Strengthening drug education in school communities: Best Practice Handbook and a Practical Guide

The Best Practice Handbook for Design, Delivery and Evaluation Years 7-13 is for principals, health teachers, drug education providers and funders of drug education. In addition A Practical Guide provides a quick reference tool.

Strengthening Drug Education in School Communities: Best Practice Handbook and a Practical Guide

The aim is to strengthen the effectiveness of the curriculum-based approach to drug education. The handbook explains for drug education programmes to be effective, it is essential that they are consistent with the 16 core best practice principles identified.

For example, best practice drug education:

  • is evidence based
  • aims to prevent and reduce drug related harm
  • has clear, realistic objectives
  • is relevant to the needs of young people
  • is associated with family based training
  • is coordinated with other community initiatives.

The handbook provides a guide to best practice for the design, delivery and evaluation of school-based drug education. It includes a checklist for schools for assessing the quality of external providers or programmes.