RAND 2001
RAND's Drug Policy Research Center has recently completed a project aimed at reviewing the structure and performance of the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (SDFSCA), which was signed into law in 1986 as the first coordinated federal effort to curtail teen drug use and is up for renewal as part of ESEA this year. This report contains material drawn from a literature review, focus groups, commissioned papers, and a conference, all focused on the strengths and weaknesses of the Act and its implementation. Some problems with the enactment of SDFSCA that are identified by the researchers include: a severe lack of funds, poor appropriation of resources, vague goals and evaluative criteria, poor training for teachers dealing with drug abuse and prevention, and a lack of coordination with other federal and state programs. The authors credit the Clinton administration with improving accountability in the program, but note that the reforms failed to boost program capacity, the targeting of resources, or cost effectiveness. The study recommends a range of reforms, including changes in the way funds are allocated to states, efforts to assess the need and capacity of the districts receiving funds, enhancements to the content of individual programs, and clear standards to judge program performance. To read a summary of the findings, go http://www.rand.org/publications/MR/MR1328.1/MR1328.1.pref.pdf. Paper copies of this 187-page report can be ordered for $20 by surfing to http://www.rand.org/publications/MR/MR1328.1/ or contacting RAND at (310) 451-7002 (phone); (310) 451-6915 (fax); or e-mail, [email protected]
