This text is designed to help teachers explore approaches to classroom discipline along with their own personal philosophy. The text emphasizes informed decision-making, focusing on providing teachers an understanding of the assumptions behind a disciplinary approach, as well as the theory and practical applications of that approach.

The new 5th edition looks closely at the extent to which a particular theory or approach is designed to either prevent or correct discipline problems -- an aspect of discipline that is often ignored. This important consideration is raised for each approach. Another basic consideration throughout this new edition is the dramatic increase in diverse student populations and the teacher's role in helping these children learn efficiently and effectively.