ANTI-GANG EDUCATION COALITIONof Eastern PA

Reasons Kids Join Gangs: Attention Recognition/reputation Love and support Forced to Boredom Take the place of family Drugs Financial gain Power/control Family legacy Learned behaviors

Potential Consequences of Gang Involvement: School failure/dropout/underachievement Unemployment Incarceration Desensitized to violence (beatings, injuries,

stabbings, shootings, killings) Loss of freedom (have to do gangs bidding) Break up family Innocent people hurt Adverse impact on family Lose friends Interferes with career options Shunned by neighbors Singled out as a troublemaker

How do we save children from the influence of gangs and extremist groups while making it economically sustainable?

Pool together resources and areas of expertise.

Knowledge is key; it gives a more promising future and saves school districts and taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

See our at-risk students as a resource to invest in, rather than as a drain on the system.

Take proactive steps to keep our children engaged in learning and out of the criminal justice system.

Mission of the Youth Crimeand Violence Task Force

Established in summer of 1996. The Task Force supports the development and

coordination of strategies that address issues of youth crime and violence by facilitating communication and collaboration within Lehigh County.

Participants include Police, Judges, Education, Community representatives, Public Defender, District Attorney, Human Services, etc.

Initiatives under Task Force

Operation Night Light Information Sharing Legislation Serious Habitual Offender Program Gang Awareness Conferences Anti-Truancy Initiatives Mentoring Conferences Route 222 Anti- Gang Initiative Gang Prevention Efforts Next steps: Stronger attention on Gang

Intervention with focus on employment and vocational skills.

THE 222 CORRIDOR Gang Prevention Task Force 2007

Assessment of Gang ProblemDr. Tina Richardson, Lehigh University

The purpose of the assessment was togather and summarize quantitative and

qualitative data regarding the prevalence of

gangs and their effects on public safety and

quality of life in the city

Gangs and extremist groups along the222 CORRIDOR

Gangs

Acres Production 2 BBD Bloods Cash Money Boys Crips Cumberland St. DDP-Dominicans Don’t Play Fellaset Goonies Gordon St. Boys HB-Handsome Boys HBG-Hood Bangers Latin Kings Los solidos MS 13 ND 12th St. Netas Taliban Trinitarios

Extremist Groups

Keystone State Skinheads

- Racist Skinhead National Socialist Movement

- Neo-Nazi The Creativity Alliance

- Neo-Nazi The Israelite Church of God in

Jesus Christ

- Black Separatist

Programming Funded- 222Approximately $200,000

Over 25 Community Based programs were funded for nearly 2 years under this Initiative.

Funding ended in summer of 2009.

NOW WHAT? Lehigh County Gang Prevention and Intervention

committee. Build community supports to combat gang

activity.

Goals to Reduce Gang Involvement

Increase academic performance Increase school attendance Promote involvement in pro social activities Develop awareness of the reality of the gang life

style Increase utilization of youth serving organizations Improve youth’s behavior in the community Recruit assistance and involvement from the

community Reduce Involvement in the Juvenile Justice

System Improve family involvement and relationship

According to the Gates Foundation

Each year the economy loses $33 Billion due to drop outs.

If a 6th grade student fails English, Math or any other two courses, they have a significant risk of not graduating.

If we increase the male graduation rate by 5% there will be an estimated $4.9 billion in crime related savings.

% of dropouts gone in 9th grade

35%

% of dropouts gone in 10th grade

27%

% of dropouts gone in 11th grade

19%

% of dropouts gone in 12th grade

19%

US graduation rate 70%PA graduation rate 77.6%

Students of color graduated in 4 years

50%

Drop out data 2009-2010 for grades 7-12 from PDE Report

County School Districts School Population

No. of Drop Outs

% of Total Population

Lehigh 26,248 639 2.43%Northampton 22,093 302 1.37%Carbon 4,491 37 .82%Berks 32,830 698 2.13%Schuylkill 8,967 181 2.02%Total 94,629 1,857 8.77%

Approximately 44% of youth drop out for unknown reasons according to PDE for 2009-2010.

According to PSEA the average state tuition reimbursement is between $2000-$6000 per school district.

