Idaho State Department of Education

Principal Goal

Welcome to the State Department of Education Safe and Drug Free Schools (SDFS) and 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Programs. These programs exist to build on the strengths of Idaho students and school personnel by establishing safe, positive learning environments before, during and after school. Students are far more likely to realize their academic and life skills potential in a supportive school climate that is safe and free from violence, drugs and alcohol.

The SDFS program is funded through state and federal sources and requires Idaho school districts to create and implement a comprehensive substance abuse and violence prevention strategy using the principles of effectiveness.

The 21st CCLC program is a federally funded after-school program which focuses on increasing ISAT performance and building life skills during the hours that most juvenile delinquency occurs (3pm-6pm).

These programs are administered by a staff of three and are directed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction and a dynamic state-wide advisory board. The underlying premise of our work is the belief that every school in Idaho has the potential to create a healthy, thriving school climate in which all students succeed.

Primary Objectives

Develop age appropriate comprehensive drug education and prevention programs involving parents, schools and community.
Provide a school environment that is a safe and drug-free place for students to learn and for adults to work.
Enhance interwoven prevention and awareness activities that assist in the development of risk/ protective factors, life skills, and build on developmental assets.

Prevention Strategies

Researchers have identified several strategies that seem to prevent the involvement of young people in drug use, violence and other harmful behaviors.
In implementing prevention efforts for youth, all of these strategies should be incorporated:
Provide information
Provide life skills training
Provide alternative activities
Involve the community

Comprehensive Programs

School districts are required to use "Principles of Effectiveness" to develop comprehensive substance abuse and violence prevention programs designed to meet the needs of all students.

Components for Comprehensive Program (Design Implementation)

Curriculum - Prevention programs implemented and taught in classroom setting during the school day.
Non-Curriculum - Activities that emphasize and reinforce prevention programs before and after school and during lunch.
Peer-Delivered - Youth-led activities, such as mentoring, peer mediation, cross-age teaching, and Natural Helpers.
Intervention - Services or activities that provide help, such as Student Assistance Programs (SAP), counseling, and drug/alcohol assessments.
Parent/Community - Awareness/educational prevention and parenting skills programs.
Special Events - Assemblies, presentations, and activities that reinforce prevention efforts.