NCJ Number
156345
Date Published
1988
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This handbook provides educators with a proactive approach that can assist the user in anticipating, recognizing, and swiftly deterring gang-related violence in schools.
Abstract
This booklet first presents sections of the California Education Code that pertain to school staff's right to discipline and address student misconduct. This is followed by some background information on gangs, including indicators of gang behavior, the gang attitude, a general profile of gang-related youth, and indicators of pregang behavior. The booklet then advocates that schools take a proactive approach by not waiting until gangs and gang-related behavior become a serious problem in a school. Schools should conduct regular needs assessments that identify any indicators of unsafe schools and areas of school life that need attention. Indicators of unsafe schools and areas of concern are listed. Characteristics of a safe school are also listed, and a school climate questionnaire is provided. The outline of a contingency plan is designed to guide the administrators of schools that are prone to gang violence. An eight-step plan for problemsolving and gang prevention consists of recognizing there is a problem, establishing the payoff, assessing the problem, clarifying the problem, identifying constraints and resources, developing a plan, designing the plan, and monitoring ongoing assessment. Also included are proactive plans for various types of student unrest, effective techniques for campus security personnel, and a strategy for including parents as partners in antigang efforts.