Evaluating Programs

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The Safe and Drug-Free Schools (SDFS) program and the Institute of Education Sciences established the Safe, Disciplined, and Drug-Free Schools Expert Panel in May 1998 to develop and oversee a process for identifying and designating as promising and exemplary programs that promote safe, disciplined, and drug-free schools. In the course of their work, they developed a set of criteria and indicators to evaluate the Safe, Disciplined, and Drug-Free Schools programs. While this criteria was used to evaluate exemplary and promising programs, it does offer guidance for district/school planning teams as they assess programs or activities they plan to implement in creating positive learning environments for their students.

Safe, Disciplined, and Drug-Free Schools Expert Panel criteria and indicators to evaluate the Safe, Disciplined, and Drug-Free Schools programs.

A. Evidence of Efficacy

Criterion 1 The program reports relevant evidence of efficacy/effectiveness based on a methodologically sound evaluation.

B. Quality of Program

Criterion 2 The program's goals with respect to changing behavior and/or risk and protective factors are clear and appropriate for the intended population and setting.
Criterion 3 The rationale underlying the program is clearly stated, and the program's content and processes are aligned with its goals.
Criterion 4 The program's content takes into consideration the characteristics of the intended population and setting (e.g., developmental stage, motivational status, language, disabilities, culture) and the needs implied by these characteristics.
Criterion 5 The program implementation process effectively engages the intended population.

C. Educational Significance

Criterion 6 The application describes how the program is integrated into schools' educational missions.

D. Usefulness to Others

Criterion 7 The program provides necessary information and guidance for replication in other appropriate settings.

To review the criterion and indicators, read pages 11 and 12 of Exemplary and Promising Programs Safe, Disciplined and Drug Free School Programs 2001.

Source:
Exemplary and Promising Programs Safe, Disciplined and Drug Free School Programs 2001, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Educational Research and Improvement, Office of Reform Assistance and Dissemination, Safe, Disciplined, and Drug-Free Schools Programs, Washington, D.C., 2001. This report was produced under U.S. Department of Education Contract No. ESN0086S with RMC Research Corporation, Portsmouth, N.H.

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