• Black History and Belonging in School

    When we say, “what if every child knew they belonged?”, what exactly do we mean?   Recently, I explored this question over Zoom with Dr. DeLeon Gray, Associate Professor of Educational Psychology and Education Equity at North Carolina State University and a leading researcher on the intersection of race, belonging, and motivation in school.   […]

  • Dimmitt Middle School Core Values: Equity and Community

    The article about Redwood Elementary staff sharing their experience shifting to in-person and hybrid learning is here.   Dimmitt Middle School has been a partner of Sound Discipline for over five years, and we are excited to feature them this month as our Sound Discipline Inspiring Story. In a recent Education Week article, Arianna Prothero stated […]

  • Black SEL Leaders Emphasize the Importance of Equity

    Stressors on students, educators, and families this past year have highlighted how children cannot learn until they feel safe, connected and know that they matter. Before academics, we must focus on the well-being of the whole child. As part of Black History Month, we are sharing social emotional learning (SEL) resources written by Black leaders […]

  • How Parents Can Move Forward After an Unprecedented Year

    Last year our worlds changed almost overnight, and we found ourselves working from home or maybe out of a job. We were thrust into the role of teacher and unable to access the supports we were used to: friends and relatives were no longer able to step in to help for fear of COVID spread, […]

  • Sound Discipline Collaborates with Casey Family Programs

    In November and December we had the privilege to partner with Casey Family Programs to support their incredible work with schools and families working with foster youth. They work tirelessly to create a better future for our communities focusing on safe children, strong families and supportive communities. Over one hundred family support workers, social workers, […]

  • Rethinking Rewards: Focus on Finding Solutions

      During stressful times, when we are challenged by our kids’ behavior, it is easy to fall into a punishment-reward cycle.  We may lose our calm, flip our lids, and lay down a punishment. Then we feel bad and come back instead with ideas for incentives and rewards. Research tells us that neither work for […]

  • Washington State Racial Disparities in Discipline

    How is Washington State doing in its effort to reduce racial disparities in discipline? According to a recent report by The Education Trust, we have a long way to go. In her November 22 feature for EdLab, Seattle Times reporter Joy Resmovits details the report’s findings, with school suspension data at the top of the […]

  • Strengthening Student Skills for Classroom Connection

    We are inspired this month by a team of 6 educators, counselors, and school psychologists who are collaborating with Sound Discipline to create social emotional learning lessons for small groups. This project is funded by a Renton Early Learning Support Grant through the Center for Community Education Results (CCER). Stacy Lappin, Director of Program at […]

  • Resilience through Transition – An Art Activity for Classrooms or Families

    All of us have experienced loss and change. We are tempted not to talk about it, fearing that bringing it up will bring to the surface emotions that are difficult for our students to feel. But in reality, ignoring the grief connected with letting go and change creates a confusing disconnect for children. Being able […]

  • Rethinking Rewards: Alternatives to Offering Incentives

    Teachers, you have been accomplishing incredible feats this year! It is mind-boggling how your job has changed because of the pandemic and online teaching. Though some of your students are thriving, you may be worried about many who do not seem engaged and who aren’t completing assignments. It is easy to think that rewards may […]