The transfer of research knowledge to practice concerning school-based substance use prevention programming has been limited. Most teachers are not covering the content areas or using the instructional strategies identified by research as most likely to be effective in preventing and reducing youth substance use. This paper examines factors associated with best practice in substance use prevention programming. Specifically, we examine both school-level and teacher characteristics that indicate capability or support for teaching substance use prevention. Data are from the School-Based Substance Use Prevention Programs Study (SSUPPS), a national study of school substance use practice in the middle school grades during the 1998-1999 school year. Middle school teachers who were responsible for teaching substance use prevention responded to a mailed survey (N=1905, response rate=71.9%). They answered questions concerning the content and instructional approach of their substance use prevention lessons, the curricula they used, their school environment (e.g., school climate, administrative support for substance use prevention), and their own competencies relevant to teaching substance use prevention (e.g., training, years experience). Results suggest that both a supportive school environment and high teacher capability and commitment are associated with implementation of programs most likely to be effective. Measures that might enhance the diffusion of research to practice in school substance use prevention are discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Identify the types of school programs that research indicates are most effective in preventing youth drug use. 2. Describe factors associated with implementation of more effective school-based substance use prevention programs
Keywords: Adolescents, Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.