Completely eliminating behaviour difficulties in schools is probably not possible but reducing them is a realistic aim. This book provides a useful range of practical approaches, responses, practices, and procedures that teachers can use in their everyday work. The main focus is to illustrate the links between behavioural theory and competent teaching practice. The combination of research scholarship and on-the-job experience will support teachers to be more skilful managers of students with challenging behaviours. The title, Discipline, Democracy, and Diversity recurs as a theme throughout the book. Discipline is about teaching and modelling responsible individual and collective behaviours that will encourage students to become self-motivated and self-regulated learners. Democracy is about putting into practice skilful and respectful approaches for meeting the needs of students experiencing behaviour difficulties. Diversity is about creating an inclusive and safe environment: one that stimulates the development of knowledge, creativity, acceptance, and participation, and encourages the expression of feelings.

"Kia hiwa ra" literally means "to be alert." This book is intended to alert teachers to models of good teaching in diverse classrooms and to encourage them to be alert to the various cultures that are represented. If we want to extend academic achievement for M ori students, we need to create a strong foundation for their learning. This foundation includes building upon students' cultural and experiential strengths to help them acquire new skills and knowledge. This book records the work and thoughts of culturally-relevant teachers, all of whom demonstrate connectedness with students and who see their classrooms as places where they "listen to culture" in order to forge meaningful relationships that enhance the quality of the learning environment. Kia Hiwa Ra is a book which can help all teachers to become "educultural" helping them to understand themselves, their culture, and the culture of others - and to be more successful with all students.