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     Welcome back to a new post on gang issues in education. Now that all of my summer promotional efforts are over with, it’s now time for a new school year to begin. I know I have neglected writing gang teaching tips lately because I have been so busy, so it’s time for me to get back on track.

     And as this new school year begins for many of us one thing seems to remain a constant; identifying and knowing who the members are in your classroom. If you can accomplish this key at the beginning of the school year, it will give you the beginning tools you need to teach effectively to this population. Trust me, it is much easier teaching to members when they know that you know who they are.

     The best advice I can give you is for the first couple of weeks always keep an eye on the members no matter where you are in the classroom. That way when you can catch them signing, and you will eventually, you can subtly look at them briefly and give them a quick NO! nod of the head and then look away for a while. Don’t wait for a response from them just continue teaching as if nothing happened. This will elicit a couple of reactions from them.

     First they know that you know they did it but they will be somewhat confused because you didn’t make a big issue out of it. Later, after the students are engaged in group or other work, you can pass by their seat and discretely tell them what you saw and if they would please not do that in your room again. You may even want give them a couple of chances before you take corrective action. 

     And secondly, this allows the member to correct their behavior without being singled out in class or you having to be confrontational. Do tell them that if it happens again you will have to take the next step, but at least they can’t claim that you didn’t give them a chance. And believe it or not, many will respond positively to this technique because they now feel some kind of obligation to pay you back by helping you out with their behaviors.

     But by all means if the behavior continues do take the next step and let administration or your resource officer know, so the incidents can be documented. And don’t forget to keep documentation of these incidents for yourself to help back up your assertions. Of course, this rule also applies to all students you are having difficulty with, because documentation will always be your strongest ally.

    I know I could go on and on about this issue and I will probably add other tips to this post in the near future. But if you want to explore alternative options for teaching to gang members, you can buy a copy of my book by going to the the order information link and I’ll rush a copy out to you immediately.

     If you wish to contact me you may do so at: cabgil@aol.com 

Thanks and come again for another post on gang issues in education.

Gilbert

     Welcome back to a new post on gang issues in education.

     It has indeed been a while since I’ve written a post. In fact, right before I left for my presentation in Phoenix, AZ, to be exact. And so, in this post I want to extend a huge THANK YOU to the National Association of School Resource Officers (narso), and their event staff for the wonderful hospitality I received in Phoenix. I encountered nothing but professionalism and courtesy from everyone involved at the event.

     I would especially like to thank Ed for the initial contact, Pat for his continued support, Diane for keeping me constantly updated, and Janet for keeping in touch with me on post issues related to the conference, so I wish to publicly thank all of you.  

     I would also like to give a huge word of thanks to each and every one of you who attended one or both of my seminars. I know it takes a lot to go to these kind of classes and gain some knowledge of what is being presented. I hope you got as much out of the presentation as I did. I cannot tell you how much I learned from speaking to many of you about how street gangs are spreading nationwide. I’m glad I was able to meet so many professionals dedicated to school safety, because it shows that schools are taking a step in the right direction by having these professionals on campuses across the nation.

     Now, I wish to offer a special thank you to all of you who purchased a copy of my book. I hope you find the information contained within its covers to be beneficial. It was a pleasure meeting you and listening to your concerns on this issue. It was refreshing to talk to people who share a common interest in school safety. When you get a chance please drop me a line with your comments, I would love to post your review on this website.

     And finally, I would like to say I have added a new link to my resource page, and yes you guessed right, it is the nasro website. I know you will find they have a lot to offer as far as school safety is concerned. And I’m also sure you will find that working with the nasro staff to be efficient, courteous and most of all professional.

     Once your there please take a look at a copy of my power point presentation, which they generously posted on their website. You can get there easily by clicking on nasro in the resource link on the sidebar.

     If you wish to contact me with a review or concerns you may do so at cabgil@aol.com.

     Thank you and please visit again for more information on gang issues in education. 

Gilbert R. Cabrera