Prevention Works: Fun Tools For The Classroom
Format
Individual Presentation
Location
Scarbrough 4
Strand #1
Mental & Physical Health
Relevance
Unique You, formerly, I'm Special, is an evidence-based substance abuse prevention curriculum recognized on the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices. The program teaches ways that students can deal with feelings, incorporate healthy living skills, take steps for healthy decision-making, as well as learn skills to resist drugs, all while giving a clear "no use" message. The program has been implemented since 1970 with at-risk students in locations such as classroom settings and after-school programs.
Brief Program Description
Unique You, formerly I'm Special, focuses on developing and nurturing elementary-age children's sense of uniqueness and self-worth through fun and interactive learning. Participants will: (1) identify strategies to encourage group cooperation; (2) discuss techniques to incorporate healthy living skills; and (3) identify two ways substance abuse prevention can be incorporated into existing programs.
Summary
Elementary-age children deal with peer pressure, self-identity, and are taking their first steps towards independence. Dealing with those pressures can sometimes lead to inappropriate ways of coping such as unruly classroom behavior, bad decision-making, and ineffective group and/or student interaction. How they learn to deal now will play a part in how they learn to deal with life later. This evidence-based program focuses on developing and nurturing a child's sense of uniqueness and self-worth through fun and interactive learning. Workshop participants will receive take-home strategies and techniques to encourage individual and group learning, positive individual and group reinforcement, and classroom cohesiveness.
Evidence
In the late 1970's, this evidence-based program was developed and stands as one of the first theory-based substance abuse prevention programs to be evaluated for effectiveness. In 1990, the program was granted the Outstanding Program Award by the Addiction Professionals of North Carolina based on data collections from two studies in the 1980's. In the first study (Kim, McLeod, and Palmgren, 1986), the program was provided to all 4th grade students in a North Carolina school system. Several years later, more than 11,000 students were asked if they had received the program in the 4th grade. Study results showed that students who had participated in the program demonstrated significantly lower problem behaviors as well as significantly lower use of alcohol and other drugs. Today on average, over 90% of student self report being able to get along better with others after completion of program. While over 80% of program participants self report having an increased ability to make wise decisions after completing program.
Based on these findings, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and the Western Center for the Application of Prevention Technology initially recognized the curriculum as a science-based program and included it on their lists of promising programs for two years. The course has been recognized by Drug Srategies, Inc as a promising program in their "Making the Grade" report. In 2010, the curriculum passed rigorous evaluation criteria and was accepted into the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices.
Biographical Sketch
LaKeisha McCormick is a native of Charlotte, NC. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Health Education from University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Master of Arts in Health Administration from Pfeiffer University. Currently, LaKeisha is the Operations Director and certified curriculum trainer for Center for Prevention Services, where she manages and coordinates community programs. With over 10 years of experience in public health, LaKeisha has worked to promote wellness in teen pregnancy and substance abuse prevention initiatives. As Certified Health Educator Specialist and Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant, LaKeisha uses her talents to help individuals improve physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Keyword Descriptors
elementary-age students, classrooms, interactive, substance abuse prevention, self-esteem building, self-identity
Presentation Year
2016
Start Date
3-8-2016 2:45 PM
End Date
3-8-2016 4:00 PM
Recommended Citation
McCormick, LaKeisha, "Prevention Works: Fun Tools For The Classroom" (2016). National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference. 198.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/nyar_savannah/2016/2016/198
Prevention Works: Fun Tools For The Classroom
Scarbrough 4
Unique You, formerly I'm Special, focuses on developing and nurturing elementary-age children's sense of uniqueness and self-worth through fun and interactive learning. Participants will: (1) identify strategies to encourage group cooperation; (2) discuss techniques to incorporate healthy living skills; and (3) identify two ways substance abuse prevention can be incorporated into existing programs.