When the Adults Change, Everything Changes: Seismic shifts in school behaviour

One option available to schools and other organisations to whom the behaviour of children and young people is a priority is to adopt the so-called 'No Excuses' approach. Paul Dix makes it very clear that he is opposed to the 'No Excuses' approach and it's “ugly deterrents”. He has a disregard for ‘Zero Tolerance’ too, which, he argues, inevitably leads to increased punishments and ultimate exclusion. He also calls out the damaging interventions of, what he refers to as, "the punishment brigade". Paul Dix believes in - and describes - a different way. This book is about that different way. The author proposes the development of a culture in schools where positive routines and practical strategies create support and certainty. He vehemently argues that schools - all types of schools - should create a culture that promotes visible consistency, botheredness and kindness; a culture where young people are “ready, respectful and safe”. It is also a reflective culture that asks questions like, ‘what would it be like if adults refused to shout?’ ‘what would it be like if we focused positive attention on effort and not on achievement?’ ‘what would it be like if, when appropriate, the adults said sorry?’ The author is interested in how changes like this can and will have a positive impact upon behaviour in the school? What Paul Dix has achieved in this book is to challenge and move beyond inherently problematic adult-constructed systemic impositions on young people. He offers a radically different vision and perspective where adults in every school take a look at their own behaviour and how that impacts upon school culture regarding behaviour and wider. The author is not saying that “difficult” or “extreme behaviour” is the fault of teachers. In fact, he asserts that schools should support teachers who are dealing with such challenges. His proposition is that the only behaviour that adults can have complete control over is their own. The title of the book illustrates what he thinks happens when adults do take control of their own behaviour. The writing is forthright – for example, Chapter 10 is called “Your Behaviour Policy Sucks”. The author puts forward a simple solution so that weighty and meaningless behaviour policy documents can be banished from schools. The book is realistic – for example, things do not always go well and therefore restorative approaches are detailed should they be needed. The individuality of young people is respected throughout – for example, the reader is encouraged to think about what might be going on in the life of some children and how that can impact upon their behaviour. The whole tone of the book is passionate and optimistic – change can happen and this book will help it to happen. On the back cover of the book Paul Dix is described as a 'notorious teacher-wrangler'. If you are a teacher, especially one interested in behaviour, you should definitely buy this book and enjoy being wrangled. You'll have laughs along the way too.

It's so good to see a distinguished academic picking up on and amplifying what I've said for years. As a mentor of ECTs, I insist that the best way to teach is the way that works for you. There is no one way of teaching - we all have strengths and weaknesses. However, I will not stand by and watch new teachers yelling at students and expecting them to show respect. That approach simply makes no sense, and Dix superbly highlights why. The one thing we can control is our reaction to the horrendous behavior we sometimes encounter. Although he didn't explicitly outline this point, I suspect he knows full well the difference between punishment and discipline. The latter teaches children why disruptive behavior must be challenged, and he has ways of steering students towards a more positive MO. I disagree with him over zero-tolerance policies, which he seems to believe are incompatible with teachers having compassion for young people. I disagree because I am compassionate and caring, but I cannot see how we best serve all of our students while letting some of them be disruptive. However, I'm sure Dix is someone that our new Secretary of State for education needs to meet. Great job.

Perfect. No issues at all. Great quality product

Paul Dix writes in a practical way about how to improve behaviour in schools and sometimes backs up his opinions and anecdotes with sound reasoning or empirical evidence. His style can be irritating, and he either needs to try not to be funny at all, or try 1000% harder, because he is devoid of all comic nous. I can only imagine being in his class at school, sitting with gritted teeth as he loudly shouts out another hilarious "joke" at the teacher. Paul Dix needs to be launched into outer space, but this book does have some useful pointers in it and is worth reading.

A lovely book to read. It is really engaging and makes you smile (and think!) a lot. For some it will be ground breaking, some definitely won't like it, but you probably aren't looking for it if you aren't going to like it. For others it will reaffirm your ideas and practice whilst freshening you up ready for a new term or year. A friend recommended it to me and described it as a game changer, I don't agree with that but if you are a middle or senior leader and you apply these ideas whole school and train your staff slowly and effectively then you will get a lot out of this book. I've just stepped down as head of department because I want to get back into the classroom and this is just the read I needed before I get back to it. Thank you Paul Dix. If you are are PGCE or NQT buy this immediately!

Definitely recommended. As an NQT this book has been exactly what I needed. While I am in a school with mostly good behaviour (no extreme bad behaviour), I've still been struggling with some classes. I'm not a natural disciplinarian at all and trying to force myself to be that way has not felt good. This book takes the complete opposite approach to behaviour, by putting the good first, taking away the negative emotions and focusing on building relationships with students. I've only implemented a couple of ideas so far and not for very long, but it's already been a breakthrough in my teaching practice. This approach is effective and is much more enjoyable than 'not smiling before christmas!'

Wow! I just read this book in 3 1/2 hours without getting up from my chair. I now have pages of notes, a to-do page for some individuals and ideas for while school behaviour policy reform. This book is brimming with sound advice but still readable. Some anecdotes had me chuckling, others made me angry or sad as I've seen them happening in my children's schools. Every teacher needs to read this, every SLT and SENDCo needs to enforce the messages from this. As a parent I wish this strongly for today's children and as a teacher I can think of colleagues for whom this would be second nature and others who would need a little nudge, but don't we all want the best for the children in our care? Buy it.

I've been teaching for nearly fifteen years but this book really made me take a step back and review my practice. What's great is that it's full of practical suggestions that can be implemented straight away. I've already been trying some ideas out with my new classes and have noticed a real shift in my own well-being. Focusing on the positive in student behaviour rather than the negative may sound obvious but it's easy to lose sight of in the daily grind of teaching. I would recommend this book to all teachers, regardless of how long you have been in the profession.

Product came in sturdy and protected packaging. It looked brand new like buying from a book store in person. The book is easy to read and quick to skim if needed to find tips & tricks to adjust one’s thinking around teaching and leading.

I love this book by UK author Paul Dix. He really captures the importance of positive relationships between a teacher and a student. Many schools emphasise the 'consequences' aspect of their behaviour management plans and have increasing levels of 'punishment' for students who don't meet expectations. However this can create a disconnection and a power struggle that limits the student's learning. Dix highlights the point that students don't learn much from people they don't like. I am a firm believer that as educators we are in the 'people business' and that relationships are REALLY important. My favourite read of the summer!

This is a great book. Heard it recommended countless times on different educational podcasts. I am an assistant principal and I am always looking for ways to help our teachers grow in the area of classroom management. I am also looking to grow as a restorative leader. This book provides a lot of powerful talking points and easy to use strategies. I highly recommend for any educator. One of the best educational books I have read in a long time.

We are using the pivotal method in our school Not all ideas suitable for us but many that we can adapt and use Having taught in the English system it brought back memories Entertaining thought provoking read

I REALLY APPRECIATE THIS BOOK . . .GREAT INFO FOR SOME SCHOOL STAFF WHO THINK THEY KNOW IT ALL.