The Viewpoints curriculum is a structured 10-session training program for adolescents designed to teach social problem-solving skills, increase impulse control, promote empathy, and develop pro-social attitudes. The underlying premise of the program, consistent with a social-cognitive development approach to violence prevention, is that teens will behave more responsibly if they learn to set positive goals, understand the consequences of their actions for themselves and others, and manage conflict effectively. Each lesson poses real-life problem situations designed to be interesting, relevant, and thought-provoking. An important focus is on teaching adolescents skills for everyday problem solving. Using everyday situations, the lessons focus on goal setting, stopping to think before acting, considering alternative solutions, and weighing the costs and benefits of different choices for self and others. Emphasis is placed on solutions that provide positive outcomes for self without hurting or injuring others. Viewpoints’ lessons cover such topics as peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, stress, fairness, and prejudice. Viewpoints is highlighted in the Drug Strategies publication, Safe Schools, Safe Students: A Guide to Violence Prevention Strategies, and in the Illinois Council for the Prevention of Violence’s Peacing It Together: A Violence Prevention Resource for Illinois Schools.

Target Population

- Grade Level: from  Ninth grade to  Twelfth grade