NCJ Number
147290
Date Published
1992
Length
244 pages
Annotation
This ethnographic study explored the experience of newly arrived Puerto Rican students with youth gangs in a large New England school district.
Abstract
Over a 10-month period, the researcher interviewed 20 high school age students who participated in a special program for students who had not completed the 8th grade in Puerto Rico but were placed in a high school upon arrival to the U.S. mainland. Open-ended interviews were conducted with both students and school staff. Data on responses to four main questions were analyzed: (1) structure of gangs in the New England city; (2) extent of participation by newly arrived Puerto Rican students in gang activities; (3) ways gang requirements and values conflicted with school values, schedules, and instructional activities; and (4) extent to which the educational system addressed youth gangs. Research findings showed that youth gangs were active in the school studied. A contrast was observed between the way students experienced youth gangs and the way school administrators perceived the gang problem. The study demonstrated a need for bilingual programs and for coordination between school administrators and community agencies. The author makes several recommendations to improve and coordinate services for bilingual students, the main goal being to prevent delinquency. Appendixes contain the interview questions and letters of consent. 130 references, 2 tables, and 17 figures