ERIC ED405448: Sounding the Alarm on Safe and Drug-Free Schools. Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities. Final Report, 1995-96.

56 Pages·1996·0.87 MB·English

by  ERIC

DOCUMENT RESUME
ED 405 448 UD 031 616
AUTHOR
Sabatino, Melissa
Sounding the Alarm on Safe and Drug-Free Schools.
TITLE
Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities. Final
Report, 1995-96.
INSTITUTION
Austin Independent School District, TX. Dept. of
Accountability, Student Services, and Research.
PUB DATE
96
NOTE
69p.
PUB TYPE
Evaluative/Feasibility (142)
Reports
EDRS PRICE
MF01/PC03 Plus Postage.
DESCRIPTORS
*Curriculum Development; *Drug Abuse; Drug Education;
Elementary Secondary Education; Federal Aid; Peer
Groups; *Prevention; Program Development; Program
Evaluation; *School Safety; Staff Development;
*Student Attitudes; Student Surveys; Urban Schools;
Urban Youth; Youth Programs
IDENTIFIERS
*Austin Independent School District TX; Drug Abuse
Resistance Education Program
ABSTRACT
The Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities
(SDFSC) Act of 1986 provides funding to school districts to
supplement local efforts to eliminate drug and alcohol use by their
students. In 1995-96, its ninth year of funding, the Austin
Independent School District (AISD) (Texas) received $363,720 from the
SDFSC grant plus a sum carried over from 1994-95. SDFSC monies fund a
wide assortment of district programs. Three types of programs were
funded during the 1995-96 school year: student programs, programs for
curriculum and staff development, and support staff and services. The
student programs included Drug Abuse Resistance Education (the DARE
program), a peer assistance and leadership program, support for some
private schools, and a student retreat program. Overall, AISD
students appear to have increasing patterns of self-reported recent
and lifetime alcohol, tobacco, and other illegal drug use since
1991-92, the first year for which data were available. Over 67% of
secondary school students reported that they had received information
on drugs or alcohol from a school source during 1995-96, but many
students did not believe that these substances were dangerous. The
effects of substance abuse education and prevention lessen with each
subsequent year after student participation. Less than half of the
students thought that their school campuses were safe, and over
one-third reported that they had been physically harmed or threatened
at school by another student. Recommendations for program improvement
call for more complete implementation of SDFSC programs and the
development of programs to ensure the safety of students in AISD
schools. Attachments include excerpts from related legislation and
regulations and the AISD drug and alcohol education and prevention
plan. (Contains 20 figures, 16 attachment graphs, and 14 references.)
(SLD)
00
kr)
Safe and Drug-Free Schools
and Communities
final Report
199S--96
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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Office of Educational Research and
Improvement
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INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)
Austin Independent School District
1
tri)e,
cl
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Department of Accountability, Student
CI)
Services, and Research
`\-"N
Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities, 1995-96 Final Report
95.07
Sounding the Alarm on Safe and Drug-Free Schools
Executive Summary
Austin Independent School District
Department of Accountability, Student Services, and Research
Budget Implications
Major Findings
Program Description
Mandate:
I. Overall, AISD students appear to have
The Safe and Drug-Free Schools and
External funding agency--Drug-Free
increasing patterns of self-reported
Communities (SDFSC) Act of 1986
Schools and Communities Act of
recent and lifetime alcohol, tobacco, and
provides funding to school districts to
1986 (Public Laws 99-570, 100-297,
other illegal drug use since 1991-92, the
supplement local efforts to eliminate drug
101-226, and 101-647, Section
first year for which districtwide data are
and alcohol use by their students. In 1995-
5145).
available. (Page 4)
96, its ninth year of funding, the Austin
Independent School District (AISD)
Funding Amount:
2. Over 67% of secondary students
received $363,720 from the SDFSC grant.
1995-96 Allocation: $363,720
surveyed reported that they had received
An additional $51,707 was carried over
1994-95 Carry-over: $51,707
information on drugs or alcohol from a
from 1994-95 for a total of $415,427.
Total: $415,427
school source during 1995-96.
