LifeSkills Training

Researched based, highly effective, and named by the US Department of Education as one of only nine exemplary prevention programs, LifeSkills Training is available to educators across Tennessee through a grant provided by the Tennessee Department of Education. The curriculum, developed by Dr. Gilbert J. Botvin a researcher at Cornell University, and leading expert in the field of drug abuse prevention, targets elementary through high school students in grades 3 - 10.

More Information about the National LifeSkills Training Program

Using an interactive approach, LifeSkills Training:

provides students with the necessary skills to resist peer pressures to smoke, drink and use drugs
increases knowledge of the immediate consequences of substance use
helps develop greater self-esteem, self-mastery, and self-confidence
enables young people to effectively cope with social anxiety, respond to stressful situations in positive ways, make healthy decisions and solve problems
assists students in identifying techniques used by advertisers to manipulate consumer behavior
encourages students to examine the influence of the media on their perception of violence and substance abuse
reduces abuse by up to 87%*
*Research concerning the effectiveness of the program shows LifeSkills Training reducing the prevalence of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use by as much as 87% when implemented with fidelity.

LifeSkills Training Curriculum

Over one thousand classroom teachers, counselors and school administrators in Tennessee have been trained. The LifeSkills Training program can be taught in school, community, and afterschool settings:

Elementary School Levels:
Level 1: taught in 3rd grade consists of 8 class sessions
Level 2: taught in 4th grade consists of 8 class sessions
Level 3: taught in 5th grade consists of 8 class sessions
Middle School Levels:
Level 1: taught in 6th grade consists of 15 lessons and 3 optional violence prevention lessons
Level 2: taught in 7th grade consists of 10 lessons and 2 optional violence prevention lessons
Level 3: taught in 8th grade consists of 5 lessons and 2 optional violence prevention sessions
High School Levels:
Taught in 9th or 10th grades consists of 10 class sessions
Parent Program
The Parent Program helps parents and guardians strengthen communication with their children by emphasizing the importance of family, promoting healthy choices, preventing violence and the underage usage of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.

Designed to be implemented over 12-15 week period.