Effectiveness of Student Assistance Programs in Nebraska Schools

• NCJ Number: 181314
• Journal: Journal of Drug Education Volume: 29 Issue: 2 Dated: 1999 Pages: 165-174
• Author(s): David M. Scott Ph.D.; Jeanne L. Surface M.A.; David Friedli B.A.; Thomas W. Barlow Ed.D.
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: DCC

Annotation

This article investigates whether Nebraska schools with student assistance programs are associated with reduced adolescent alcohol use and a higher level of academic achievement than students from schools without such programs.

Abstract

In 1992, surveys were administered to 3,454 students in grades 7 to 12 at 83 Nebraska schools. Students from schools with assistance programs had lower rates of alcohol use in the preceding 30 days compared with students from schools without such programs, and they also demonstrated a significant difference in academic achievement. These findings support the 1990 report of the National Commission on Drug Free Schools, which recommended that every school establish a student assistance program to help students who have alcohol, tobacco or other drug problems. These problems ultimately will affect students’ ability to remain in school and succeed at academic endeavors. The article recommends further research to demonstrate the effectiveness of student assistance programs. Figure, tables, references