However, despite the knowledge gained
SDFSC grant monies fund a wide
Funding Source:
from these sources, one fifth of students
assortment of District programs directed
do not believe that the use of alcohol, Federal
toward prevention and education regarding
tobacco, or marijuana is dangerous.
the illegal and harmful use of alcohol,
Implications:
(Page 11)
tobacco, and other drugs. Three types of
Continued implementation and
program components were funded during
evaluation of SDFSC programs is
3. The effects of substance abuse education
the 1995-96 school year--student
important if AISD is to reach its goal
and prevention programs lessen with
programs, programs for curriculum and
of having a drug-free school
each subsequent year following student
staff development, and support staff and
population by the year 2000. SDFSC
participation; after five years the effects
services. By program type, the
also supplements the efforts toward
of the programs were negligible.
components implemented during the 1995-
eliminating student and staff alcohol
(Page 12)
96 school year included:
and other drug use that are necessary
in order to receive federal funding.
4. Less than half (44%) of the 6,134
Student Programs
secondary students surveyed felt that
Campus-Based Programs;
Recommendations
their campus provided a physically safe
Drug Abuse Resistance Education
environment, and 28% had done
(DARE);
something they would not normally have
I. The Pre-K through 12 curriculum
Peer Assistance and Leadership
should be implemented more fully at
done because of fear of physical harm at
(PAL);
their school. (Page 12)
each grade to supplement the SDFSC
Private Schools; and
programs. The curriculum should
Student Retreat Program.
5. Over one third (35%) of secondary
reinforce the no-use message and the
students surveyed reported that, during
dangers of drugs and alcohol.
Curriculum and Staff Development
the 1994-95 or 1995-96 school year, they
Pre -K -12 Curriculum Supplement and
had been physically harmed or 2. Programs should be developed to
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
threatened with physical harm at their
ensure the safety of students in AISD
Training.
school by another student. (Page 12)
schools.
Support Staff and Services
6. During 1995-96, 101 teachers from 90
Project Facilitator;
campuses were trained as ESRII trainers.
Budget Control Specialist;
These trainers were responsible for
PRIDE Clerk;
training 867 campus colleagues.
Visiting Teachers; and
(Page 30)
Evaluation Associate.
Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities, 1995-96 Final Report
95.07
COST SUMMARY
1995-96 SAFE AND DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
NUMBER
DRUGFREE
OF
SCHOOLS ALLOCATION COST PER
STUDENTS
STUDENT
PROGRAM
(COST)
RATING
SERVED
Campus-Based Programs 73,452 $1.06
$77,680
+
Drug Abuse Resistance
$54,000
12,705
$4.25
+
Education (DARE)
Peer Assistance and
$27,170
$24.84
1,094
+
Leadership (PAL)
$14,800
Private Schools
$4.96
2,985
+
Student ROPES Retreat
$107,550
2,058
$52.26
+
Program
Pre-KI2 Curriculum
0
$5,800
$0.36
16,213
Student Assistance
80 (Teachers
$62.50
$5,000
+
Program (SAP)
Trained)
*SDFSC cost only, funds were also provided for some programs from other sources.
RATINGS EXPLANATION
Positive, should be kept and/or expanded
Not significant, needs some improvement or
0
modification
Negative, needs major modification or replacement
Blank
Could not be rated
4
95.07
Safe and DrugFree Schools and Communities. 1995-96 Final Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary
Cost Summary
ii
Conclusions and Recommendations
1
Introduction
2
Assessment of Use and Attitudes Towards Use
4
Texas School Survey of Drug and Alcohol Use
4
Coordinated Survey for District Employees
16
DrugFree Schools Programs
20
Student Programs
CampusBased Programs
20
Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE)
21
Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL)
24
Private Schools
26
Student ROPES Retreat Program
27
Curriculum and Staff Development
Pre-K-12 Curriculum Supplement
30
Student Assistance Program (SAP) Training
Support Staff and Services
Management
33
Visiting Teacher
33
Bibliography
34
List of Figures
35
Attachments
36
iii
Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities, 1995-96 Final Report
95.07
SOUNDING THE ALARM ON SAFE AND DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS
SAFE AND DRUGFREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES, 1995-96 FINAL REPORT
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusions
As in the previous year, there have been some apparent successes within individual Safe and DrugFree Schools and
Communities programs. However, the overall picture of student drug and alcohol use in the District is not encouraging,
especially at the secondary level, and indicates the continued need for modification and/or expansion of current levels of
service. Also the issue of student safety must be addressed, as less than half of the secondary students surveyed reported
that their campus provided a physically safe environment. Specific conclusions are listed below.
