Middle School Guidance Topics

Program Overview

The Botvin LifeSkills Training Middle School program is a groundbreaking substance abuse and violence prevention program based on more than 35 years of rigorous scientific research. Proven to be the most effective evidence-based program used in schools today, LifeSkills Training is comprehensive, dynamic, and developmentally designed to promote mental health and positive youth development. In addition to helping kids resist drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, the LifeSkills Training Middle School program also effectively supports the reduction of violence and other high-risk behaviors.

This program is aligned to the National Health Education standards and to CASEL’s social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies.  To view all LST alignments, visit our website here.

Program Learning Objectives

• Personal Self-Management Skills – Students develop skills that help them enhance self-esteem, develop problem-solving abilities, reduce stress and anxiety, and manage anger for better mental health.

• General Social Skills – Students gain skills to meet personal challenges such as overcoming shyness, communicating clearly, building relationships, and avoiding violence.

• Drug Resistance Skills – Students build effective defenses against pressures to use tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.

Youth Risk Behavior Survey is completed every other year (odd years) in the fall.