11 COMPONENTS OF EFFECTIVE DRUG-ABUSE PREVENTION CURRICULA

A review of school-based drug abuse prevention programs was conducted for 1989-1994. In addition to a comprehensive literature review, inter views were conducted with a panel of 15 leading experts in prevention research. Key elements of promising prevention curricula were identifi ed Effective prevention programs were found to be based on a sound the oretical or research foundation. They included developmentally appropr iate information about drugs, social resistance skills training, and n ormative education. Broader based personal and social skills training appeared to enhance program effects. Effective programs used interacti ve leaching techniques and teacher training, and provided adequate cov erage and sufficient follow-up. Cultural sensitivity to the target pop ulation was found to be critical to program success. Additional progra m components were expected to enhance curriculum effectiveness. Finall y, experts agreed that adequate evaluation of prevention curricula was critical. Unfortunately, despite information about the types of curri cula that are effective, the most promising prevention curricula are n ot widely disseminated Reasons for under-utilization are explored, and recommendations made for correcting the situation.