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.

Welcome to G.R.E.A.T.
Program Introduction
Relationship Among Gangs, Violence, Drugs, and Crime

What’s the Real Deal?
Message Analysis
Facts and Fiction About Gangs and Violence

It’s About Us
Community
Roles and Responsibilities
What You Can Do About Gangs

Where Do We Go From Here?
Setting Realistic and Achievable Goals

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

Do You Hear What I Am Saying?
Effective Communication
Verbal vs. Nonverbal

Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes
Active Listening
Identification of Different Emotions
Empathy for Others

Say It Like You Mean It
Body Language
Tone of Voice
Refusal-Skills Practice

Getting Along Without Going Along
Influences and Peer Pressure
Refusal-Skills Practice

Keeping Your Cool
G.R.E.A.T. Anger-Management Tips
Practice Cooling Off

Keeping It Together
Recognizing Anger in Others
Tips for Calming Others

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

Looking Back
Program Review
“Making My School a G.R.E.A.T. Place” Project Review