Examines four school districts' practical and cost-effective measures to eliminate children bringing guns into their schools. Lessons learned from these measures are discussed involving areas of leadership; cooperation; and the use of a balanced approach of enforcement, prevention, intervention, education, and community support. (GR)

Cleveland, Ohio, Public Schools acknowledged the negative impact of gangs on the education environment by creating a gang intervention and prevention team. Advises school districts on signs to watch for, steps staff can take, and how to tell the press. Stresses publishing and reinforcing rules in a student handbook and conducting training programs…

This paper offers an analysis of urban youth gangs and intervention and prevention strategies for schools, and describes an example of a Cleveland (Ohio) school-wide response. After reviewing the scope of the problem and recent attention to gangs and youth violence, the paper looks at why youth join gangs and lists 12 conditions. Another section…