Overall, AISD students appear to have increasing patterns of self-reported recent and lifetime alcohol, tobacco, and
other illegal drug use since 1991-92, the first year for which districtwide data are available.
AISD appears to be delivering information concerning drugs and alcohol to students, as 67.1% of secondary students
surveyed reported that they had received information on drugs or alcohol from a school source during 1995-96. The
most often reported sources were health class (39.5%), science class (31.4%), an invited school guest (26.1%), and an
assembly program (25.8%). However, despite the knowledge gained from these sources, approximately one fifth of all
secondary students do not believe that the use of alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana is dangerous.
The effects of substance abuse education and prevention programs lessen with each subsequent year following student
participation; after five years the effects of the programs were negligible.
Less than half (44%) of the 6,134 secondary students surveyed felt that their campus provided a physically safe
environment, and 28% had done something they would not normally have done because of fear of physical harm at their
school.
Over one third (35%) of secondary students surveyed reported that, during the 1994-95 or 1995-96 school year, they
had been physically harmed or threatened with physical harm at their school by another student.
During 1995-96, 101 teachers from 90 campuses were trained as ESRII trainers. These trainers were responsible for
training 867 campus colleagues.
Recommendations
I. The Pre-K through 12 curriculum should be implemented more fully at each grade to supplement the SDFSC programs.
The curriculum should reinforce the no-use message and the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
Programs should be developed to ensure the safety of students in AISD schools.
2.
6
Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities, 1995-96 Final Report
95,07
INTRODUCTION
For the past nine years, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) has received funding through the federal Safe and
DrugFree Schools and Communities grant (SDFSC). Originating from the DrugFree Schools and Communities Act of
1986 (Public Law 99-570) and subsequent legislative amendments, the function of the SDFSC grant monies is to
supplement local school district efforts toward drug abuse education and prevention. The level of federal assistance is
reflected in Figure 1.
FIGURE 1
SAFE AND DRUGFREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES GRANT MONIES RECEIVED BY
AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, 1987-88 THROUGH 1995-96
1987-88
133,544
1988 -89
247,494
1989 -90
396,129
1990 -91
0 1991 -92
,924
>
57,36
1992 -93
55,151
1993 -94
1994 -95
355,52
1995 -96
363,7
0
$500,000
$400,000
$300,000
$200,000
$0 $100,000
Dollar Amount
For the 1995-96 school year, AISD received $363,720 in federal funds under the terms of the amended SDFSC Act. An
additional $51,707 was carried over from the 1994-95 budget, for a total of $415,427. Funds were intended to supplement
District efforts to eliminate abuse of drugs and alcohol from school campuses. In 1995-96, the SDFSC grant monies funded
for highrisk
a wide array of District programs aimed at drug abuse prevention and early intervention, including programs
youth, the purchase of curricular materials, and staff, parent, and student training. Funding also provided for administration
and evaluation.
The DrugFree Schools Act of 1986 provided the original set of guidelines regarding what types of programs are
appropriate for funding with SDFSC monies. These guidelines have been amended over the past seven years. The newest
Nonregulatory Guidance for Implementing Part B of the DrugFree Schools and
guidelines were set forth in the
The full description of these guidelines and the type of approved program(s)
Communities Act of I986November, 1992.
under which each of AISD's programs falls may be found in Attachment A.
In September of 1992, AISD enacted a revised drug and alcohol education and prevention plan (see Attachment B). The
revised plan explicitly states that, "[T]he District's goal is to have a drug free school population by the year 2000"
(emphasis added). With this goal in mind, the plan identifies eight major components which will be implemented by AISD:
Personnel training in alcohol and drugrelated issues;
I.
