NCJ Number
148523
Date Published
1991
Length
51 pages
Annotation
A national sample of 1,350 public school teachers completed a questionnaire concerning the extent of disciplinary problems within their schools and the nature and effectiveness of existing policies and drug education programs.
Abstract
The survey found that 23 percent of teachers found alcohol use to be a serious or moderate problem, and 17 percent found drug use to be a serious or moderate problem. Over 90 percent of teachers found that their school's written drug and alcohol policies were comprehensive, clear, and consistently applied. Five percent of elementary school teachers and 24-30 percent of secondary school teachers believed current drug prevention programs were not very or not at all effective in reducing student alcohol and drug use. About half the teachers surveyed had received relevant inservice training during the past school year and found the training to be helpful in the areas of identifying causes and effects of alcohol and drug use, recognizing signs of alcohol and drug use, reviewing intervention techniques, and discussing available school and outside services for students. While a great majority of teachers felt safe in their schools, nearly half indicated that a lack of alternative programs for disruptive students limited their ability to maintain order and discipline. 15 tables, 2 references, and 2 appendixes