Evaluation of the All Stars Senior High School Prevention Curriculum

Substance use continues to be a major problem facing our nation. Most drug prevention programs that have been developed and evaluated in school settings are delivered in the 5th, 6th, or 7th grades (Tobler & Stratton, 1997). There are few experimental studies and programs that address late onset prevention and early self-directed cessation for high school students (Cho, Hallfors, & Sanchez, 2005). It is during this period that the use of substances intensifies and problematic use emerges (Johnston, O'Malley, & Bachman, 1997). This situation suggests a need for effective prevention during high school. The effects of All Stars Senior, a high school prevention curriculum, on substance use, problem behavior, and variables theorized to mediate substance use and problem behavior among adolescents are reported. An independent evaluation assessed program implementation and effectiveness during a randomized controlled trial conducted at 24 high schools in Nebraska, North Carolina, and Missouri. A total of 1,286 students completed pretest, posttest, and 1-year follow up surveys measuring demographics and outcome variables. A smaller sample of teachers and students participated in classroom observations and group interviews. Results indicate that All Stars Senior had immediate and long-term effects on 30-day alcohol use, lifetime alcohol use, problem behavior, problem use, stress management, commitment, lifestyle incongruence, normative beliefs, perceived pressure, and resistance skills. In addition, results indicate long-term effects on 30-day inhalant use and goal setting. Findings suggest that All Stars Senior is engaging for teachers and students, and affects the behaviors, skills, dispositions, and beliefs of high school students.