This program is approved for WV Expanded School Mental Health.
Last reviewed: 2023
Intended Outcomes:
Too Good for Drugs Short-Term Outcomes:
- Students show improved social emotional competency and resistance skills
- More students perceive substance use as wrong, risky, or harmful; fewer see it as acceptable or cool
- More students report that substance use is not the norm and not a positive behavior
- More students report a greater sense of self-efficacy
- More students report feeling connected with the school/instructor
Too Good for Violence Short-Term Outcomes:
- Students show improved skills competency and media literacy skills
- More students perceive violent acts as wrong, risky, or harmful; fewer see it as acceptable or cool
- More students report that violence is not the norm and that their friends do not approve of violent behavior
- More students report a greater sense of self-efficacy
- More students report feeling connected with the school/instructor
Continuum of Care:
Universal Prevention
Topic Areas:
Behavioral Health/Mental Health, Disruptive Behaviors, Substance Use
Ages:
Childhood (4-12), Teen/Adolescent (13-18)
Geographic Locations:
Rural, Urban
Delivery Settings:
Community-Based, School-Based
Cultural Considerations:
A balanced amount of the research involved diverse populations
Audience:
Children and adolescents Grades K-12
Credentials:
The Too Good programs can be implemented by:
- Teachers
- School Counselors
- Prevention Specialists
- Community Youth Educators
- Mental Health Professionals
- Law Enforcement Officers
- Student Peers
- Other youth focused mentors, guides, and educators
Manuals:
Yes
Is Training Required?
Yes, see developer info
Who can provide the required training?
Please see the following link for more information on training: https://toogoodprograms.org/collections/training
Program Costs (materials, training, etc.):
Yes, refer to program website
Program/Practice Website:
https://toogoodprograms.org/
Relevant Published, Peer-Reviewed Research:
Bacon, T. P. (2003). Evaluation of the Too Good for Drugs—Elementary School Prevention Program 2002–03. Florida Department of Safe and Drug-Free Schools.
Bacon, T.P. (2001) Impact on High School Students’ Behaviors and Protective Factors: A Pilot Study or the “Too Good for Drugs and Violence” Prevention Program. Florida Educational Research Council.
Bacon, T.P. (2007). Evaluation of the Too Good for Drugs—Elementary School Prevention Program 2006–07. Florida Department of Safe and Drug-Free Schools.
Bacon, T.P., Hall, B.W., and Ferron, J.M. (2013). Technical Report: One Year Study of the Effects of the Too Good for Drugs Prevention Program on Middle School Students.
Bacon, Tina P. 2003. “The Effects of the Too Good for Violence Prevention Program on Student Behaviors and Protective Factors.” Tampa, Fla.: C.E. Mendez Foundation, Inc.
Additional Sources:
WV Rating:
Supported by Research, Unknown/Not Yet Assessed
»WV Ratings Info
Rationale for Rating:
Outcomes in 3 published research studies on grades 3,4, and 6 demonstrated increased resistance and social skills, increased emotional competency, and increase in awareness of harmful effects of drugs. The 2013/2014 study was most rigorous and cited by clearinghouses rating it as promising or supported. One research group completed all studies and follow up over a 20 year period. Based on results from that study, we would like to see research with a focus on moderate and high risk populations. The longest follow up with student groups was 6 months post program. We would like to see the results of longer follow up studies. Overall TGFD meets research criteria for a rating of supported. Too Good for Violence is most often used as an adjunct program in conjunction with Too Good for Drugs. One study that examined the combined effectiveness of Too Good for Drugs and Violence found decreased intention to use drugs among high school students.
Contraindications or Concerns:
None identified
Other Registries/Ratings
The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare:
Supported by Research Evidence
Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development:
Not On Registry
Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness:
Promising
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Model Programs Guide:
No Effects - More than one study
Washington State Institute for Public Policy:
Found on the registry. See link for more information.
Washington State Institute for Public Policy Registry Link:
https://www.wsipp.wa.gov/BenefitCost/Program/413