In discussing school discipline, the place to begin is by considering whether detention, suspension, and expulsion help students and resolve discipline problems. Detention seems to be most effective when the student is detained on the same day and as close as possible to the time the offense occurs, but too often detention is used merely as a "dumping tour." The rationale for suspension is that it serves as a mechanism for getting parents into the school; however, a survey by the Children's Defense Fund raises serious doubts about its effectiveness in that regard. There seems to be a growing trend among educators in favor of inschool discipline programs in place of suspension or expulsion. In working to resolve school discipline problems, the principal should utilize group processes that allow each member of the school organization to share in the necessary leadership. The principal sets the tone of discipline in the school. Every effort should be made to gain staff awareness and cooperation on discipline. The principal should act mainly as a catalyst for improving discipline. Once the proper disciplinary climate has been established, it becomes the principal's function to maintain that climate. (Author/JG)