New analytical tools have facilitated the exploration of the trajectories of alcohol use; however, there are a limited number of studies that explore early adolescence. A sample of 5,903 youths followed from sixth through eighth grade was used to (1) examine the trajectories of alcohol use and (2) determine the degree to which common correlates…

The purpose of this study was to investigate if a school-based education and counseling program (Life Skills Training Program) would have an impact on school-aged children/adolescents' views of substance abuse. The study also investigated the degree and direction of change. Participants were 338 elementary or middle-school students in the metro…

The Texas Education Agency, in cooperation with the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, was directed by the Texas State Legislature to study the problem of substance abuse by public school students and to develop guidelines for public school districts to use in implementing substance abuse education programs. This document reports on the…

Various areas of research related to inhalants are summarized and general guidance in dealing with this complex and urgent problem is provided. Topics include (1) "Characteristics of Inhalants," which reviews chemicals found in inhalants and common modes of administration; (2) "Defining Inhalant Use and Abuse," which includes…

The aim of this study is to compare substance use between urban and rural secondary school districts in Texas between 1998 and 2003. The differences were analyzed using chi-square and analysis of variance. The analysis found that rural schools had students who reported higher rates of use of tobacco, frequent binge drinking, and driving while…

This publication provides a basis for effective structuring of health instructional programs at the local level within Texas state guidelines. Fifteen topics are covered under three domains: (1) individual personal health (dental and mental health, physical fitness, safety, and drug use); (2) consumer health and health services (family and social…

Examines school roles, school factors, and peer-group influence in predicting Mexican-American adolescents' inhalant use. Surveys 599 adolescents to determine whether unconventional peer associations promote inhalant use. Links academic performance, conduct to drug use. Concludes negative social identity often defined by schools. Makes…

The Texas School Survey of Substance Abuse, which has been administered twice, and which covered grades seven through twelve, was expanded for the 1990 survey to encompass grades four to six. The students were surveyed on their use of tobacco, alcohol, inhalants, and marijuana. The most widely used substances were alcohol and tobacco, with…

Designed for middle school through high school students, this unit contains eight lesson plans that focus on Texas state law. The state lessons correspond to lessons in the volume, "Antidote: Civic Responsibility. Drug Avoidance Lessons for Middle School & High School Students." Developed to be presented by educators, law student, or…

For each area mentioned, this booklet has a brief description of the desired condition, the present condition, and the recommended legislation. The areas considered include bilingual education, crime prevention, drug education, financing of regional education service centers, and textbook adoption. (Author/IRT)

This guide contains information about academic support services available to single parents, displaced homemakers, and single pregnant women at community, junior, and technical colleges throughout Texas. Over three-fourths of the guide is devoted to program information in the form of brochures, flyers, and forms supplied by representatives of…