Purchasing a Violence Prevention Program
Many schools choose to purchase programs that can come with everything from lesson plans to videos to on-site training. When sorting through all the options available, it is important to note that effective school-based violence prevention programs share key elements. Questions to consider in selecting a program that is right for your school include the following criteria, adopted from Drug Strategies and the Comprehensive Health Education Foundation:

1. Is the program based on theory and research?
2. Does the program include a comprehensive K-12 curriculum? Are interventions developmentally tailored to be age and stage specific?
3. Does the program include practical, skill-building lessons and activities in addition to information?
4. Is the program comprehensive, involving family, peers, media, and the entire community?
5. Does the program use culturally sensitive material appropriate for working with students from a wide variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds?
6. Do teachers find the program satisfying and valuable? Does it include teacher training?
7. Is the program cost-efficient?
8. Can the program be incorporated into a school’s total curriculum?
9. Do students enjoy the program?

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