THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AN AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR PRIMARY GRADE LATCHKEY STUDENTS ON PRECURSORS OF SUBSTANCE-ABUSE

This investigation focused on demonstrating and evaluating whether an alcohol and other drug use prevention program operating after school in 24 low-income primary schools could reduce certain precursors of alcohol and other drug use thought to place latchkey youth at particularly high risk, including low self-esteem. The intervention strategies consisted of having children participate daily for 144 days in 2-hour sessions consisting of supervised homework, self-esteem-building exercises, free play, and, during a 7-week period, creative dramatics. Data were collected regarding 888 program participants and a comparison group from three sources (parents, teachers, and school/program records) which indicated that the curriculum did not have measureable positive effects on any of the personality variables (self-esteem, depression, risk taking) nor did it have measurable positive effects on in-classroom behavior. Further, there was no overall effect on performance on standardized achievement tests. However, there was a statistically significant interaction effect between participation in the self-esteem-building exercises and improvements on standardized achievement tests. This means the program, as a whole, is effective in achieving its most immediate intended outcome, the improvement of academic performance. In a longer-term follow-up, it can be speculated that this will reduce the likelihood of school failure and improve self-esteem.