Introduction

The G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum is a skills-based curriculum designed to produce knowledge and attitudinal and behavioral changes through the use of facilitative teaching, positive behavior rehearsal, cooperative and interactive learning techniques, and extended teacher activities. The curriculum has integrated National Learning English Language Arts Standards and National Health Standards and is based on effective research practices.

Goal

To prevent youth crime, violence, and gang involvement while developing a positive relationship among law enforcement, families, and our young people to create safer communities.

Program Structure

The G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum was designed for middle school entry-level students in 6th or 7th grade. Taught in the classroom by specially trained, uniformed law enforcement officers, G.R.E.A.T.'s violence prevention curriculum is a life-skills competency program designed to provide students with the skills they need to avoid gang pressure and youth violence. The curriculum can be used in conjunction with other prevention programs encouraging positive relationships among the community, parents, schools, and law enforcement.

The Lessons

The G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum consists of thirteen 30- to 45-minute lessons designed to be taught in sequential order.

1. Welcome to G.R.E.A.T.

• Program Introduction
• Relationship Among Gangs, Violence, Drugs, and Crime

2. What's the Real Deal?

• Message Analysis
• Facts and Fiction About Gangs and Violence

3. It's About Us

• Community
• Roles and Responsibilities
• What You Can Do About Gangs

4. Where Do We Go From Here?

• Setting Realistic and Achievable Goals

5. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

• G.R.E.A.T. Decision-Making Model
• Impact of Decisions on Goals
• Decision-Making Practice

6. Do You Hear What I Am Saying?

• Effective Communication
• Verbal vs. Nonverbal

7. Walk in Someone Else's Shoes

• Active Listening
• Identification of Different Emotions
• Empathy for Others

8. Say It Like You Mean It

• Body Language
• Tone of Voice
• Refusal-Skills Practice

9. Getting Along Without Going Along

• Influences and Peer Pressure
• Refusal-Skills Practice

10. Keeping Your Cool

• G.R.E.A.T. Anger-Management Tips
• Practice Cooling Off

11. Keeping It Together

• Recognizing Anger in Others
• Tips for Calming Others

12. Working It Out

• Consequences for Fighting
• G.R.E.A.T. Tips for Conflict Resolution
• Conflict Resolution Practice
• Where to Go for Help

13. G.R.E.A.T. Days Ahead

• Program Review
• "Making My School a G.R.E.A.T. Place" Project Review