Research has demonstrated that the learning-disabled high school student is at risk for more than academic failure. The correlations between illicit drug use and students with learning disabilities are conclusive. Whether it is to ease the pain of social isolation, or to be accepted by others, students with learning disabilities are at a higher risk for drug use, and are less likely to be able to break the habit once it takes hold. Eye on My Strength (EMS) a drug prevention, student empowerment program was developed specifically for high-risk, learning disabled (LD) high school students. The program consists of 5 skill-based, brief interventions, led by a health educator or prevention specialist. The teacher then reinforces the constructs that support the newly learned skills, over the period of a month. All participating teachers are trained in the four EMS techniques, strengthening their ability to deliver all school-based curricula in the EMS, strength-based, teaching format. This program uses Bonnie Bernard's concept of the "Turnaround Teacher", Wolin & Wolin's resiliency factor and Mithaughs theory of Self-Determined Behavior. The original study was conducted in the 2001-2002 school year (n=189). The independent variables were knowledge of drug use, sense of support, self esteem, and resiliency/refusal skills. Significant changes (p <.05) were noted in all areas. The results demonstrated that EMS was successful increasing the student’s knowledge of drugs, their sense of support, and their ability to implement skills and techniques taught in class in a variety of situation. It was verified that, more then just decreasing their risk for drug use, EMS lowered multiple risk factors while increasing protective factors. EMS was also effective for the non-LD student population.
The outcome of this study has prompted the use of the four EMS techniques to be used in other settings, a college health behavior change class, a class for the gifted, and with parents of the learning disabled. The outcomes of these experiences will also be shared. EMS will be implemented in the Queens High School of Science in the fall of 2004.