Training in the Student Assistance Process: An undergraduate course for preservice teachers

Abstract

According to statistical data, adolescent substance abuse and indulgence in other risky behaviors continue to rise. Acts of school violence by young people have cut across all socioeconomic and ethnic groups. Preservice teachers need the knowledge and skills to identify these at-risk students and to intervene before the behavior cannot be controlled. This paper describes the first-year implementation of a course in student assistance training for preservice teachers prior to their student teaching experience. Student Assistance Programs are based on a multidisciplinary model of community agencies and schools working together. Although the course was funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, this paper explains how a similar course can be offered at a nominal cost. Preservice teachers' insights into understanding at-risk behavior will help identify ways that teacher education programs can prepare future teachers for some of the at-risk behaviors they will encounter in their classrooms.