School-based programs to reduce/prevent violent & aggressive behavior

Health Factors:	Education
Decision Makers:	Community Organizations, Government - Local, Government - State, Schools
Evidence Rating:	Scientifically Supported
Population Reach:	10-19% of WI's population
Impact on Disparities:	Likely to decrease disparities

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Description

School-based violence prevention programs such as Too Good for Violence (TGFV) and Responding In Peaceful and Positive Ways (RIPP) help students learn the skills they need to get along with their classmates and peers. TGFV's trained teachers, counselors, and prevention specialists teach students positive attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, building skills sequentially as the student progresses from one grade to another. These programs' interactive teaching methods encourage students to bond with prosocial peers and engage students through role-playing, cooperative learning, games, small-group activities, and class discussions.

Expected Beneficial Outcomes

Decreased violent behavior
Decreased aggression and aggressive behavior
Increased communication skills
Increased good behavior

Evidence of Effectiveness

School-based secondary prevention programs to reduce aggressive behavior have been shown to produce improvements in behavior. FYI gives Too Good for Violence (TGFV) a level 1 rating, their highest, stating that studies have shown positive effects related to student violence and alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. Teachers observed significantly more frequent use of prosocial personal and social skills and behaviors. Cochrane-Mytton 2006 concludes that such school-based secondary prevention programs appear to produce improvements in behavior, greater than would have been expected by chance. Healthevidence.ca rates this review as level 9 (of 10). According to Find Youth Info, Responding In Peaceful and Positive Ways (RIPP) is designed to teach middle/ junior high schools students to learn conflict resolution strategies and skills, including peer mediation. Compared with students who did not participate in RIPP, participants were reported to have fewer disciplinary violations for violent offenses, fewer in-school suspensions, increased use of peer mediation programs, fewer fight-related injuries, and greater knowledge of effective problem-solving skills.

Citations - Evidence

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Comments from Users about this Policy/Program (Cost, Feasibility, Lessons Learned)

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Health Factors

Health Behaviors Tobacco Use Diet & Exercise Alcohol Use Sexual Activity

Clinical Care Access to Care Quality of Care

Social & Economic Factors Education Employment Income Family & Social Support Community Safety

Physical Environment Environmental Quality Built Environment

Decision Makers

Businesses & Employers
Community Organizations
Government - Local
Government - State
Government - Federal
Healthcare Organizations
Individuals
Schools

Potential Population Reach

Portion of Wisconsin's population likely to be reached by a policy or program if implemented statewide, based on its characteristics (e.g., target population(s), geographic limitations, and potential implementers).

	<1%			20-49%
	1-9%			50-99%
	10-19%			100%

Potential Population Reach

Portion of Wisconsin's population likely to be reached by a policy or program if implemented statewide, based on its characteristics (e.g., target population(s), geographic limitations, and potential implementers).

	<1%			20-49%
	1-9%			50-99%
	10-19%			100%

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