New In-School Curriculum Teaches Kids about Making The Right Decisions
Today, children as young as elementary school age are being exposed to high risk behaviors, including the use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco; poor dietary practices and childhood obesity; and early sexual activity, all of which are related to choices that impact a child’s long-term health. In an effort to help educate youth about positive choices that lead to risk-avoidance behaviors, The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has partnered with Scholastic InSchool Solutions, a consumer marketing division of Scholastic, to develop the Crossroads education program. The comprehensive curriculum helps students build decision-making skills, so that they are better equipped to meet life’s challenges and make positive choices.
Launched in classrooms this fall, the Crossroads program was distributed to 25,000 elementary school teachers in Colorado, New York and Oklahoma. The education kit provides teachers with resources and lessons to engage kids in thought-provoking activities that teach them to understand the consequences of their decisions and to make positive choices. The kit includes a teacher’s guide filled with easy-to-use lessons, take-home reproducible activities, a classroom poster, and student magazines. The program’s materials meet the national standards in language arts, science, health and life skills.
“All children need support in making choices that will positively impact their lives,” said Karen Casey, USADA Director of Education.“ This curriculum is designed to help children think critically, and be accountable for making good choices. USADA is excited about the future of this program to reach the nation’s youth and provide them valuable educational resources.”
“Kids growing up in today’s world are faced with enormous pressures as their decision-making skills are continuously tested,” stated Shelley White, Editorial Director of Scholastic InSchool Solutions. “Crossroads provides teachers with the tools to help teach their students the necessary decision-making skills to be mature thinkers and leaders.”
USADA is the independent anti-doping agency for Olympic sports in the United States, and is responsible for managing the testing and adjudication process for U.S. Olympic, Pan Am and Paralympic athletes. USADA is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through educational programs and research initiatives.
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children’s books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries, and television networks; and the Company’s Internet Site, www.scholastic.com.
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