Course Description

• The intention of the following series of courses is to introduce you to SAMHSA's (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) and provide you with an understanding and introductory skill set to engage in effective prevention programming in your program, department, or building.  The SPF is one of many models utilized with a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Framework within Douglas County School District.  Engaging in this course is intended to support your existing prevention efforts and expand your capacity to utilized evidence-based prevention practices in DCSD.

• This course consists of four modules that are interactive and self-paced.  The online courses provide a useful context for professionals for the understanding and application of substance abuse prevention and mental health promotion.  Within DCSD the work engaged in through the Health, Prevention & SEL Team and Mental Health Team, inside of Personalized Learning Department, is informed by SAMHSA best-practices and related evidence-based prevention practices, programs, and interventions.  The information provided in this course will introduce you to terminology, the SPF model, and the application of prevention principles to help to prepare you to prevent substance abuse and promote wellness.

• Type of Course: Online, Self Paced (To Be Completed by June 30, 2021)
• Lead Learner (Facilitator): Anne Connolly & Jason Starkey
• Credit(s) and Type: 15 Hours Relicensure | Staff Development

Target Audience

• Personalized Learning Department; Counselors; Psychologists; Social Workers; Deans; AP’s; Health Educators; Preventionists; MTSS Team Members

• Open to Substitute Teachers = Not at this time
• Open to Student Teachers = Not at this time
• Open to Charter School Staff = Not at this time
  • Charter Certified or Classified

Timeline Overview

• Start date of course content: 3/25/2021
• End date of course content: 6/30/2021

Outcomes

Here are the outcomes for the course (what participants will walk away with from the course).

• Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention: Understanding the Basics

  • Participants will be able to:

    • Define basic terminology related to substance abuse
    • Identify how the history of substance abuse and prevention in the United States has influenced the field today
    • Explain the impact of substances on the brain and how addiction occurs
    • Describe different substances, their effects, and their health risks.

• What is the SPF? An Introduction to SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework

  • Participants will be able to: 

    • Explain the purpose of the Strategic Prevention Framework
    • Describe the steps and guiding principles of the SPF
    • Define the purpose and key concepts associated with each step of the SPF
    • Identify ways to demonstrate cultural competence during each step of the SPF
    • Identify ways to promote sustainability during each step of the SPF
    • Access additional resources to enhance your understanding and application of the SPF

• Go Get It! Finding Existing Data to Inform Your Prevention Efforts

  • Participants will be able to: 

    • Define existing data and explain why it is a vital part of an assessment effort.
    • Develop a plan to identify and obtain existing data.
    • Engage partners in the data-gathering process.
    • Recognize and address potential challenges to getting data.
    • Store and record the data you gather.

• Prevention SustainAbilities: Understanding the Basics

  • Participants will be able to: 

    • Define sustainability within the context of prevention.
    • Describe the importance of sustaining both effective prevention processes and interventions.
    • Identify three ways to sustain effective prevention practices at the local level.
    • Identify three sustainability keys to success.
    • Define and describe an effective sustainability planning process.