NCJ Number
154009
Date Published
1992
Length
40 pages
Annotation
A literature review, surveys of public school principals and health coordinators, and detailed interviews with chemical health coordinators formed the basis of an analysis of how Minnesota school districts currently plan, implement, and coordinate alcohol and other drug prevention efforts.
Abstract
The research aimed to identify 20 promising prevention strategies and evaluate the extent to which school districts use them. Surveys were received from 68 percent of the 187 school principals and 63 percent of the coordinators; personal interviews were completed with chemical health coordinators in 62 of the 64 districts. The literature review revealed 26 promising prevention strategies in four areas: promoting the values, knowledge, and skills of students; promoting positive school climate; empowering parents; and mobilizing communities. Findings also indicated that the two strategies used most in Minnesota schools are enhancement of self-esteem and the teaching of interpersonal skills. The schools do not widely use two techniques known to enhance program effectiveness: booster reinforcement through prevention messages and the use of same-age students as leaders and teachers. Thirteen actions are recommended to improve prevention efforts. Figures, tables, and 37 references