WHAT DO TEACHERS REALLY KNOW ABOUT DRUGS?

DRUGS of abuse; DRUG abuse education; TEACHERS; CONTINUING education; EDUCATION

Recent evidence has raised questions regarding the effectiveness of drug education programs. Concern has been expressed regarding the drug knowledge of elementary and secondary teachers who often "man the front lines" of drug education efforts. The present study tapped the attitudes of a sample of public school educators about drug usage and drug education. Results indicated a majority of the teachers opposed drug use for themselves and others. Most of the subjects felt they were adequately informed about the effects of drugs. However, the written comments of participants and their sources of drug information raised questions regarding the credibility of their knowledge. Ninety percent of the sample favored drug education programs in the schools, and over half indicated that student-faculty-administrative committees should have responsibility for such programs. Recommendations were made for strong drug education programs for teachers as well as students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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