One of the greatest challenges facing today's district-level policymakers and educational leaders is helping America's youth avoid adverse outcomes such as school failure, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and delinquency. This document describes an alternative policy approach to address these problems--the building of resiliency in youth. Rather…

Describes the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) computer program developed at the University of Arizona. Explains that HOTS attempts to build thinking skills, encourage self-confidence, and improve standardized test scores, especially in reading and mathematics, among at-risk students in grades four through seven. (SG)

As part of a high-risk youth grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, a survey was developed and implemented to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of seventh-grade students toward alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATODs). In addition to assessing project outcomes, this activity…