Implementing the LifeSkills Training drug prevention program: factors related to implementation fidelity

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Widespread replication of effective prevention programs is unlikely to affect the incidence of adolescent delinquency, violent crime, and substance use until the quality of implementation of these programs by community-based organizations can be assured.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This paper presents the results of a process evaluation employing qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the extent to which 432 schools in 105 sites implemented the LifeSkills Training (LST) drug prevention program with fidelity. Regression analysis was used to examine factors influencing four dimensions of fidelity: adherence, dosage, quality of delivery, and student responsiveness.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Although most sites faced common barriers, such as finding room in the school schedule for the program, gaining full support from key participants (i.e., site coordinators, principals, and LST teachers), ensuring teacher participation in training workshops, and classroom management difficulties, most schools involved in the project implemented LST with very high levels of fidelity. Across sites, 86% of program objectives and activities required in the three-year curriculum were delivered to students. Moreover, teachers were observed using all four recommended teaching practices, and 71% of instructors taught all the required LST lessons. Multivariate analyses found that highly rated LST program characteristics and better student behavior were significantly related to a greater proportion of material taught by teachers (adherence). Instructors who rated the LST program characteristics as ideal were more likely to teach all lessons (dosage). Student behavior and use of interactive teaching techniques (quality of delivery) were positively related. No variables were related to student participation (student responsiveness).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Although difficult, high implementation fidelity by community-based organizations can be achieved. This study suggests some important factors that organizations should consider to ensure fidelity, such as selecting programs with features that minimize complexity while maximizing flexibility. Time constraints in the classroom should be considered when choosing a program. Student behavior also influences program delivery, so schools should train teachers in the use of classroom management skills. This project involved comprehensive program monitoring and technical assistance that likely facilitated the identification and resolution of problems and contributed to the overall high quality of implementation. Schools should recognize the importance of training and technical assistance to ensure quality program delivery.</p

Healthy women/healthy lifestyles : here's what you should know about alcohol and other drugs.

Shipping list no.: 95-0128-P."Prevention works!"Cover title.Mode of access: Internet

Prevention primer : an encyclopedia of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention terms.

Cover title.Includes index and bibliographical references.Mode of access: Internet

American Indians and Native Alaskans /

"MS419.""May 1998."Shipping list no. 98-0297-P.Cover title.Mode of access: Internet

CSAP implementation guide : Hispanic/Latino natural support systems.

"Printed 1995"--T.p. verso.Shipping list no.: 95-0178-P.Includes bibliographical references (p. 39-40).Mode of access: Internet

Teen drinking prevention program.

"Printed 1995"--P. [4] of cover.Shipping list no.: 95-0242-P.Cover title.Mode of access: Internet

Tobacco.

"MS704.""June 1999."Shipping list no.: 99-0326-P.Cover title.Mode of access: Internet

Communications programs for demonstrating the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug problems.

"Catalog of federal domestic assistance no. 93.901.""Guidance for applicants no. SP 95-05.""Date of issuance: February 1995."Shipping list no.: 95-0109-P.Includes bibliographical references (p. 48-49).Mode of access: Internet

Teen drinking prevention program.

"Printed 1995"--P. [4] of cover.Shipping list no.: 95-0242-P.Cover title.Includes bibliographical references (p. 13).Mode of access: Internet