The Voice Fall 2011 Highlights
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Opening new channels for targeting at-risk behaviors
Hazelden has been the leading publisher of evidence-based prevention curricula for K-12 educators and other social services organizations for several years. Until recently, most of those materials have been accessed primarily in print format.
But the education field is changing, and more schools are looking for electronic formats for prevention curricula, says Kris Van Hoof-Haines, executive director of media ventures for Hazelden.
"Hazelden is committed to providing greater access to evidence-based violence prevention programming that targets bullying, dating violence and youth suicide--issues tied directly to alcohol and drug use among youth," notes Van Hoof-Haines.
New E-Platform available
One of the ways Hazelden is opening access is through development of an electronic subscription platform for its most popular print education materials, such as the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.
Hazelden found that large school districts were enthusiastically piloting the premiere bullying prevention program in select schools, but holding off on purchasing the program for their entire district. In response, Hazelden developed a three-year electronic subscription format for the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, available to districts of 10 or more schools.
"By providing the program electronically, we have been able to reduce the price by 66 percent or more and reach many, many more young people and communities with this powerful program," reports Van Hoof-Haines.
The technology enables schools to download all program materials, print documents on demand and stream videos directly into the classroom.
"Response to this model has been very positive, and we are looking at transitioning other best-selling Hazelden prevention curricula to an electronic subscription model," says Van Hoof-Haines.
E-Training takes off, too
Hazelden also noticed that schools are less able to send staff to professional trainings, and that fewer educators are attending professional conferences.
In response, Hazelden is developing distance learning courses that educators can complete in the convenience of their workplace or home, saving time and money.
Prevention courses now offered include Bullying 101 and Teen Dating Violence 101, both of which provide educators with the latest research and practical strategies to help schools
address these issues.
Individuals can purchase the Hazelden courses for their own professional development, and schools or other organizations can purchase the courses in bulk for staff training purposes.
Hazelden is also using web conferences to provide educators with training on new programs, which has fast become a valuable resource for prevention professionals.
"It's not uncommon to have 250 to 500 people attending our web conferences," says Van Hoof-Haines.
Published in the Voice, Fall 2011
