What Works In Schools: Research and Results
Four new research articles on CDC’s What Works In Schools program show that this school-based program, designed to reduce sexual risk behaviors, can also reduce other adolescent-related health risk behaviors and experiences.
What Works In Schools Program
CDC’s What Works In Schools is a three-strategy school-based program originally designed to prevent behaviors and experiences that put adolescents at risk for HIV, STI, and unintended pregnancy.
- Providing quality health education, including sexual health education;
- Implementing systems to increase student access to health care services; and
- Creating safe and supportive environments where students feel connected to adults and peers who care about them.
Prior research had shown that schools that implemented the What Works in Schools program saw significant benefits in six outcome areas:
Sexual history
Sexual history
(have they ever had sex)
(have they ever had sex)
Sexual partners
Sexual partners
(had 4 or more lifetime sexual partners)
(had 4 or more lifetime sexual partners)
Sexual activity
Sexual activity
(they had sex in the last 3 months)
(they had sex in the last 3 months)
School safety
School safety
(have they missed school because of concerns for their safety)
(have they missed school because of concerns for their safety)
Rape
Rape
(have they ever been forced to have sex)
(have they ever been forced to have sex)
Drug use
Drug use
(ever used or current use marijuana)
(ever used or current use marijuana)
CDC developed a multilevel program model designed to change systems, practices, and environments in schools to address factors associated with increased adolescent health risk behaviors and experiences.
The influence of the What Works In Schools program extended beyond the students who participated, as improved outcomes were seen for all students at schools where the program was implemented.
The beneficial effect of the What Works In Schools program also extended beyond HIV, STD, and pregnancy prevention. Students saw reductions in multiple risk behaviors and experiences, including violence and drug (marijuana) use.
Research Articles
- Addressing HIV/Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Pregnancy Prevention Through Schools: An Approach for Strengthening Education, Health Services, and School Environments That Promote Adolescent Sexual Health and Well-Being
- Association Between LGBTQ Student Non-Discrimination Laws in Selected States and School District Support for Gay-Straight Alliances
- Dosage in Implementation of an Effective School-Based Health Program Impacts Youth Health Risk Behaviors and Experiences
- Increases in Student Knowledge and Protective Behaviors Following Enhanced Supports for Sexual Health Education in a Large, Urban School District
- Local Education Agency Impact on School Environments to Reduce Health Risk Behaviors and Experiences Among High School Students
- Overwhelming Support for Sexual Health Education in U.S. Schools: A Meta-Analysis of 23 Surveys Conducted Between 2000 and 2016
