Using the results of a national survey of over 500 schools identified as having good discipline, this handbook presents guidelines for improving school discipline. An introductory chapter offers an overview of the survey project. In the second chapter, the authors list 13 characteristics identified in the survey that are common to schools with good discipline, along with examples of survey responses. The 13 characteristics relate to the role of the principal, conventional school activities, school environment, orientation to students, causes of discipline problems, school ties to parent and community, and staff enthusiasm. Drawing further on the survey results, the third chapter summarizes 100 activities for improving school discipline, organized around eight goals: improving problem-solving, reducing status and authority differences, increasing students' sense of belonging, promoting self-discipline, reaching more students, strengthening school-home interactions, and improving school organization and facilities. Chapter 4 provides a 110-item rating scale, the "discipline context inventory," to help schools identify ways to better their discipline practices. In the final chapter, the authors formulate eight principles for school improvement and outline a step-by-step planning and action guide for implementing disciplinary change. (Author/RW)