Experiences of school leaders' shifting paradigms from punitive to positive school-based discipline, The

This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to describe Manitoba school leaders’ subjective experience of shifting from punitive to positive school-based discipline and the influence of laws on that shift. Multiple interviews spread over four months, with three school leaders, a teacher, behaviour consultant and school peace officer, generated transcripts which were used to describe the essence of the transition experience. Push and pull factors, such as the impact of punitive and positive discipline on behaviour, academic performance, and inclusion, served as catalysts for a journey. The journey was fuelled by beliefs about the role of the school and discipline, and school leaders’ belief systems. Canadian federal and provincial laws impacted participating school leaders’ shift from punitive to positive school-based discipline. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Manitoba Human Rights Code positively and directly influenced school-based discipline by encouraging school leaders to utilize approaches that safeguarded legal, equality, and protected rights. The Manitoba Public Schools Act, Education Administration Act and Safe Schools Charter, did not encourage a shift from punitive to positive school-based discipline, due to the ambiguous justification of suspension as a disciplinary measure. The study generated implications and recommendations for school leaders, policymakers, and for further research. Contributions from this research include suggested positive language to use with students and the I-RISE model, a positive discipline framework that can be utilized by school leaders to support students and maintain a positive school environment. Keywords: school-based discipline and the law, punitive discipline, positive discipline, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Manitoba Public Schools Act