The availability of implementation supports is only one of many factors that you will consider when selecting a research-based program for your school or district. Before you even begin looking at materials, you will need to determine which programs are most likely to help you reach your intended goals. The online event, Selecting Research-Based Programs for Your School, presents one process for identifying suitable programs. As part of that event, we suggest that you review potential programs with the following questions in mind.

• Has it been shown to work?

  Many federal agencies have compiled lists of research-based substance abuse and violence prevention programs with positive evaluation results. In reviewing these lists, make sure to look carefully at the criteria each agency uses to determine effectiveness. Several reports have also identified research-based programs that produce positive changes among youth.

• Does it target the right audience?

  Your needs assessment will help you determine which age group to target with your prevention program(s). Use this information to narrow down your list of options. For example, if you will be targeting 6th to 8th grade students, then you can rule out programs intended for elementary or high school students only. However, if you hope to eventually coordinate with elementary or high school initiatives, you might want to consider programs that target a wider range of grade levels. Also, look for programs designed for and tested with students who are most like the students in your school(s) (e.g., race, culture, socioeconomic status), and make sure these programs were actually shown to be effective with your target population.

• Does it target your prevention priorities?

  Just as your needs assessment revealed which population(s) to target, so too should it have revealed which topics your programs should address. Make sure that the objectives of the programs you select match your identified prevention priorities (e.g., alcohol use, bullying, etc.).

• Does it have the right components for your students/school?

  A primary purpose of your comprehensive prevention plan is to identify prevention strategies that are most likely to meet the needs of your school(s). As you examine prevention programs, refer to your plan to ensure that the programs you select match and/or support the strategies you have identified. For example, if you identified classroom-based skills promotion as a necessary strategy for your school, then make sure that you look at programs with a classroom-based component. If you identified school-family partnerships as a key prevention strategy, then you may want to take a closer look at programs that promote family involvement within the context of a student-focused program or through parent workshops.