NCJ Number
187227
Journal
Evaluation and Program Planning Volume: 23 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2000 Pages: 365-372
Editor(s)
Jonathan A. Morell
Date Published
August 2000
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The effectiveness of after-school programming and parent education and support as a prevention approach for students at risk of drug abuse in California was investigated.
Abstract
Capitalizing on the strength of the risk and resilience as a guide for drug abuse prevention efforts, the Santa Barbara Community Prevention Coalition focused its collaborative efforts on direct intervention with children during the key transition from elementary to middle or junior high school. The effectiveness of after-school programming and parent education and support was evaluated based on information obtained from 350 students. Information was sought on academic self-concept, social problem-solving ability, school bonding, classroom participation, perceived parent supervision, academic performance, and behavior. Most students showed negative developmental trajectories from the fall to the spring of their academic year in some self-assessed areas (self-concept, bonding, self-control, and cooperation). Overall, results showed the after-school program played a protective function for students who participated. These students tended to maintain key resilience variables such as school bonding, perceived parental supervision, and teacher-related behavior. In addition, student and parent participation was positively related to changes in school bonding, perceived parental supervision, and teacher ratings of behavior. 13 references and 2 tables