NCJ Number
211776
Journal
Journal of Drug Education Volume: 35 Issue: 1 Dated: 2005 Pages: 1-14
Date Published
2005
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study reports on an evaluation of the impact of the In Touch program on alcohol and other drug (AOD) knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of participating school staff and AOD management practices in their schools.
Abstract
In Touch is a professional training program designed to develop staff skills and support structures that will assist schools in managing AOD matters in a way that maximizes benefits for at-risk students while maintaining school discipline and community relationships. The evaluation used data from 53 program participants and 21 controls in a comparison of preintervention and postintervention knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. The data showed a 46-percent increase in AOD knowledge among participants after program participation. Attitudes that were favorable to an integrated, supportive management of AOD issues also increased significantly among participants, as did effective practice; however, changes in overall school management of these issues was limited. Compared to schools whose staffs did not participate in the training, the schools of participants were significantly more likely to have a written drug policy at postintervention, but schools' responses to AOD-related incidents were substantially unchanged. The findings suggest that the In Touch training is successful in increasing individual staff members' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior, but this does not translate into broad changes in school structure and policy in order to deal more effectively with AOD issues. A broader training program is required. 4 tables, 3 figures, and 24 references