School-based prevention programs for aggressive and disruptive behavior
Program basics
- Classroom-based instructional programs focused on ways to reduce violent, aggressive, and disruptive behavior
- Delivered in general classroom settings, rather than to specific at-risk students
- Instructional methods include cognitively oriented strategies, social skills training, behavioral strategies, counseling, anger management training, and social problem-solving skills
Strength of evidence
Evidence level: Proven (highest tier)
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Proven (highest tier)
Ranked as having the highest level of evidence by the National Institute of Justice
Target population
All school-aged children
Program cost
Not available
Implementation locations
- Nationwide
Dates active
Not available
Outcomes and impact
- Meta-analysis of seventy-seven studies found a 25 percent reduction in aggressive or disruptive behavior in students
- Cost-benefit analysis estimates $14,426 in total social cost savings per participant (2003)
Keys to successful implementation
- Note: This content is under review
- In lower grades, programs should focus on disruptive and anti-social behavior and use a cognitive-affective approach.
- In higher grades, focus should shift to specific forms of violence (like bullying and dating) and interventions should rely on greater social skills training.
- Programs should be universal and part of school curriculum for all students.
- Interventions often benefit from multi-approach methods that involve parents, peers, and/or community members.