NCJ Number
232095
Date Published
May 2010
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This is an evaluation of the design, implementation, and impact of the "Behave" program, a program for lower grade secondary-school students (12-15 years old) in the Netherlands intended to develop social skills and prosocial behavior.
Abstract
Regarding program impact, there was no evidence that "Behave" improved the social attitudes and behaviors of students. Neither were the students more inclined to intervene when they encountered undesirable behavior by other students. Teachers, program managers, and other school personnel confirmed these findings. The program was implemented in 80 classes (1,879 students) in 26 schools. There was evidence that the program was not conducted as planned, and its execution did not meet the minimum standards specified in the program goals. This probably explains the limited positive impact of the program on students. Under the program's design, students are expected to develop a code of conduct for their own group and/or school and to become involved in improving the social conditions and student behaviors in their schools. The evaluation collected data on program implementation and outcomes using questionnaires for students, teachers, and other school personnel, as well as through interviews with program managers. Assessments of school social conditions and students' behaviors were conducted before the implementation of "Behave" and then 1 week and 8 weeks after the program ended. Several qualitative and quantitative (multilevel analysis) methods were used to analyze the data. Recommendations for improving the program's implementation include making clear in teacher training the aims, methods, and activities of the program, as well as focusing on the development of teaching methods that will enable teachers to guide the process of behavioral change. Also, more attention should be paid to the development of a school social environment that encourages and rewards compliance with the behavioral code.