Do the Write Thing Violence Prevention Program: Lessons From a Middle School on the U.S.-Mexican Border

• In Event: 18.072 - Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: 18.072-15 - Pedagogical Approaches to Support Young Adolescents

Abstract

This study focuses on one school’s experiences with Do the Write Thing (DtWT) Challenge, a national violence prevention program for middle schools. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a theoretical framework and a mixed methods approach, we examined program impact and learning activities. Students who participated in the program demonstrated significantly more positive attitudes toward behaviors to reduce violence and intentions to enact these behaviors than those in non-participating schools. Classroom discussions about personal experiences with violence were rated as the most helpful activity and predicted several positive outcomes. Teachers used creative learning activities tied standards and reported improved relationships with students due to sharing personal experiences. Results offer important implications for program design.

Authors

• Josefina V. Tinajero, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Sarah E. Peterson, University of Texas at El Paso

• R. Craig Williams, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Rick Myer, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Corina Garrison, University of Texas at El Paso

• Cinthia Pantoja

• Alejandra Hernandez, University of Texas at El Paso