Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) is an evidence-based substance abuse and violence prevention program that is uniquely designed to be flexible and interactive. The program can be taught either on an intensive schedule (two to three times a week) until the program is complete, or on a more extended schedule (once a week until the program is complete). Both formats have proven to be effective. While one year of LST has been proven to achieve measurable positive effects, multi-year implementation is strongly recommended.

The LST program has been extensively tested and proven effective at reducing tobacco, alcohol, opioid, and illicit drug use by as much as 80%. Long-term follow-up studies also show that it produces prevention effects that are durable and long-lasting. Request sample lessons to learn more.

Elementary School Program

The LST Elementary School program consists of 8 class sessions per year across all three years of upper elementary school. The elementary program can be implemented over one, two, or three years, depending on the availability of time. It is designed to be implemented either as a stand-alone program or in combination with the Middle School program.

Middle School Program

The LST Middle School program is designed to be taught in sequence over three years in either middle or junior high school. The first year of the program has 15 class sessions (plus 3 optional violence prevention sessions), the second year contains 10 sessions (plus 2 optional violence prevention sessions), and the third year consists of 5 sessions (plus 4 optional violence prevention sessions).

High School Program

The LST High School program comprises 10 class sessions. The program is typically taught in one year in either grade 9 or 10, and can be used alone or as a maintenance program in combination with other LST programs.

Transitions Program

The LST Transitions program has 6 class sessions for ages 16+. The program is typically taught in one year and can be used alone or as a maintenance program in combination with other LST programs.

Parent Program

The LST Parent program has 7 sessions designed for parents and guardians of students in grades 6 – 9. The program is available in two formats and can be delivered as a workshop or as individual self-study. (also available in Spanish)

E-LEARNING

e-LST Elementary 1 is an exciting, animated program that teaches children valuable skills for life. Four lively friends – Aliwali, Tilter, Jaslow, and Arg – lead children through scenarios and interactive activities to help them learn the necessary skills that promote mental health, social-emotional (SEL) skills, and positive youth development. Each of the eight interactive units expands on the lessons learned in the LST Elementary School program, Level 1. Sections introduce skills, provide activities that cater to varied learning styles, and then summarize the critical aspects of the lesson. Throughout each unit children are also given opportunities to relate skills and concepts to their personal lives. Format: Offline

e-LST Elementary 2 is an exciting, animated program that teaches children valuable skills for life. Four lively friends – Aliwali, Tilter, Jaslow, and Arg – lead children through scenarios and interactive activities to help them learn the necessary skills that promote mental health, social-emotional (SEL) skills, and positive youth development. Each of the eight interactive units expands on the lessons learned in the LST Elementary School program, Level 2. Sections introduce skills, provide activities that cater to varied learning styles, and then summarize the critical aspects of the lesson. Throughout each unit children are also given opportunities to relate skills and concepts to their personal lives. Format: Offline

NEW! e-LST Middle School 1 is based on an evidence-based prevention approach that has been extensively tested and proven effective when implemented in classrooms by teachers and health professionals. e-LST provides teachers, parents, and students with an engaging and flexible prevention approach that can be used at home, in class, or in hybrid learning environments. e-LST presents the Botvin LifeSkills Training Middle School program, a groundbreaking substance abuse and violence prevention program developmentally designed to promote mental health, social-emotional (SEL) skills and positive youth development.

The innovative approach used in the middle school e-LST program allows teachers to have a “virtual team-teacher.”  The program covers the introduction to the skills (Explanation and Instruction), models the skill (Demonstration), and gives feedback (Coaching) on students’ interactions with the skills-related content.  Structured skills practice (Behavioral Rehearsal) is then enabled through a series of dynamic scenarios conducted by the teacher so that teachers can use face-to-face time to focus on skill practice for acquisition. Format: Online

NEW!  e-LST High School is based on an evidence-based prevention approach that has been extensively tested and proven effective when implemented in classrooms by teachers and health professionals. e-LST provides teachers, parents, and students with an engaging and flexible prevention approach that can be used at home, in class, or in hybrid learning environments.

 e-LST High School presents the Botvin LifeSkills Training High School program through an innovative approach that allows teachers to have a “virtual team-teacher”; the program covers the introduction to the skills (Facilitation), models the skill (Coaching), and gives feedback on students’ interactions with the skills-related content.   Skills practice (Behavioral Rehearsal) is then conducted by the teacher so that teachers can use face-to-face time to focus on skill practice for acquisition. Format: Online

Coming Soon! e-LST College is based on an evidence-based prevention approach that has been extensively tested and proven effective when implemented in classrooms by teachers and health professionals. e-LST provides teachers, and students with an engaging and flexible prevention approach that can be used at home, in class, or in hybrid learning environments. Format: Online

EDUCATIONAL GAMES

NEW! LST Galaxia is an engaging and interactive educational game designed to prevent bullying, cyberbullying, substance use, and violence among middle school youth. Since middle school is a particularly high risk period for bullying and cyberbullying, LST Galaxia is a perfect complement to the Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) Middle School program (Levels 1 – 3). Recently selected as an EdTech “Cool Tool” award finalist for 2020, the online game includes a variety of animated characters and engaging scenarios that reinforce the skills taught in the LST program, adding a strong emphasis on preventing bullying and cyberbullying.  Format: Online

OTHER DIGITAL PRODUCTS

LST Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Module for Middle School gives adolescents the skills and knowledge necessary to help them avoid the misuse/abuse of opioids and prescription drugs. This module is ideal for school districts, community-based organizations, and agencies serving students in grades 6-8. It is available in both digital and print formats. The module is designed to be integrated into the LST Middle School program or used as a stand-alone component. The digital version is intended for independent student study. Students need access to internet and a digital media format- i.e. tablet, iPad, computer, etc.

Coming Soon! LST Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Module for High School gives students the skills and knowledge necessary to help them avoid the misuse/abuse of opioids and prescription drugs. This module is ideal for school districts, community-based organizations, and agencies serving students in grades 9-10. It is available in both digital and print formats. The module is designed to be integrated into the LST High School program or used as a stand-alone component. The digital version is intended for independent student study. Students need access to internet and a digital media format- i.e. tablet, iPad, computer, etc.