" They argue that rural areas have higher child poverty rates and higher percentages of poor school districts than urban areas, leading to a very large "at-risk" population (Martin, 1996). However, other analysts would disagree. They claim that children from the inner-cities are the most impoverished, and therefore have the greatest chance of being "at-risk." These students show greater rates of behavioral problems, feelings of alienation and hopelessness, suicidal .
Similarities in Challenges 4.
tendencies, teen pregnancy, and drug dealing/use (Flaherty, et al, 1995). .
A study completed in the mid-1990s through focus groups at rival middle schools found that gangs were named as the primary perpetrators of violence in the community. The same study suggests that gangs provide the motivation and companionship conducive to violence, and that gang violence begins in violent homes and communities (Clark and Marsh, 1996). Violent behaviors associated with gangs include possession of weapons, sexual harassment of peers and teachers, bullying, verbal intimidation, arson, drug trafficking and use, and graffiti. These acts of violence are increasing in the schools. Specific examples include drive-by shootings, suicides, house fires, accidents, attacks, domestic violence, medical deaths and illnesses, and bomb threats (Caldarella, 1996). .
Recent research suggests that gang related activity has grown three-fold in many rural areas. In Utah, a fairly isolated state, there were 75 known youth gangs with 890 members in 1990; by 1993, these numbers were up to 213 gangs with 1,749 members. Principals at urban schools express great concern over youth gang activity, but rural administrators claim "community cohesion and geographical isolation would reduce gang related behavior in their schools." With the recent growth in rural area gang activity, it appears that rural administrators may have underestimated the dangerous growth, and may not be properly trained to deal with the real situation (Caldarella, 1996).
