Evaluating a primary prevention program aimed to strengthen developmental assets
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Date
2010-03
Authors
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
This project aims to study the outcomes associated with participation in a school-based primary violence prevention program in the middle school setting. The researcher conducted a case study using recent data from the Violence is NOT the Answer (VINTA) school-based primary prevention program, funded through a Midwestern public school system. VINTA’s goal is to increase violence prevention by using a holistic model of enhancing other positive youth developmental factors. The data consists of information from pre and post tests from students’ participation in this program and attendance records that track active participation as recorded by the program coordinators at each respective school. The conclusions are drawn from the data provided by VINTA.
This project examines the effects of the VINTA program on youth outcomes. The researcher hypothesizes that students engaged in the VINTA program will gain developmental assets. Ultimately, the researcher hopes that the findings shed light on the types of supports schools need to provide to students in order to reduce youth violence. In particular, this study is relevant because it provides suggestions that can be applicable to the VINTA programs that are established in the elementary and high schools, too. The results of this study are important for identifying what works with VINTA’s program and what could be improved; conclusions will indicate how other school-based programs can potentially be successful in addressing youth violence and positive youth development.
Description
Undergraduate Research Scholarship
Keywords
program evaluation, youth development, violence prevention, school-based prevention program