Evaluation of seven school-based prevention programs: a final report on the Napa project

Abstract

Described is a series of evaluation studies of seven school-based prevention programs, including four generic in-service teacher-training programs, two alternatives programs, and a drug education course. The programs were delivered to elementary or junior high students, and were evaluated individually and in several combinations or sequences, using rigorous research procedures and a comprehensive set of process and outcome measures. Only the drug education course showed any pattern of significant effects, and these were short-term and obtained only for girls. The findings call into question the efficacy of generic prevention programs, at least as such programs are commonly implemented.