NCJ Number
159784
Date Published
1990
Length
300 pages
Annotation
This kit and curriculum is designed to prevent and reduce gang violence and drug abuse among youth, specifically students in grades two through seven.
Abstract
Five lessons, along with supporting student materials, have been developed for each grade level. Although the lessons are co- supportive and are best implemented in sequence, each lesson is self-contained and can stand alone. Each lesson addresses a specific theme. Across the three grade levels, the lessons address the themes in an appropriate way for the age and ability of the students. The curriculum's five themes are responsible citizenship, the dynamics of cultural diversity, choices and consequences, refusal skills, and success and achievement. The theme of responsible citizenship is designed to acquaint students with ways to become responsible members of the school and neighborhood community. The theme of cultural diversity is designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore what is unique about themselves both personally and culturally. The theme of choices and consequences helps students recognize that they do have life choices to make and that their choices have short-term and long-term consequences. The theme of refusal skills teaches children assertive skills to refuse the allure of peer pressure, drugs, and the gang life. The theme of success and achievement helps students develop a sense of their evolving future and to have students create short-term and long-term life goals based on their interests and strengths. Three videotapes focus on gang signs and symbols, the language of gangs, and how to make positive choices that reduce risks. Two audiotapes address the suppression of gang violence and substance-abuse prevention. An interactive program of five Macintosh diskettes helps students with decisionmaking processes and the development of responses to peer pressure. Also included is a practical guide for decisionmakers.