Evaluation of the National School Drug Education Strategy (NSDES) and COAG tough on drugs in schools initiative: final report

The National School Drug Education Strategy (NSDES) was implemented in order to educate young people about the harm of drug misuse.  Under the NSDES, the Commonwealth Government funded a range of new and innovative drug education programmes for student, as well as training for teachers.  In addition, funding was provided under the Council of Australian Government’s Tough on Drugs in Schools initiative which sought to increase the capacity of schools and their communities to respond to illicit drug use.  This evaluation was undertaken to provide reliable qualitative and quantitative information on: the extent to which the Strategy and the COAG initiative measures have achieved their objectives; the appropriateness and effectiveness of the programme implementation strategy; the appropriateness of project reporting; and support for the take-up of school drug education activities for the period from 1999 to 2003.

The evaluation found there has been an increased level of participation of schools in NSDES activities; increased interest in and support for school drug education in schools; the development and adoption of a nationally consistent approach to school drug education; the adoption of a whole school approach which involves engaging school staff, parents and other community members; provision of professional development opportunities; enhanced educational resources; development of a partnership approach; and an increase in the profile of school drug education.

The available evidence indicates that the NSDES has made a significant contribution to the development and support of school drug education across Australian schools.  All States and Territories have established policies, strategies and expertise to support their schools in their drug education activities, and are now seeking to consolidate and extend their achievements.  More schools across Australia now have or are developing policies, strategies and programmes that underpin school drug education.