By bolstering students' sense of community in their school, educators can actually reduce the need for numerous prevention programs competing for time. When widely implemented, the Child Development Program fosters academic motivation and enjoyment of school while reducing alcohol and marijuana use among fifth and sixth graders. (MLH)

A drug-and-alcohol-prevention program in which elementary school parents serve as parent-to-parent facilitators is described as a peer-education model of adult education. (SK)

Describes a program undertaken by the New Jersey Education Association in partnership with the National Education Association to make three urban schools safer, the "Schools as Fear-Free Education Zones" (S.A.F.E.). Data are not yet available about program success, but early collaboration appears promising. (SLD)

Efforts to prevent unintended teen pregnancy seem to have ignored emotional motivations in romantic relationships. Proposes a model that may provide mental-health counselors with a theoretical-research base for interventions and programming designed to enhance teens' romantic relationships while simultaneously preventing unwanted consequences such…

Discusses the increasing dropout rates at many colleges and various efforts by institutions to retain students, including a greater emphasis on smaller "learning communities," special programs for high-risk students, tuition credits, development of early warning systems. Notes, however, that some students and colleges are mismatched and that some…

Gender and history of suicidality were related to current symptoms of depression, reasons for living, and reported self-destructive and life-threatening behavior among college students (N=242). Several measures intended to identify persons at risk were studied. Findings are related to cultural and gender specific expectations. Implications for…

Reports marijuana users gave significantly higher estimates of percentage of students who use marijuana. States that there is a greater risk of using marijuana among students who held the perception that it was used by more than half the students on campus. Prevention programs need to consider that marijuana users are at risk for engagement in…

Article provides strategies that schools can use to promote prosocial behavior, student success, and a culture that values all people. Suggests schools can: (1) identify the nature of student needs; (2) encourage social bonding and academic achievement for all students; and (3) support beliefs in students and teachers that support nonviolence.…

The Attitudes Toward Violence Scale was designed to assess the impact of violence prevention programs. The scale demonstrates good internal reliability and a meaningful two-factor solution: reactive violence and culture of violence. Being male, of a non-European American ethnicity, or being a victim of violence predicted endorsement of proviolence…

Identifies the stages of acquisition of gateway drugs in fourth, fifth, and sixth graders (N=811). Research confirmed the existence of discrete stages of acquisition. The concept of gateway drugs was supported in that subjects indicated further progression through the stages of acquisition of alcohol use than through use of other substances.…

Argues that the English classroom is a fitting place to integrate anti-violence teaching into the academic curriculum. Describes how English teachers can teach conflict resolution strategies, instill respect for cultural diversity, provide an atmosphere for cooperative learning while acknowledging controversy, and heighten empathy and respect by…

Assessments of schools and community agencies with teen pregnancy prevention programs (n=23) in three California counties were conducted using surveys, interviews, and site visits. Best practices identified included youth development programs, Involvement of family and other caring adults, and culturally appropriate and locally relevant…

Uses an interview format with Michael Zinzun to discuss the work of the Coalition against Police Abuse, organized in Los Angeles (California), to come up with solutions to police abuse. The Coalition was instrumental in forging a truce between two large gangs in southern California, and this effort, and efforts to broaden the truce into a movement…

Research at the National Program for Playground Safety shows good playground policies can be summed up by the acronym SAFE: supervising the playground equipment; choosing age-appropriate playground equipment; cushioning falls; and maintaining equipment and surfaces. Sidebars include a playground safety quiz and information sources. (MLF)

Explores school bathroom vandalism prevention strategies and tips in improving sanitary conditions. Ways of removing temptation from primary bathroom targets are highlighted, including adding warm-air hand dryers and sensor faucets. (GR)