| Sustainability Defined | Sustainability and the Prevention Planning Process | Taft Middle School Prevention Plan | Why Sustainability Is Important |

During the fall and winter of Year 1, the Taft Middle School Prevention Planning Team conducted an assessment of the drug- and violence-related problems facing students. This assessment revealed the following main problems:

• Alcohol and tobacco use

• Exposure to violence

• Peer harassment/bullying

During the spring of Year 1, the team developed a comprehensive prevention plan for Taft Middle School to address the priority areas listed above. This plan included the following strategies and programs:

• A research-based program for students to promote social skills, including conflict resolution, and to reduce substance use

• A research-based program for parents/guardians that parallels the content of the student program

• An information and referral system for at-risk students and families that involves educating school personnel and creating linkages with community-based programs and services

• A Walk Safely program, in which parent volunteers walk students to and from school

• School and community policy development/enforcement re: student harassment, alcohol use, and tobacco use

• Classroom restructuring to improve student behavior and time on task as well as to reduce peer harassment

References

Shediac-Rizkallah, M. C. & Bone, L. R. (1998). Planning for sustainability of community-based health programs: Conceptual frameworks and future directions for research, practice and policy. Health Education Research: Theory and Practice, 13(1), 87-108.