G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance, Education and Training) Pre/post Testing in Select U.S. Cities

• NCJ Number: 171619
• Date Published: 1994
• Author(s): A R Brown; D R Palumbo; C Lore; E Snider
• Length: 36 pages
• Grant Number(s): 94-IJ-CX-0013
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Survey

Annotation

Data collected from 10 sites in 1994 were used in a process evaluation of Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT), a gang prevention program that focuses on students in 7th and 8th grades and involves a partnership between participating schools and local law enforcement agencies.

Abstract

Uniformed police officers who receive training prior to entering the classroom teach the GREAT curriculum in 1 class per week for a period of 8 weeks. GREAT aims to reduce gang activity and violence, provide youth with life skills and strategies, help youth understand methods for resolving conflicts without violence, provide alternative summer activities, and educate adults about indicators of gang involvement in their areas. The evaluation used a pretest questionnaire completed by 2,207 students and post-test measures that included the same questionnaire, completed by 1,821 students; questionnaires completed by classroom teachers and GREAT officers; and focus groups of students. Results revealed that the program's impact on students' resistance skills and gang involvement was relatively small, but it still had an impact. A greater impact might occur if the program involved parents, was coordinated with other programs in the community, was extended over a longer period of time, and was integrated into the regular curriculum. Tables and appended study instrument