Evaluating a Drug Education Program: An Overview of Some Methodological and Theoretical Issues

• NCJ Number: 114544
• Author(s): R Aniskiewicz; E Wysong; J Solomon
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: For presentation at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology, Chicago, November 9th, 1988.

Annotation

This paper presents preliminary evaluative data and discusses methodological issues in the evaluation of DARE (drug abuse resistive education), a collaborative drug abuse education and prevention effort of the Kokomo Indiana School Corporation and the Kokomo Police Department.

Abstract

Because of a lack of baseline data and a program structure and organization, pre- and posttest questionnaires were administered to 678 fifth grade and 618 seventh grade students and their teachers. Results indicate that the program produced a significant shift in antidrug attitudes among fifth graders, but had little impact on attitudes of seventh graders. Students in both grades came to the program with relatively strong, pre-existing antidrug attitudes. Teachers reported that DARE appears to produce desirable attitudes and behaviors among students. Observations and interviews provided some qualitative corroboration for positive program effects and highlighted the need for evaluative research to focus on the broader dynamics and indicators of drug education program success. 13 references.