told Good Morning America, “[The students] are more loving and kind to each other when they start the day off with that kind of connection. Instead of throwing backpacks around, they make eye contact with each other.” With Conscious Discipline, Collins explained, students build valuable skills and feel safe and loved at school.
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Washington schools maximize student learning with social emotional focus
TDN.com – Just three years ago, Kessler Elementary School in Longview, Washington was known for both academic and behavioral struggles. Teacher turnover was high, with roughly half of teachers leaving at the end of each year. School leaders understood that a change was needed. With the help of Conscious Discipline, Kessler’s referrals have been cut in half, and test scores are on the rise. Library Specialist Brenda Winters says, “I feel like we are teaching the whole child now. We aren’t just teaching the academics; we’re teaching a life skill.”
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Good things are happening at Langley Elementary
WASHINGTON POST – At Langley Elementary in Washington, D.C., Principal Vanessa Drumm-Canepa personally greets all 291 students at the front door. Students choose to be greeted with a fist bump, high five, bear hug or butterfly. Drumm-Canepa introduced Conscious Discipline at Langley, a Title I school, when she became principal in 2015. Each classroom has a Safe Place, and Drumm-Canepa says, “I’m looking for teachers who care about the whole child, who care about their emotional development just as much as the academic piece.” Referrals are down 50 percent since 2015, and learning comes more easily in this comfortable, safe and connected environment.
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People You Should Know: Dr. Becky Bailey
INFLUENTIAL MAGAZINE – Dr. Becky Bailey was selected as a “Person You Should Know” for the Fall Preview edition of InFluential Magazine. The issue honors thought leaders in a variety of areas, including psychology, technology and education. Dr. Bailey was selected for her passion and commitment to creating positive, brain-smart environments for children, families and schools.
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Douglas County teachers learn Conscious Discipline program at seminar
THE NEWS-REVIEW – After several groups of Douglas County teachers attended a Conscious Discipline Summer Institute (CD1), the district was impressed and inspired by what they learned. See how district leaders and educators rallied to bring CD1 to the small town of Roseburg, Oregon, where about 200 Douglas County teachers immersed themselves in Conscious Discipline.
Keep Reading![Madison Child Care Center](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Madison-child-care-center.jpg)
Madison child care center uses an unconventional way of teaching that teachers say works
WMTV – Take a peek inside a Madison, WI school that brings children from diverse backgrounds together to receive the best academic and social-emotional education possible. “If you want children who can work together and solve problems, then we need to start actually having children work together and solve problems… with Conscious Discipline.”
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A Simple Solution to End Separation Anxiety
MAMA IN THE NOW – A parenting class with Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor Ginny Luther helped one Mom understand her son’s separation anxiety, approach it differently and provide the predictability he needed to manage it. See the practical tool she and her son’s preschool used to encourage his safety and independence while at school.
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Conscious Discipline Instructor Wins Prestigious Kennedy Center Award
CBS EVENING NEWS – Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor, Donna Porter from Picayune, MS, won the National 2012 Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award. Only 10 teachers were chosen from around the country for this prestigious honor. Watch the interview.
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WebMD: Why Kids Whine and How To Stop Them
WEBMD – Educator and developmental psychologist Dr. Becky Bailey offers insights and strategies for whining on WebMD. When whining occurs, take a deep breath and remember the goal behind the behavior: Whining isn’t just to irritate you: it’s actually a call for help. Respond with “I” statements and address the core issues behind the whining.
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Scholastic Parent & Child: Kindness Counts
SCHOLASTIC – Recent research shows that kindness counts in more ways than the obvious growth of morality. We are not meant to be completely independent nor dependent, but to give and receive in mutual interdependence. Read more in a comprehensive Scholastic article based on Conscious Discipline.
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Gentle Discipline Tips
WEBMD – Dr. Becky Bailey, Martha Heineman Pieper, and Jane Nelsen are leaders in the positive discipline movement. Together, they share eight quick, gentle and easy tips to help with parenting young children through the challenging toddler years.
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Teachers Learn Why Students Do What They Do
REGION 8 (ABC) – Teachers at Greene County Tech Preschool are learning why kids do the things they do. Teachers are now applying the Conscious Discipline Program into their classrooms with about 240 children.
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Creator of Conscious Discipline Pays First Visit to South Mississippi School
WLOX – The founder of a popular program that’s being used in classrooms across the country made her first visit to a South Mississippi school Friday. Dr. Becky Bailey is the creator of Conscious Discipline. She is also an award-winning author and early childhood education expert who just wants to turn schools into a safe, positive environment for children.
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Alternatives in Discipline
PARENT MAP – Dr. Becky Bailey, Alfie Kohn and other leaders in childhood behavior weigh in on effective new approaches to common discipline practices like punishment, spanking and time out.
Keep Reading![Conscious Discipline for Teens](https://consciousdiscipline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/conscious_discipline-for-teens.jpg)
Your Teen: Interview with Dr. Becky Bailey
YOUR TEEN: FOR PARENTS – It’s normal to struggle with disciplining a teenager. Conscious Discipline is based on the idea that parents can develop discipline within their teenagers rather than impose discipline on them. Intrigued? We certainly were.
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