The fifth of six volumes in the "Elementary Principal Series," this booklet clarifies the principal's leadership role in developing an effective school discipline policy that stresses staff involvement and student self-control. As team leader, the principal works with staff to establish standards and insists that they be enforced. A principal sets the discipline tone by being highly visible. Developing an effective discipline plan requires staff and parent input and familiarity with relevant professional literature. The principal may also consider commercially available programs such as Assertive Discipline, the Hunter behavior management system, or William Glasser's 10-step process requiring students to evaluate their own behavior. Any plan must be tailored to a school's specific needs and be consistent with district policies. Tips are provided for helping teachers maintain effective discipline, working with parents on discipline problems, working with difficult children, and dealing with legal and parental considerations regarding corporal punishment. Some common-sense guidelines for schools allowing corporal punishment are also included. (18 references) (MLH)