5095.1: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 1:35 PM

Abstract #16249

Measuring the effectiveness of Creciendo Saludable: A primary prevention school-based program

Charity Cason, MS, Thomas Hanson, PhD, and Cynthia Peck. Office of Educational & Community Initiatives, WestEd, 801 N. Parkcenter Drive, Suite 801, Santa Ana, CA 92705, (714) 648-0333, ccason@wested.org

Creciendo Saludable is a school-based studnet assistance program in Santa Ana. The purpose of Creciendo Saludable to decrease the incidence of health and behavioral problems (particularly substance abuse and violence) among elementary school age children using scientifcally defensible interventions. Student assistance programs (SAP) were first implemented over 12 years ago, but the impact of this model has yet to be demonstrated. With great potential to contributing to the field, Creciendo Saludable has three times the sample size of the most recent SAP predecessor. The lessons learned from previous SAP models has been significant to the development of the evalution design and outcome objecives. School based evaluation is costly. The need for active parental consent, cooperation from parents, students and teacher as well as transciency can adversely effect proposed outcome measures. Budget also plays a significant role in determining how intense the evalution can be. This paper will examine teacher and parent measures of Creciendo Saludable and assess the strategies used in determining level of evaluation Creciendo Saludble uses for it's evaluation.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation participants will be able to: 1. Learn the evaluation etiology for Creciendo Saludable to improve outcome evaluation in school based programing. 2. Learn to choose the level of evaluation intensity relative to resource available. 3. Articulate the impact of Creciendo Saludable as demonstrated by parent and teacher measures

Keywords: Primary Prevention, School-Based Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Office of Educational and Community Initiatives
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA