"They Don't Behave for Me: The Truth About Behaviour and What to Do About It"

by Sam Strickland is a practical guide for teachers and school leaders dealing with behaviour management challenges in schools. Strickland addresses common misconceptions about student behaviour and provides actionable strategies for building a culture of respect, discipline, and high expectations.

Overview

The book draws on Strickland’s extensive experience as an educator and school leader, debunking myths around behaviour while offering clear, pragmatic advice. It emphasizes a no-nonsense approach to creating an environment where learning can thrive and disruption is minimised.

Key Themes

1. High Expectations: Strickland argues that students will rise to the expectations set for them. Consistency and clarity in enforcing rules are essential.

2. Whole-School Approach: Effective behaviour management requires alignment across all staff members, from senior leadership to support teams.

3. Teacher Authority: Teachers must confidently assume authority and create structured environments to command respect.

4. Challenging Excuses: The book critiques common excuses for poor behaviour, such as blaming external factors, and advocates for proactive solutions.

5. Proactive vs Reactive: Strickland focuses on preventing poor behaviour through clear routines, strong relationships, and consistent enforcement, rather than constantly reacting to problems.

Key Takeaways

• Clarity in Expectations: Students need clear rules and boundaries that are consistently enforced by all staff.

• Restorative Approaches with Boundaries: While empathy is important, consequences for poor behaviour should not be compromised.

• The Role of Leadership: Senior leaders must lead by example, supporting staff in maintaining discipline and modelling high standards.

• The Myth of 'Natural Charisma': Effective behaviour management isn’t about personality but about preparation, consistency, and confidence.

• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrating good behaviour helps to encourage repetition and fosters a positive school culture.

Why It Matters

Student behaviour directly impacts teaching effectiveness and learning outcomes. Strickland’s book provides educators with a roadmap for addressing behavioural issues without losing focus on the primary goal: education. His advice empowers teachers and leaders to create environments where every student can succeed.

Conclusion

"They Don’t Behave for Me" is a must-read for educators seeking practical advice on managing behaviour in schools. Strickland blends realism with optimism, showing that while behaviour challenges are inevitable, they are also manageable with the right strategies. His emphasis on consistency, high expectations, and whole-school unity offers a clear framework for fostering discipline and respect in classrooms and beyond.