Almost every teacher has experienced at least one of "those kids." The kids who won't sit still, who won't do their work, who don't attend, who won't conform to the classroom expectations, who are straight out defiant and disrespectful. These kids, these so-called "bad kids," and their stories actually have a great deal to teach us. This book centers around these stories and the lessons learned from them. Whether in education or in your everyday relationships with others, the lessons these kids teach will touch your hearts and make a difference in your lives. Picking up before the award-winning documentary The Bad Kids began, Lessons from The Bad Kids will teach us not only to improve our educational system but also how to become better people.

Vonda Viland leads the Morongo Unified School District's alternative program for at-risk students. With thirty years of experience in education, Vonda works with students who have been disenfranchised from the traditional school system. She and her staff work with these "bad kids" who live below the poverty level and struggle with issues no student should have to face including abuse, neglect, parenthood, depression, anxiety, and addiction, is the topic of the award-winning documentary film The Bad Kids by Lowkey Pictures.

Foreword: Keith Fulton, movie producer
Preface: The Bad Kids
Introduction: Lessons from The Bad Kids
Chapter 1: The Power of Positive
Chapter 2: Gifts
Chapter 3: Acceptance
Chapter 4: Belonging
Chapter 5: Listening
Chapter 6: System Failure
Chapter 7: Failure is NOT an Option
Chapter 8: The Power of Our Words
Chapter 9: Rich Resiliency
Chapter 10: Reinforcements
Conclusion
About the Authors