Substance Abuse (2002)

Washington Kids Count - Impact of Substance Use and Violence/Delinquency on Academic Achievement for Groups of Middle and High School Students in Washington, May 2002

In this study we examined the associations among substance use, violent/delinquent behavior, and academic achievement (as indicated by test scores) in groups of high school and middle school children. Because these risky behaviors commonly take place in groups, and attitudes towards these behaviors are nurtured in a social context, we analyzed our data at the group level (grade by gender by race/ethnicity). In order to more fully understand the dynamics linking risky non-classroom behavior to school performance, we also examined the effects of poverty, attitudes, neighborhood characteristics, and social skills. We found that groups of middle and high school students with even moderate involvement with substance use and violence/delinquency had poorer overall test scores than groups of students with little or no involvement in these behaviors. If schools and communities are concerned about improving achievement, they must address both attitudes and behaviors related to substance use and violence/delinquency. Intervention efforts need to engage the community in focusing on the learning environment outside the classroom. Intervention should start when students are young and continue through high school.