If 25% drop out because of gang/delinquent behavior the lost revenue for the 5 school districts could amount to

$2,785,000

Keeping ONE High Risk Youth in School and Crime/Drug FREE can Save Taxpayers $1.7-$2.3 Million Dollars

According to the publication, New Evidence on the Monetary Value of Saving a High Risk Youth (December 2007) Vanderbilt Law and Economics Research Paper No 08-07, 1.7 to 2.3 million taxpayer money is saved by keeping ONE high risk youth in school and crime/drug free.$1,700,000 x 464 = $788,800,000 in taxpayer savings

The National Gang Center estimates that 34.5 percent of all cities, suburban areas, towns, and rural counties (more than 3,500 jurisdictions served by city and county law enforcement agencies) experiences gang problems in 2009.

Alternative School Placement

25% of total Dropouts 116

Program cost $105/day

No. of School Days 181

Cost per School Year $2,204,580

Misc Cost (Transportation)

$10,000/ school yr

Out of district Alternative School Placement is an option used by many districts alike, however the expense associated with such programs can be costly for the home district.

Average Alternative Placement Cost

Per day rate is based on average cost of four alternative placement programs in the Lehigh Valley

A Tale of Two Boys

Mission Statement

Create a procedural framework for school

districts in the fight against gangs.   This information is based on the

OJJDP'sComprehensive Gang Model, and

designedto apply to all types of schools.

Improve the communication and involvement between school districts, law enforcement, and community agencies

Schedule meetings between probation, SRO’s, community agencies, and schools.

Create a formal process for referring students to law enforcement and community agencies.

Appoint a school district point person for information sharing. (Director of Security, SRO’s, School Administrators) Establish a formal process to report and catalogue all gang suspected

activity. (pictures, student lists, anonymous tips) Use SRO’s and community officers (CO’s) to talk with students in

classrooms. Encourage school boards to adopt policies that help improve

communication. Establish or participate in a focused community task force involving all

stakeholders. (Included churches and local businesses).

Create an easy to use system for school districts to share information & resources

School point people will have access to our wiki space and other recommended sites.

An active and updated list of school point people should be distributed across counties.

Establish a set meeting schedule for point people, SRO’s and CO’s across school districts and municipalities.

School districts must closely examine how they can share gang programs, staff and resources with other districts. (speakers, materials, joint grants, & information)

Use meaningful and coordinated professional development on gangs and extremist groups toenhance awareness among schools and the community

Set a budget for professional development on gangs and commit to specific programming annually.

Include community members and service providers in professional development to share information and decrease cost.

Professional development should go beyond “Gang 101 – Identification”. It should encourage community activism, student mentorship, and school involvement.

Professional development should include the OJJDP’s Comprehensive Gang Model and a Gang Risk Survey

Create and support school district policies that address gangs and extremist groups.

Define the term “gang/extremist group” in school district policy and create a detailed procedure for addressing the issue.

Establish a system of communication for policy change and recommendation from building level staff to central administration.

Use a community task force and existing agencies/programs to obtain data to support policy enforcement or change.

Encourage school board members and school administrators to analyze district policies or practices that discourage community agencies from assisting.

Provide, identify and publicize positive prevention and intervention programs for school age children Utilize effective prevention programs. (GRIPE, GREAT)

Create and support active afterschool and summer programs to keep children engaged. (Boys & Girls Clubs, 21st Century Community Service Centers, Kids of Character, Pre-Apprentice Program)

Recognize and reward students involved in these programs to maximize use.

Promote positive behavior, character development, independent living skills, and employment skills.

Utilize speakers who have “turned their life around” and hold follow up meetings to discuss issues.

Provide intensive mentorship and leadership development programs (Multicultural Student Leadership Conference)

Hold family programming (family fun night, movies, carnivals)

Maintain an active list of community services and points of contact.

Create a referral based system for community services to assist families.

Establish a College, Career and Opportunity Center in your high school

Utilize databases to research college and career options (careercruising.com).

Post and publicize college scholarships, grants, and loan programs.

Hire a coordinator or use guidance staff for personnel.

Attend college/career fairs in the area.

Schedule college admissions staff, community professionals, and military recruiters to talk with students.

Coordinate internship and job shadow experiences with local employers.

Post local job opportunities for students in the center

Plan Action Phase

1. Establish a meeting schedule with point people2. Improve gang/extremist group related

communication within and between school districts

3. Improve collaboration with law enforcement and the community

4. Examine systems to share information: wiki space, websites, speakers, programs, etc.

5. Examine professional development within school districts

6. Identify and publicize positive prevention and intervention programs for implementation to reduce dropouts and gang activity

collaborative and cost-effective

Anti Gang Education Coalition of Eastern PA Survey

Greetings! The Anti Gang Education Coalition of Eastern PA is a coalition of public school teachers, administrators

and law enforcement officials. Their mission is to create awareness and decrease gang/extremist group activity in

schools through professional collaboration focused on information sharing, professional development and intervention

recommendations.

