Research-Validated Programs

This table displays all programs identified by the Center as Research‑Validated. Health curriculum and prevention program administrators are encouraged to become familiar with the program descriptions and research summaries, including target populations, settings, and grade levels prior to selecting programs. The Program Grades column notes the grade levels addressed by each program. The Research‑Validated (R‑V) Grade Ranges column indicates the grade ranges for which published research has demonstrated a positive impact on students’ health-related behaviors. The R‑V Grade Ranges provide an additional science-based framework for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to reference when selecting and implementing Research‑Validated programs.

• A program is designated Research‑Validated (R‑V) for one or more Grade Ranges (PreK, K-3, 4–6, 6–8, and/or 9–12) if research on at least one grade in the Grade Range showed positive behavior outcomes.
• All grades in the R‑V Grade Range are noted if materials are available for all grades within the range.
• When a program does not include materials for all grades in a designated R‑V Grade Range, only those grades with program materials are identified as the R‑V Grade Range.
• Programs that demonstrate effectiveness for students in grade six may be categorized as Research‑Validated for the Grade Ranges 4–6 and/or 6–8, depending on the specifics of the research and program materials.

Researched-Validated (R-V) Programs			Area(s) of Program’s Published Impact on Behavioral Outcomes
Program Title	Program Grades	Research- Validated Grade Ranges	Alcohol & Other Drugs	Injury & Safety	Nutrition	Physical Activity	Sexual Health	Tobacco	Violence
All Stars	4–8	6–8
ATLAS	9–12	9–12
Becoming a Responsible Teen	9–12	9–12
Botvin’s Life Skills Training	3–9	3–9
Caring School Community	K-6	K-6
Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH)	K-8	K-6
Creating Lasting Family Connections	6–12	6–8
Focus on Kids	4–10	4–10
Guiding Good Choices – Families That Care	4–8	4–8
I Can Problem Solve	PreK-6	PreK, K-3
keepin’ it REAL	6–8	6–8
Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence	6–8	6–8
Making a Difference!	6–8	6–8
Making Proud Choices!	6–8	6–8
Minnesota Smoking Prevention Program	4–8	6–8
PeaceBuilders	PreK-12	K-5
Peacemakers	4–8	4–8
Positive Action	K-12	K-6
Project ALERT	7–8	7–8
Project Northland	6–8	6–8
Project Northland – Class Action	11–12	11–12
Project Toward No Drug Abuse (TND)	9–12	9–12
Project Toward No Tobacco Use (TNT)	5–8	6–8
Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS)	K-5	K-3
Reconnecting Youth	9–12	9–12
Reducing the Risk, Building Skills to Prevent Pregnancy, STD and HIV	9–12	9–12
Residential Student Assistance Program	9–12	9–12
Second Step	PreK-8	K-3
S.S. GRIN – Social Skills Group Intervention	3–5	3–5
State-Wide Indian Drug Prevention Program	4–6	4–6
Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10–14	5–8	6–8
Think First for Kids	1–3	1–3

Topic-Specific Research-Validated Program Charts:
Research-Validated — Alcohol and Other Drugs | Research-Validated — Sexual Health |
Research-Validated — Tobacco | Research-Validated — Violence