Conclusion of evidence-based research
Students who participated in the Teen AA (MPOWRD) program showed promising results with controlling their drug addictions, as well improving their performance in school. It’s important to note for further research, however, that the Teen AA (MPOWRD) program may continue to be effective without support of data.
For example, a student, who has attended meetings, improves his or her GPA from a 2.2 to a 3.4 during the fall semester of the Teen AA (MPOWRD) program. Improving a GPA at the same rate during the following spring semester may not be mathematically possible based on the classes the student takes. Similarly, a student may have had 10 absences during one semester, and then decreased his or her absent total to a respectable one or two absences the following semester. Again, while the improvement for this decline was notable, there is little to build upon for the next semester. It’s difficult for students to improve an absent rate when the initial value is so low.
Gains were made for other addictions. However, they did not prove to be statistically significant. A decrease in alcohol use and tobacco use is of some value, and continued attendance at meetings may be a catalyst for further positive change. Similarly, the number of student referrals declined some for each of the two semesters amongst Teen AA (MPOWRD) participants. Improvement in behavior could increase with further support and personal success as students become empowered with better decision-making skills.