Target Teaching

In DEPTH recognizes that different teaching styles and a variety of anti-drug messages are appropriate for different groups of students.  Student-centered education and an interactive approach are vital to the program's success. Educators are taught an innovative needs assessment method called "Target Teaching". The teacher/ counselor is taught how to analyze student attitudes concerning drugs, current/past substance abuse, familial history of abuse, drug trafficking, violence, and illegal activities surrounding substance abuse. Through this analysis the teacher/counselor constructs a unique teaching approach to target specific drug use patterns, destructive behaviors, and misguided beliefs held by their students.

Educators tailor program content and delivery to the  responses given by students in order to create a variety of messages and lessons to "target" and change behaviors. Program content and methods address many different types of students. The curriculum is responsive to students, and is designed to be delivered through a variety of auditory, visual, and kinetic channels including: reading, writing, games, lectures, group and interactive learning activities.

Curriculum, activities, and educational tools teach students truthful information about drugs, especially with regard to economics. The lessons stimulate critical thinking and encourage students to reassess and change destructive behaviors.