NineZero - FASTRAC

Discover how easy it is to use the FASTRAC curriculum!

Have questions about the FASTRAC curriculum? On this page you can:

• View an introductory video about why FASTRAC’s peer education is effective for this topic
• Find answers to frequently asked questions about FASTRAC, and
• View a PowerPoint presentation on administrating FASTRAC

A Video Introduction to FASTRAC

FASTRAC FAQ

Why is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders prevention an important health topic for students?

Where does this one-hour unit on FASD fit within the high school curriculum?

Isn’t Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders covered in the regular health education curriculum for high school students?

If FASD needs greater emphasis, why can’t teachers use FASTRAC to teach it themselves?

What are the advantages of a peer taught curriculum for this health issue?

What is the FASTRAC Administrator’s Responsibility for conducting FASTRAC?

What is the FASTRAC Administrator’s Commitment in time and resources for conducting FASTRAC?

How can your school or organization become involved?

Why is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders prevention an important health topic for students? Back to Top

• Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is the number one cause of intellectual disabilities.
• FASD is increasing in most areas, yet it’s totally preventable.
• Teen pregnancy continues to remain high.
• Underage drinking by teens is a serious issue and FASD is another reason not to drink.
• Little or no information is available about FASD in most health curricula.
• The average cost of providing services and supports to one person with FASD over his/her life span is $2 million, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Where does this one-hour unit on FASD fit within the high school curriculum? Back to Top

The best forum for introducing the issue of drinking during pregnancy to teens in California is the mandated high school health class. Where this class is not required, teachers and community leaders have found many other entry points for this unit. Opportunities include other classes when health issues are addressed, physical education classes, other mandated classes and even school assemblies. This presentation also fits in many community settings where youth congregate for group activities.

Isn’t Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders covered in the regular health education curriculum for high school students? Back to Top

In California, FASD education is a curriculum objective. However, relatively little attention is paid to it compared to other issues. For example, smoking receives more space in the textbook and usually more discussion time during class. Such an important health issue deserves our best efforts at educating for prevention.

If FASD needs greater emphasis, why can’t teachers use FASTRAC to teach it themselves? Back to Top

While some teachers have used FASTRAC in the traditional teaching way, this is not the preferred method for this curriculum. Administrators, teachers and most importantly, teens themselves, believe that the FASTRAC curriculum of the NineZero Project is best taught by peer instructors and that it’s a good fit for the next generation of hands-on, inquisitive students.

What are the advantages of a peer taught curriculum for this health issue? Back to Top

• Research suggests that people are more likely to identify with messages if they believe the messenger is similar to them and faces the same concerns and pressures. Changes in attitudes and behaviors are more likely to follow*.

• Many studies have shown the power of peer influence and role modeling on the health-related behaviors of teens. These include matters of sexuality, violence and substance use*.

• When students take ownership of their education they take personal responsibility to do something meaningful and positive to change their lives. With ownership comes dignity and self-respect.

• FASTRAC participation teaches students how to set and achieve realistic goals, and builds public speaking skills and self-confidence; this can make a significant, long-term difference in performance in the classroom, in the workplace, and in life.

• Students gain a greater understanding of the notion of leadership. Leadership is leading in word and in action.

*For more information, visit http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/PUBLICATIONS/factsheet/fspeered.htm and then return to this page.

What is the FASTRAC Administrator’s Responsibility for conducting FASTRAC? Back to Top

The administrator of FASTRAC is the person who creates interest, motivates and recruits students, oversees the administrative functions, schedules and otherwise sets the stage for peer student instructors to learn and then present the curriculum.

The goal for each administrator receiving FASTRAC for presentation in schools is to ensure that every student receives the curriculum at least one time during their high school years.

What is the FASTRAC Administrator’s Commitment in time and resources for conducting FASTRAC? Back to Top

The FASTRAC Administrator’s commitment is not complicated or time consuming.

Here are the main activities:

• Recruit curious and interested students.
• Present them with the urgency of the issue and the idea of peer teaching it to other students.
• Present peer instructors with the scripted FASTRAC PowerPoint slide show (the curriculum).
• Coordinate time for the peer instructors to practice the presentation.
• Choose effective individuals and teams. Ideally no student who trains to become a peer instructor is left out.
• Communicate with health teachers and plan for days when teams can present to health classes. Ideally, FASTRAC can be scheduled during the pregnancy or substance section of the health curriculum.
• Ensure that peer instructor FASTRAC teams visit each classroom as prearranged once each semester.
• Collect data on classes visited and number of students taught.
• Return this information to the NineZero Project.
• Organize optional follow-up activities for peer instructors and other interested students as suggested in manual.

How can your school or organization become involved? Back to Top

Call us at 888.818.6298, or e-mail us at mcloud@arcriverside.org.