The Anti Gang Education Coalition of Eastern PA is presenting at PSEA’s Eastern Region Leadership Conference at

Bear Creek Mountain Resort on March 10, 2012. In an effort to better understand our audience, please complete the

following survey by Tuesday, March 5, 2012. Results of the survey will be shared at the conference.

Thank you!

Which setting best describes the area where your school district is located?UrbanRuralSuburban

What building level do you teach?Elementary SchoolMiddle SchoolHigh School

Anti Gang Education Coalition of Eastern PA Survey

What is your district’s student population?1,000 or less1,001-2,5002,501-5,0005,001-10,00010,000+

Where are you employed? (drop down menu of school districts)Other (please specify)

Do you believe gangs are a problem in your school?YesNoNot sure

If you answered yes to question 5, which gangs are present?Acres Production 2 Keystone State SkinheadsBBD Latin KingsCash Money Boys Los SolidosCrips MS 13Cumberland St. National Socialist Movement (neo-Nazi)DDP-Dominicans Don’t Play ND 12th St.Fellaset NetasGoonies TalibanGordon St. Boys The Creativity AllianceHB-Handsome Boys The Israelite Church of God in Jesus Christ (Black Separtist)HBG-Hood Bangers TrinitariosOther:

What signs do you see that lead you to believe that gang members are present?Behavior changesGraffiti in the neighborhoodIncrease in physical confrontations or threats of physical confrontationsLanguage-uncommon terms or phrasesMilling-gathering/hanging out especially where there is an audienceRight/left rule apparel worn in a specific manner – either right or leftStudents flashing hand signalsSymbols on students’ notebooks, folders, etc.TattoosUses of street language and nicknamesWearing colors (bandanas, beads, etc.)All of the AboveOther

What types of problems do gang members present in your school?TruancyClassroom disciplineClassroom disruptionsDrugsViolence victimization/intimidationOther

When are gang related activities occurring?Before schoolLunchDuring schoolAfter school

Anti Gang Education Coalition of Eastern PA Survey

Anti Gang Education Coalition of Eastern PA Survey

Where are gang related activities occurring?School grounds-during schoolSchool grounds-school sponsored events (i.e. dances, sporting events, etc.)Community parksOther

What issues do you think contribute to gang activity?PovertyDrug/AlcoholSingle parent homesLack of parental supervisionFamily involved in gangsOther

What school based services are available?SAPChild studyCrisis teamDisciplinarySROOther

Anti Gang Education Coalition of Eastern PA Survey

Finish the statement—Gang activity in my school is . . .IncreasingDecreasingRemaining about the sameNot sureNon existent

What are strategies your school uses to combat gang problems?PreventionInterventionSuppressionComprehensiveOther

Name ONE strategy you wish your district would employ to combat gang problems.

Thank you!

FAQs

What are the necessary steps to prepare a school district to employ our framework?

1. Recognize the problem2. Gang 101 professional development3. Identify school district contact person/coordinator/point person4. Needs assessment—overall including gang related behavior (customize for parents, student and school staff)5. Framework presentation

What are the necessary steps to prepare a school district to employ our framework?

1. Recognition of problem

2. Identify school district contact person/ coordinator/point person

3. Gang 101 professional development

4. Needs assessment-overall including gang related behavior (customize for parents, students and school staff)

5. Framework presentation

Who are the key players? Students Parents and local residents Teachers/union Law enforcement-district magistrates, SROs, Juvenile Probation, etc. PTAs/PTOs Administrators-Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Transportation

Supervisors, Building Level Administrators School Boards Neighboring school districts Local colleges Local business owners, Chamber of Commerce Community agencies, i.e. Children & Youth/neighborhood centers/faith based

organizations Mayor’s Office, City Councils State Representatives

How can schools get their key players to work together toward a solution?

KEY PLAYERS SOLUTIONS

Students Raising awareness and providing alternatives to being involved in a gang Use school clubs and organizations to advertise, i.e. SADD Use social media

Parents/families/local residents Use students’ influence Incentives, i.e. raffles, homework passes, etc. Invites at parent nights, sport activities, etc. Public service announcement Publications, i.e. poster, brochure, fast facts, statistics Auto phone calls Insert with report cardOpen computer lab

Teachers/union Committee workStudent leadershipDirect vocal administration buy-inComp time/incentives/direct benefitsModel group involvementSafe classrooms/schools

How can schools get their key players to work together toward a solution? (continued)

KEY PLAYERS SOLUTIONS

Law enforcement-district magistrates, SROs, Probation Officers, Juvenile Probation, Police Departments, etc.

