Captain Control and The Pit Stop: A School-Wide Positive Discipline

Concerned that students often were not in control of their own behavior -- or not aware of appropriate ways to respond in challenging situations -- the Pit Stop program -- with its racing theme -- was designed to help students gain the insight necessary to risk change. The program fosters such changes through structured "time-out" activities, two six-session small counseling groups, and positive reinforcement. Counselors, teachers, parents, and staff serve as "pit crew, " doing what is necessary to see that students exercise control, respect authority, and remain in the classroom, working and learning. The Pit Crew is also supported through parental involvement and staff inservices.

The character, Captain Control, was drawn by a fifth grader to illustrate what "control" looks like. His addition to the program reinforces the power of being in control of one's own behavior. Included are reproducible masters and complete instructions for implementing the program in your school.