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Effectiveness of student assistance programs in Nebraska schools
D M Scott1, J L Surface, D Friedli
1College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-6045, USA.
Journal of Drug Education
|August 3, 1999
Summary
Student Assistance Programs (SAP) in Nebraska schools were linked to lower adolescent alcohol use and improved academic achievement. Further research is recommended to confirm the effectiveness of these programs.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Educational Psychology
- Public Health Interventions
Background:
- Student Assistance Programs (SAP) are increasingly implemented in schools.
- The association between SAPs and student outcomes requires further investigation.
- Nebraska schools provided a setting to examine SAPs' impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if Nebraska schools with SAPs are associated with reduced adolescent alcohol use.
- To assess if SAPs are linked to higher academic achievement in students.
- To compare outcomes in schools with and without SAPs.
Main Methods:
- A 1992 survey (Toward a Drug Free Nebraska) was administered to 3,454 students (grades 7-12) across 83 Nebraska schools.
- School-level data on the presence (n=34) or absence (n=49) of SAPs was collected via "team activity reports".
- Student alcohol use and academic achievement data were matched with SAP presence using school identification numbers.
Main Results:
- Students in schools with SAPs reported significantly lower alcohol use in the preceding 30 days (p < 0.05).
- A significant difference in academic achievement was observed, favoring students from schools with SAPs (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Post hoc analysis suggests a positive association between SAPs and lower alcohol use.
- The findings indicate a correlation between SAPs and higher academic achievement in students.
- Further research is warranted to establish the causal effectiveness of Student Assistance Programs.