Building Teacher Mastery via an Internet Training System

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The purpose of this Phase II STTR is to complete the development of a web-based training system, the All Stars Online Community. This system is designed to improve teachers' delivery of All Stars, an adolescent substance use prevention program. The goal of training is to help teachers advance in their teaching skills and understanding of underlying prevention concepts. Specifically, teachers will learn skills for promoting appropriate interaction during instruction. They will increase their understanding of norm setting, building idealism, and developing commitments among their students. This project will provide teachers with training material tailored to each teacher's current level of curriculum mastery (novice or advanced). Teachers will receive "just-in-time" training tips via e-mail reminding them of important teaching points. Teachers will receive continuous and consistent support and feedback throughout the implementation of the curriculum. A discussion forum will allow teachers to ask questions and get assistance from master teachers. During Phase II we will expand web-based content and procedures. This will include developing content for advanced All Stars teachers. A companion DVD that will include examples of teachers delivering All Stars sessions will be developed. An independently evaluated randomized field trial will test the ability of online training to improve the quality of curriculum implementation and the use of interactive teaching skills. Effects of training on student outcomes, including changes in student mediators and substance use will be assessed.