Unique You
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Unique You, formerly, I'm Special, is an evidence-based substance abuse prevention curriculum previously recognized on the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices. The program teaches ways that students can deal with feelings, incorporate healthy living skills, take steps for healthy decision-making, as well as learn skills to resist drugs, all while giving a clear "no use" message. The program has been implemented since 1970 with at-risk students in locations such as classroom settings and after-school programs.
Elementary-age children deal with peer pressure, self-identity, and are taking their first steps towards independence. This evidence-based program focuses on developing and nurturing a child's sense of uniqueness and self-worth through fun and interactive learning.
“It’s ok to be yourself and it’s okay and tell people how you feel, good or bad.” - Student Participant
“I see a difference in their [the students’] readiness to answer a question, to share their feelings and how they help one another, whether it’s class work or out on the playground.” - Youth Program Leader
Evidence
In the late 1970's, this evidence-based program was developed and stands as one of the first theory-based substance abuse prevention programs to be evaluated for effectiveness. In 1990, the program was granted the Outstanding Program Award by the Addiction Professionals of North Carolina based on data collection from two studies in the 1980's.
In the first study (Kim, McLeod, and Palmgren, 1986), the program was provided to all 4th grade students in a North Carolina school system. Several years later, more than 11,000 students were asked if they had received the program in the 4th grade. Study results showed that students who had participated in the program demonstrated significantly lower problem behaviors as well as significantly lower use of alcohol and other drugs. Today on average, over 90% of student self report being able to get along better with others after completion of program. While over 80% of program participants self report having an increased ability to make wise decisions after completing program.
Based on these findings, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and the Western Center for the Application of Prevention Technology initially recognized the curriculum as an evidence-based program and included it on their lists of promising programs for two years. The course has been recognized by Drug Strategies, Inc as a promising program in their "Making the Grade" report. In 2010, the curriculum passed rigorous evaluation criteria and was accepted into the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices.
Citations
Kim, S., McLeod, J., & Palmgren, C. L. (1989). The impact of the “I'm Special” program on student substance abuse and other related student problem behavior. Journal of Drug Education, 19(1), 83-93.
Kim, S., McLeod, J. H., & Shantzis, C. (1990). A Short-Term Outcome Evaluation of the “I'M Special” Drug Abuse Prevention Program: A Revisit Using Scat Inventory. Journal of Drug Education, 20(2), 127-138.
Bring Unique You to your School Community
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