Implementation Tips

Overview

Project ALERT is typically delivered by trained teachers in classroom settings but some districts have adapted it for use in after-school settings where trained personnel are available. Strong examples of outside agencies delivering the program in school settings also exist.
ALERT Teen Leaders Can Make a Difference

Why use teen leaders? Positive peer influence contributes to the effectiveness of drug prevention programs.
Booster Lessons Reinforce Effectiveness

The three booster lessons convert positive trends gained from the initial eleven lessons into statistically significant changes. Gains, such as the curbing of current and regular smoking, are strongly enhanced. If teachers neglect these three booster lessons, the positive results of the core curriculum will erode.
Creative Ways to Organize Students for Small Group Activities

Project ALERT newsletter article
Guidelines on Referring a Student to Counseling

This article offers criteria on how to determine if a student needs help.

Teaching Strategies

Resistance self-efficacy, active student involvement, modeling, reinforcement, validation and setting near term goals.
The Importance of Lesson 10: Smoking Cessation

Many middle schoolers are concerned about their friends or family members who smoke. The smoking cessation lesson gives guidance to smokers on quiting and to nonsmokers on how to help others to quit.
The Importance of Parent/Guardian Involvement

Creating an opportunity for parents to engage in conversations with their children about drugs is a vital ingredient in drug prevention.
You Don't Have to be a Drug Expert to be a Great Project ALERT Teacher

The most effective Project ALERT teachers are those who understand and implement the eight teaching strategies and teach all of the lessons without skipping any of the prescribed activities. But, what should you do if a student genuinely has a technical question about drugs and you don't know how to answer it?