July 2, 2004
O'Connell Outlines Framework of Department of Education's
Review into Narconon Anti-Drug Program
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced the California Department of Education (CDE) has contracted with the California Healthy Kids Resource Center to lead the review of Narconon.
Narconon is a drug and alcohol prevention program that offers drug and alcohol abuse prevention classes to some California schools. O'Connell recently called for a review into the program in response to concerns about Narconon's anti-drug curriculum.
"I have asked the California Healthy Kids Resource Center to conduct a detailed review of Narconon's drug abuse prevention curriculum and training materials," stated O'Connell. "The Resource Center is an independent organization with experience in evaluating curriculum."
The Resource Center routinely and independently reviews prevention and other health curricula. The CDE will ask Narconon representatives to work with the Resource Center review by providing full copies of the curriculum and instructional materials being used in schools. In addition, the Resource Center will review any published or unpublished studies or other evaluation data that determine if Narconon successfully prevents or reduces youth drug use.
The Resource Center plans to bring together a panel of professionals to review the materials. They will include:
- A doctor (an adolescent health specialist)
- One or more health education specialists
- A school district drug and alcohol prevention coordinator
- A county drug and alcohol prevention coordinator
Narconon curriculum will be evaluated for accuracy, objectivity, coverage of required or recommended drug prevention content, developmental appropriateness, and teaching strategies.
"Narconon and I want the same thing, that is we want to help kids avoid drugs. As Superintendent, it's my responsibility to make sure students get accurate and informative advice on how to lead healthy lives that will help them become productive adults," said O'Connell. "I expect with this review we'll have some answers soon."
For more information about the California Healthy Kids Resource Center, please visit http://www.californiahealthykids.org (Outside Source).
