Safe and Drug Free Schools - Definitions

Terms and Definitions

Scientifically-based research

Research that involves the application of rigorous, systematic, and objective procedures to obtain reliable and valid knowledge relevant to education activities and programs; and includes research that (1) employs systematic, empirical methods that draw on observations or experiment; (2) involves rigorous data analyses that are adequate to the stated hypotheses and justify the general conclusions drawn; (3) relies on measurements or observational methods that provide reliable and valid data across evaluators and observers, across multiple measurements and observations, and across studies by the same or different investigators; (4) is evaluated using experimental or quasi-experimental designs in which individuals, entities, programs, or activities are assigned to different conditions and appropriate controls to evaluate the effects of the condition of interest, with a preference for random assignment experiments, or other designs to the extent that those designs contain within-condition or across-condition controls; ensures that experimental studies are presented in sufficient detail and clarity to allow for replication or, at a minimum, offer the opportunity to build systematically on their findings; and (6) has been accepted by a peer-reviewed journal or approved by a panel if independent experts through a comparably rigorous, objective, and scientific review.

Parental involvement

The participation of parents in a regular, two-way, and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities including ensuring-(1) that parents play an integral role in assisting their child's learning; (2) that parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child's education at school; (3) that parents are full partners in their child's education and are included, as appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child.

Incidence

A measure of the number of people (often in a defined population) who have initiated a behavior- in this case drug, alcohol, or tobacco use- during a specific period of time.

Performance measures

The targeted changes in attitudes, values, behaviors or conditions that are to be effected through programs or activities.

Prevalence

A measure of the Number of people behaving in a certain way-such as using or abusing substances- during a specified time period.

Risk factors
Conditions for a group, individual, or defined geographic area that increase the likelihood of a substance use/abuse problem occurring.

Protective factors or assets
Individual skills and strengths or school/community conditions that can protect against, or build resilience to, substance abuse and buffer the negative effects of risks.

For more information regarding Wisconsin's Safe and Drug-Free schools Program, contact gary.sumnicht@dpi.wi.gov, or call Gary at (608) 267-5978.

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For questions about this information, contact dpisspw@dpi.wi.gov (608) 267-9117

Last updated on 2/22/2008 8:00:22 AM