Too Good for Violence
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
Too Good for Violence (TGFV) is a school-based violence prevention/character education program that improves student behavior and minimizes aggression. The program consists of student curricula with seven 30- to 60-minute lessons per grade for kindergarten through 5th grade, nine 30- to 45-minute lessons per grade for 6th through 8th grades, and fourteen 60-minute lessons per grade for 9th to 12th grades. The program's highly interactive teaching methods encourage students to bond with prosocial peers and engage students through role-playing, cooperative learning, games, small-group activities, and class discussions. TGFV teaches that each student has what it takes to solve conflicts peaceably and provides opportunities to practice peacemaking and antibullying skills.
Goal / Mission
The goal of the TGFV program is to help students learn the skills they need to get along peacefully with others and avoid violence.
Impact
Too Good programs empower children with the social-emotional learning and substance abuse prevention skills they need to lead happy and healthy lives.
Results / Accomplishments
Five studies conducted by independent evaluators have examined the effectiveness of TGFV. Studies showed positive effects on risk and protective factors related to student violence in kindergarten through 12th grade and related to alcohol, tobacco, and drug use in grades 9 through 12. Among high school students grades 9-12, intentions to use were reduced 58 percent for smoking cigarettes, 50 percent for drinking alcohol, and 45 percent for smoking marijuana. TGFV significantly enhanced students' emotional competence, communication skills, and social and conflict resolution skills. Teachers observed significantly more frequent use of prosocial personal and social skills and behaviors. Among high school students, intentions to fight were reduced 45 percent. These results were consistent across ethnic backgrounds, genders, and socioeconomic statuses.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Mendez Foundation
Primary Contact
C.E. Mendez Foundation, Inc.
600 N. Willow Avenue, Suite 301
Tampa, FL 33606
813-251-3600
https://toogoodprograms.org/
600 N. Willow Avenue, Suite 301
Tampa, FL 33606
813-251-3600
https://toogoodprograms.org/
Topics
Education / School Environment
Community / Social Environment
Community / Social Environment
Organization(s)
Mendez Foundation
Source
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's Model Programs Guide (MPG)
Date of publication
2006
Location
Tampa, FL
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Teens