Trial of a Health Promoting School Approach to Positive Youth Development and Wellness Promotion

Health Promoting Schools intervention including pilot-tested teacher professional development, student-defined enhanced environment, and parent-defined enhanced community/family connection. The Coalition will finalize the intervention using a phased intervention map that integrates community perspectives with theoretical approaches to evidence based practices. The study aims will be accomplished through a group randomized trial in 10 urban schools with diverse populations representing approximately 1,900 students. Aim 1: Assess the effects of a school-based multi-component intervention on school connectedness, school engagement, and developmental assets through a group randomized, participatory trial. Hypothesis 1a: Students in the intervention schools will experience improved school connectedness, engagement and developmental assets compared to the control group. Aim 2: Assess the effects of a school-based multi-component intervention on emotional well-being, tobacco and other substance use, and academic outcomes through a group randomized, participatory trial. Hypothesis 2a: Students in the intervention schools will experience improved emotional well-being, course completion, attendance, and decreased disciplinary action and substance use compared to the control group. Aim 3: Evaluate the relationships between participatory factors , school intervention implementation, and study outcomes. Exploratory hypothesis 3a: Perceptions of quality of collaborative processes will be associated with degree of school intervention implementation and study outcomes. Exploratory hypothesis 3b: School capacities and context will be associated with school intervention implementation and study outcomes. Exploratory hypothesis 3c: School capacities and context will mediate the relationship between quality of collaborative processes and school intervention implementation.