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Where can I find research
and resources related to linking prevention activities to academic achievement?
In a school environment that is increasingly focused on standardized
testing and academic achievement, where school budgets are decreasing
and teacher's responsibilities are growing, making the case for prevention
activities can be an exceptional challenge. Below is a selected list of
research and resources aimed at assisting educators in making the case
for substance abuse prevention programs as a way to increase student's
academic achievement.
The Impact of Peer Substance Use on Middle School Performance in Washington
State Report. (2000). Washington Kids Count.
http://hspc.org/wkc/special/reports/peer_sub_091200.html.
According to the study, groups of middle and high school students with
even moderate involvement with substance use and violence/delinquency
have dramatically lower academic achievement than groups of students with
little or no involvement in these behaviors. Factors such as poverty,
community risk, absence of social skills, and a lack of commitment to
school also contributed to lower academic performance among groups of
students.
Linking Violence and Substance Abuse Prevention to Academic Success
(Archived Distance Learning Course). National Coordinator Training and
Technical Assistance Center, Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program, U.S.
Department of Education.
This online course was used to help Middle School Substance Abuse Prevention
Coordinators to make the case that prevention programming can improve
academic outcomes by providing step-by-step directions, resources and
links relating to this topic. Although this workshop is no longer active,
the site provides research information, links to resources, and summaries
of the course discussions .
Making Health Academic. Division of Adolescent and School Health
(DASH)
http://www2.edc.org/MakingHealthAcademic/.
Making Health Academic is a five-year project funded by CDC's Division
of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) that provides capacity-building
assistance, resources, and connections to help state officials, education
leaders, health professionals, families, and community leaders to establish
Coordinated School Health Programs (CSHPs). The site provides current
information, action steps, resources, and links to assist those interested
with guidance in establishing local CSHPs.
The Role of Comprehensive School Health Education Programs in the Link
Between Health and Academic Performance: A Literature Review. (2000).
Massachusetts Department of Education, Learning and Support Services.
Available at http://www.doe.mass.edu/hssss/health00/literaturereview.pdf
.
This literature review aims at examining the connection between health
behaviors-such as tobacco use, alcohol, and drug use-and school performance.
The review concludes that due to the many physical changes that occur
in the brain and body, drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse make learning
and concentration more difficult and can negatively affect school performance.
For this reason, the most effective prevention programs have positive
impacts on students' academic achievement.
SAMHSA Model Programs: Model Prevention Programs Supporting Academic
Achievement. (2002). SAMHSA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/
SAMHSA Model Programs offers a number of programs that directly address
or indirectly affect risk and protective factors related to school performance.
This short report summarizes some of the main academic outcomes that model
programs have had, as well as a matrix describing each SAMHSA Model Program
that has proven academic achievement outcomes.
Northeast CAPT Resources:
FAQ: Which prevention programs have improved students' academic
achievement and produced other positive school-related outcomes? http://www.captus.samhsa.gov/northeast/resources/faq/faq75.cfm
This FAQ offers a selected list of CSAP-endorsed (Model) programs that
have positively impacted students' academic achievement or other school-related
behaviors. For each program, the FAQ provides a short description of the
program, a summary of academic and school related outcomes, and the developer's
contact information.
Distance Learning Course: Linking Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention
to Academic Success
This workshop is designed to help preventionists better articulate the
connections between prevention and achievement, so that they can more
effectively promote prevention programs in your school and community.
For more information on this course, e-mail Melanie Adler, Manager of
Distance Learning Programs, at madler@edc.org
Please Contact CSAP's Northeast CAPT at capt@edc.org
for more information.
Related Northeast CAPT Resources:
Distance Learning Course:
Locating, Hiring, and Managing an Evaluator For more information on
this course, e-mail Melanie Adler, Manager of Distance Learning Programs,
at madler@edc.org
Developing an evaluation plan http://www.captus.samhsa.gov/northeast/resources/faq/faq29.cfm
I need to develop an evaluation plan for my program. What are the essential
elements I should consider?
Finding an evaluator http://www.captus.samhsa.gov/northeast/resources/faq/faq19.cfm
I am a program coordinator who wants to conduct an evaluation of my
program. Do you have any suggestions about how I can find an evaluator?
Locating an evaluator in the Northeast
http://www.captus.samhsa.gov/northeast/resources/faq/faq27.cfm
I live in the Northeast region and am trying to locate potential Evaluators/Evaluation
groups for my program. Who are the evaluators within the region and
how do I select the one that is best for my needs?
Minimizing evaluation costs http://www.captus.samhsa.gov/northeast/resources/faq/faq30.cfm
What are some ways I can minimize the costs of evaluating my program?
Please contact the Northeast CAPT at capt@edc.org
for more information.
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