A survey of drug-abuse-prevention programs released by the Education Department shows that 75 percent of the states now require schools to teach students about the dangers of drug use.
The survey also found that 75 percent of all school districts have written policies on fighting student drug abuse.
In reviewing research on drug-abuse prevention, the report notes that programs that employ only one strategy, such as classroom instruction, are unlikely to have long-term effects.
Instead, it recommends that schools carry out more comprehensive programs. Copies of the report can be obtained by calling the department at (202) 732-4576.
House debate on a major welfare-reform bill that was scheduled for Nov. 19 was abruptly postponed until Dec. 8, sparking speculation that the $5.5-billion measure may be in jeopardy.
The Democratic-sponsored measure would require welfare recipients to pursue education and job training in an effort to move more people off the welfare rolls. It would also increase recipients’ benefits.
Republicans and conservative Democrats have opposed the bill because of its cost. The Republican leadership in the House is expected to offer an alternative that would not increase benefits.
The Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee has approved a measure extending federally supported family-planning programs for four years.
The measure passed last month includes $10 million for community-based informational and educational programs on pregnancy, sexuality, and parenthood. The National Right to Life Committee and other anti-abortion lobbies oppose the measure because they believe it will support school-based health clinics that provide abortion counseling and referrals.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts, and other supporters deny that the funds would be used to support such clinics.
