An elementary school substance abuse prevention program: teacher and administrator perspectives

Area of Science:

• Education
• Public Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Substance abuse prevention programs are crucial in schools.
• Effective implementation requires understanding teacher and administrator perspectives.
• Project Pride is a substance abuse prevention program implemented in a large school district.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey teachers and administrators on their perceptions of Project Pride.
• To identify factors related to program satisfaction and implementation.
• To inform strategies for maximizing prevention curriculum effectiveness in elementary schools.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to teachers and administrators in a large, diversified school district.
• Data collected included perceptions of satisfaction, effectiveness, and implementation of Project Pride.
• Statistical analyses were used to examine relationships between variables.

Main Results:

• Program satisfaction was linked to perceived student benefit and program value.
• Age appropriateness of materials and ease of implementation correlated with student benefits.
• Administrator support and teacher training did not significantly influence implementation or satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Teacher and administrator perspectives are vital for substance abuse prevention program success.
• Focusing on program content, age appropriateness, and implementation ease can enhance student outcomes.
• Strategies are needed to improve the implementation of prevention curricula in elementary schools.