Reduction in workload Meet with high level individuals and targeted departmentsNetworking

PTAs/PTOs Unifying causeInvite them to professional developmentShow program sustainability

Administrators, Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Transportation Supervisors, Building level administrators

Community and elected official acknowledgment and supportCollect data and evidenceKey teachers and union reps meet with Superintendent

School Boards Community supportParent supportSafety committeeCollect dataStudent testimonyResource sharing

Neighboring school districts and Intermediate Units

Success storiesUse of county meetingsDAs meet quarterly with Superintendents

How can schools get their key players to work together toward a solution? (continued)

KEY PLAYERS SOLUTIONS

Local colleges Increase enrollment Student activist groups and college security Colleges provide mentoring/tutoring Colleges recognize involvement Provides opportunities for students to get involved Clean up communities

Local business owners, Chamber of Commerce Offer job training/mentoring opportunitiesReduction in crimeFoster relationships with community

Community agencies, i.e. Children & Youth/neighborhood centers/faith based organizations

Share meeting structure and access to populationsUse of community school modelShow sustainability

Local Elected Officials Attend meetings; crime watch Improve public safety Impact on constituents-less taxpayer $ towards programs, etc. State Police and Attorney General’s Office provide programs for free or little cost

All key players Share resources

What are the challenges schools may face regarding community involvement?

Lack of community involvement Limited funding Gaining trust of community members Fear of being targeted/retaliation Event attendance-difficulty rallying

community participation Communication (lack of resources to spread the message) Community Education Community empowerment-combatting perception that we are

powerless

Identify school district assets to gaining community support. Examples:

Venue location Captive audience Outreach services-bilingual, technical language, health services,

mental health services Established community/neighborhood networks Established school model and family centers Student community service opportunities-clubs and group Potential partnerships

Guidelines for school districts to consider when choosing an intervention program.

Price and budget Targeted age Research based Results of needs assessment Success rate Compatibility with existing school district initiatives Level of involvement with gangs (prevention, intervention,

suppression) Skill sets of key players Professional development needs

What data could be used to measure outcomes?

Student involvement in school activities School wide surveys-improvement in area of

perceived safety Grades and attendance Dropout rates Number of school infractions and crime in the

community Testimonials of program success

Indicators of Long Term Sustainability Increase in community partnerships Collaboration among school districts Continued improvement in data Established relationships with law

enforcement

Website Resource Directory

Lehigh County Network of Care: http://lehigh.pa.networkofcare.org/mh/home/index.cfm

Direct to Network of Care resource directory: http://lehigh.pa.networkofcare.org/mh/resource/find.cfm

Community Services for Children: Community Resource Book http://www.cscinc.org/docs/community_resource_booklet_2009-2010.pdf

Valley Wide Help – Online resource database http://www.irissoft.com/vwhp/

Valley Wide Help printed resource directory can be purchased at the “American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley”

Allentown Youth Sourcewww.allentownyouthsource.org

Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Preventionwww.ojjdp.gov

National Gang Centerhttp://www.nationalgangcenter.gov/

Anti-Gang Education Coalition of Eastern PA Subcommittee

Harrison Bailey IIIAssistant PrincipalParkland High Schoolhbailey@beth.k12.pa.us610-351-5600

Andrew DeAngeloRetired, Deputy Chief, County of Lehigh Juvenile Probation Departmentajd07@aol.com 484-226-4609

Jena BrodheadPresident, Easton Area Education Associationjbrodhead@eastonteachers.org 610-730-7171

Robert H. CrevelingPSEA Eastern Region Field Director rcreveling@psea.org 800-322-9032 or 610-391-0835

Vivian Robledo-ShoreySupervisor of Student and Community Engagement

Bethlehem Area School Districtvrobledoshorey@beth.k12.pa.us 610-861-0500

Jose RosadoAllentown School DistrictDirector of Community & Student Services rosadojo@allentownsd.org 484-765-4000

Maureen FosterPSEA Staff Associatemfoster@psea.org 800-322-9032 or 610-391-0835

Presenters: Harrison Bailey, III, Vivian Robledo-Shorey, and Andy DeAngelo