A Formative Program Evaluation of a Substance Use Prevention Program in One Midwest Private High School

As high schools across the country seek ways to address substance use/abuse among students, there is a need for school leaders to provide effective prevention programming. This study was a formative program evaluation of the substance use prevention program in one private high school in the Midwest. Two questions guided the study: 1) To what extent is the school's program aligned with the research-based best practices? and, 2) What are the perceptions of the parents, teacher and students about the effectiveness of the program in addressing issues of substance abuse among students? Since the identified high school was in the early stages of implementing its program, a formative program evaluation was the most appropriate evaluation system.;The study identified five research-based strategies for school-based prevention programs that can reduce adolescent substance: 1. Emphasis on peer interaction 2. Emphasis on peer delivery 3. A comprehensive curriculum that utilizes a variety of approaches to prevention 4. Adequate program planning and preparation 5. Communication with families about the dangers of substance use (Gottfredson and Wilson, 2003; Hansen, 1992; Hunter, Elias, and Norris, 2001; Kumpfer, 1997; Rohrbach, Graham and Hansen, 1993; Sobeck, Abbey, & Agius, 2006; Tobler, 2000; Tobler, et al., 2000; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2007).;The study evaluated the extent to which these strategies were integrated into a school based-program through the use of interviews with faculty members responsible for program implementation; classroom observations; document analysis of curriculum materials; and focus groups with students, parents and teachers. When examining the alignment of the school's substance prevention program with the five identified research-based best practices, the formative evaluation found limited evidence of a comprehensive curriculum, emphasis on peer interaction and peer delivery. Additionally, the research identified deficiencies in the areas of adequate planning and preparation and familial communication, which negatively impacted perceptions of parents and teachers.;This research has implications for high school leaders who administer substance use prevention programs. Those leaders interested in the safety and well-being of students need to stay current with research-based best practices pertaining to adolescent substance use and utilize effective strategies to evaluate school-based prevention programs.