Promising Practice

The Program

An Apple a Day^© (AAAD^©) is a literacy-based substance abuse prevention education program.  It is used in school settings, after school sites, summer programs, and/or daycare settings.  A parent-training component is also available.  

The curriculum can be incorporated into existing health curricula or can be implemented as an independent 6-8 week program.  The strategies of AAAD^© include the use of trade books, student journals, characters from literary selections as examples of role models, and role-play scenarios.  Reading and writing exercises, picture drawing, and brain storming activities engage students in an interactive learning process that fosters resiliency and self-determination about substance abuse.

Results

Over a two year period, AAAD^© has demonstrated increased knowledge among students about substance abuse, the identification of safe people and safe places, and an increase in healthy habits.  Parent trainees and school staff also report a high degree of program satisfaction.

Learning Standards

English Language Arts: (1) read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding; (3) read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis and evaluation.

 Health, Physical Education & Home Economics: (1) have the necessary knowledge and skills to establish and maintain physical fitness, participate in physical activity, and maintain personal health; (2) acquire the knowledge and ability necessary to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment.

Contact

Andrea J. Wanat
Program Director
Albany Citizens Council on Alcoholism
and Other Chemical Dependencies, Inc.
PO Box 4007
Albany, NY 12204-0007
Tel: (518) 465-5829
Email: acca12@aol.com