7
2
Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities, 1995-96 Final Report
95.07
2. Ageappropriate alcohol and drug education and prevention curricula at each grade level (prekindergarten
through grade 12);
3. A student assistance program which will identify, refer, and provide intervention and counseling services for
students;
4. Distribution of information about drug and alcohol programs available to students and employees;
5. Inclusion of drug and alcohol standards in discipline policies for students and personnel policies for employees;
distribution of these standards to parents, students, and employees;
6. Data gathering to describe the extent of alcohol and drug usage in the schools; participation in other required
evaluation efforts of the drug prevention program;
7. Assurance that all required activities convey to students that the use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession
and use of alcohol are wrong and harmful; and
8. A District advisory council composed of individuals who are parents, teachers, officers of state and local
government, medical professionals, representatives of law enforcement agencies, communitybased
organizations, and other groups with interest or expertise in the field of drug abuse education and prevention.
To ensure implementation of each component, the plan outlines the specific responsibilities and actions to be taken by
central administration, principals, District staff, students, and parents. The revised plan meets the requirements for the
adoption of a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees, as mandated by the
amended SDFSC Act. When the plan is fully carried out as intended, the District will have also complied with the
implementation standards mandated by the amended SDFSC Act.
3
Safe and Drug-Fret Schools and Communities, 1995-96 Final Report
95.07
ASSESSMENT OF USE AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS USE
Texas School Survey of Drug and Alcohol Use
Part of the Safe and DrugFree Schools and Communities (SDFSC) Act requires that agencies receiving funds describe
the extent of the current drug and alcohol problem in the schools. The most scientifically precise way to measure current
drug and alcohol use is to administer random drug tests to program participants. This procedure, however, is
extraordinarily invasive and impractical. Thus, the measure of student drug and alcohol use must be determined with
more inferential measures of substance use. The National Commission on DrugFree Schools Final Report (September
1991) recommends using a survey to assess drug problems in the schools.
In the spring of 1992, 1994, and 1996, the Texas School Survey of Drug and Alcohol Use was administered to students
in grades 4 through 12. The Texas School Survey of Drug and Alcohol Use had been extensively used in Texas school
districts since 1988 and is endorsed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The survey, which was administered and
analyzed by the Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI) at Texas A&M, is sponsored and partially subsidized by the
Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (TCADA).
In the spring 1993 and 1995, the Student Alcohol and Other Drug Use Survey was administered to a sample of grade 4-
12 students in AISD. The Student Alcohol and Other Drug Use Survey was designed by AISD staff, using the Texas
School Survey of Drug and Alcohol Use as a model.
A sample of 6,134 students in grades 7-12, and 3,200 in grades 4-6 was drawn by PPRI during the beginning of spring
1996. Survey administration, including giving instructions, was designed to take approximately 40-55 minutes. Student
participation was completely voluntary, and individual responses were anonymousno names or identifying codes were
used on the surveys.
Elementary Usage Rates
When comparing the 1996 and the 1994 Texas School Survey of Drug and Alcohol Use, elementary (grades 4-6)
students reported a decrease in recent (i.e., 1995-96 school year) and lifetime usage rates of alcohol, tobacco, and
marijuana. Elementary school students also reported a decrease in lifetime usage rates of inhalants; however, they
reported an increase in recent use of inhalants. Elementary students reporting that they had used marijuana in their
lifetime experienced the largest decrease, from 13.4% of students reporting they had used marijuana in 1994, to 5.7% of
students reporting they had used marijuana in 1996.
Alcohol appears to be the drug of choice among elementary school students. Nearly one third (30.6%) of elementary
students reported using alcohol in their lifetime, while over one-fifth (20.6) of elementary school students reported using
alcohol during the 1995-96 school year.
Secondary Usage Rates
Figures 2, 3, and 4 compare 1995-96 AISD secondary (grades 7-12) student lifetime and recent (i.e. last 30 days) usage
rates of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs to the results of the 1994 and 1992 administration of the Texas School Suney
of Drug and Alcohol Use, and the 1995 and 1993 administration of the Student Alcohol and Other Drug Use Survey.
Detailed information regarding the usage rates of particular substances (e.g., beer, marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, etc.) is
included in the appendix of this report.
Overall, AISD students appear to have increasing patterns of self-reported recent and lifetime alcohol, tobacco,
and other illegal drug use since 1991-92, the first year for which districtwide data are available.
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