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Boost Your Skills: Fun Ways to Implement "keepin' it REAL" Effectively

Boost Your Skills: Fun Ways to Implement \"keepin\' it REAL\" Effectively

Introduction

As a practitioner involved in delivering prevention programs, enhancing your skills is crucial to achieving better outcomes for students. The research article titled "Fidelity of D.A.R.E. Officers’ Delivery of 'keepin’ it REAL' in Elementary & Middle School" provides valuable insights into how the quality of implementation and student engagement can significantly impact program effectiveness. Let's explore how you can leverage these findings to improve your practice.

Understanding the Research

The study examines how D.A.R.E. officers deliver the "keepin’ it REAL" (KIR) program to elementary and middle school students. It highlights that student engagement and the quality of program delivery are key predictors of positive outcomes. The research suggests that while student engagement is a significant predictor of change, the quality of implementation also plays a crucial role, especially in elementary settings.

Key Takeaways for Practitioners

1. Focus on Student Engagement

Engaging students is pivotal. The study shows that student engagement significantly predicts changes in targeted mediators. Here are some strategies to boost engagement:

2. Enhance Quality of Implementation

The quality of how you deliver the program can greatly influence its effectiveness. Consider these tips:

Encouraging Further Research

While the study provides valuable insights, it also opens the door for further exploration. Consider conducting your own research to assess the impact of different engagement strategies or implementation techniques. Collaborating with other educators can also lead to innovative practices that enhance program delivery.

Conclusion

Improving your skills in delivering prevention programs like "keepin’ it REAL" can lead to more effective outcomes for students. By focusing on student engagement and the quality of implementation, you can make a significant impact. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Fidelity of D.A.R.E. Officers’ Delivery of “keepin’ it REAL” in Elementary & Middle School.


Citation: Beamon, E. R., Henson, R. A., Kelly, S. E., Hansen, W. B., & Wyrick, D. L. (2023). Fidelity of D.A.R.E. Officers’ Delivery of “keepin’ it REAL” in Elementary & Middle School. Prevention Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-023-01548-8
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

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Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

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