Perhaps the most important element to consider in adapting research-based programs is how to best meet the needs of diverse student populations. When examining the literature on effective prevention programming, pay special attention to the populations with whom these strategies were tested. Ask, "How are the students described in the intervention similar to my target population? How are they different? Can I adapt this program to meet the needs of my students? If so, how?"

More specifically, consider the following questions when assessing a prevention program's appropriateness for your students and community:

• Are the students (their ethnicity, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, economic condition, geographic setting, values) reflected in the program materials?

• Are the language and the reading level of materials appropriate for students, parents, and other community members?

• Does the program raise any issues that are not in keeping with community norms and policies?

• What can be added or changed to make the program more appropriate for the diverse needs of students, parents, school personnel, and community members?

• Will these modifications compromise the program's efficacy? Does this program need to be altered to such a degree that it would be best to search for a different program?

Your school may have identified a research-based prevention program that could be enhanced through minor adaptations, such as revising selected scenarios to make them more culturally relevant, using a more up-to-date video, or encouraging teachers to use their own words when presenting lessons. These adaptations can improve program delivery without compromising program effectiveness.

On the other hand, if your school identified a program in which one or more key topics are deemed inappropriate for your community and are likely to be removed altogether, then this may not be the right program for your school.