Principles of Effectiveness

Introduction

The United States Department of Education requires that the Principles of Effectiveness govern recipients' use of funds received under Title IV - the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (SDFSCA). The Principles of Effectiveness are effective July 1, 1998 and apply to both state and local education agencies.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction utilizes the Framework for Comprehensive School Health Programs as the research based method for establishing and implementing SDFSCA programs. The following pages offer guidance and clarification to assist districts in applying the Principles of Effectiveness locally.

Principle 1: Conduct A Needs Assessment A grant recipient shall base its program on a thorough assessment of objective data regarding: The incidence of drug use and violence in the schools and communities served including delinquency and discipline problems. The prevalence of risk factors including child abuse, domestic violence, protective factors, buffers or assets.

Clarification

• District staff must determine how to assess local needs and how often need assessments will be conducted. Needs assessment analysis is to include current conditions and consequences, protective factors, assets and other factors reasonably available.
• Strategies and target audiences must be chosen based on documented need(s) in your district.

Principle 2: Establish Measurable Objectives/Performance Measures A grant recipient shall establish performance measures targeting safe, orderly and drug-free learning environments.

Clarification

• Districts must write performance measures based on needs identified in Principle 1.
• When establishing performance measures the district is required to seek parental input.

Principle 3: Effective Scientifically-Based Programs A grant recipient shall design and implement its activities based on research or evaluation that provides evidence that the strategies used prevent or reduce drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior.

Clarification

• Scientifically-based programs must provide evidence that the program to be used will reduce violence and drug use.
• When choosing activities to fund with your Title IV allocation, consult available research on program effectiveness. http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/exemplary01/exemplary01.pdf
• The Framework for Comprehensive School Health Programs describes a research-based approach for schools.
• Be prepared to document the results of your efforts (Principle 4).

Principle 4: Program Evaluation A grant recipient shall evaluate its program periodically to assess its progress based on outlined performance measures and use its evaluation results to refine, improve, and strengthen its program and to refine the performance measures as appropriate.

Clarification

• Use evaluation to review, improve or strengthen both the program and the performance measures.

Principle 5: Parent Involvement A grant recipient shall develop and implement the program with meaningful, ongoing consultation with, and input from, parents.

Clarification

• Schools may determine how to get input and consultation.

For questions about this information, contact Steven A. Fernan (608) 266-3889

Last updated on 2/22/2008 8:00:38 AM