Having a safe and drug-free school is one of our nation's highest priorities. The Safe and Drug-Free School and Communities Act (PL 103-382, section 4003) was established to provide state and local education agencies funding to develop and enhance education programs of violence and drug prevention, early intervention, and rehabilitation referral in all elementary and secondary schools. The purpose of the Safe and Drug-Free program is to:

• support programs that prevent violence in and around schools
• prevent the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
• involve parents
• coordinate with federal, state, and community efforts and resources to promote safe and drug-free schools and communities.

To maximize the impact of the drug and violence prevention programs and resources available to their state, school district, or community, the programs must be based on the Principles of Effectiveness:

1. Base programs on a thorough assessment of the objective data.
2. Establish a set of measurable goals and objectives and design program to meet those measurable goals and objectives (assisted by the advisory council).
3. Design and implement programs for youth activities based on research or evaluation.
4. Evaluate programs periodically to assess progress.

Summary: For more information concerning the principles, log on to: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/SDFSC  and http://dave.esc4.net