School Talk

The Power of Understanding, Dignity, and Respect from the Courtroom to the Classroom

Victoria Pratt happens to be a judge in Newark, New Jersey but in listening to her Ted Talk about the change in behavior that comes when we treat everyone with dignity, respect, and understanding, I couldn’t help thinking about how all the best—and most effective—principals, assistant principal, teachers, and law enforcement officers are practitioners of what she describes. And as the debate around discipline reform in education swirls around us—and even takes center stage for some in the debate about the shooting massacre in Parkland, Florida—we’d be wise to consider Judge Pratt’s message. There is not a doubt in my mind that we will be in a better place if we do.
What do you think?

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