Designing and Implementing Project ALERT (Adolescent Learning Experiences in Resistance Training): A Smoking and Drug Prevention Experiment

• NCJ Number: 117507
• Author(s): P L Ellickson; R M Bell; M A Thomas; A E Robyn; G L Zellman
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 89 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Conrad Hilton Foundation
• Corporate Author: Rand Corporation
• Sale Source: Rand Corporation; National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report describes the design and implementation of Project ALERT (Adolescent Learning Experiences in Resistance Training) -- a multisite, multiyear test of a smoking and drug prevention program for adolescents.

Abstract

The Project ALERT curriculum builds on and extends the social influence model underlying recent smoking prevention programs. This approach teaches adolescents to identify and resist direct pressures to smoke or take drugs by focusing on motivation and resistance skills. The project is being tested in 30 West Coast schools, each of which was randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups. The evaluation data collected permit assessment of whether the program was implemented as intended and how well it engages students. Data reveal that all curriculum activities were presented, and none of the scheduled classes was missed during the 2-year implementation period. Both student and monitor ratings indicate that the program works well in the classroom. Whether or not the curriculum results in behavioral change will be the subject of future reports. Chapter tables, 123 references.