What is the                Michigan Model?

In Making the Grade: A Guide to School Drug Prevention Programs (Drug Strategies, Inc., Washington, DC), the Michigan Model was recently rated as one of the six best substance abuse programs in the United States.
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How did the Michigan Model get started?
In recent years, state agencies started to work together to more effectively reach students and their families with health promotion and disease prevention messages.
What is happening to the Model now?
Ninety percent (90%) of Michigan schools, nearly 1 million students in public and private schools, receive school health programs in Michigan.
The Michigan Model is directed by the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Department of Education, the Family Independence Agency, and the State Police, including the Office of Highway Safety Planning.
These agencies work with 164 voluntary and professional groups to share resources, avoid duplication, and provide a single focus for school health curriculum for Michigan children.
What are the central ideas of Michigan Model?
  • That families are their children's most important health teachers.
  • That health teaching and being well heighten personal and academic success.
  • That illegal drug use is wrong and harmful.
  • That violence can be stopped through teaching conflict management.
  • That good health comes from making wise choices early in life.
How are families involved in the Michigan Model
  • They use interesting, helpful health information with their children that is received from school, and provides a health perspective for families.
  • They support health education by deciding on health education policy, advising on curriculum content, and supporting the importance of school health education at local, district, and state levels.
  • They are welcomed into health classrooms as volunteers or observers.
How can I find out more about the Michigan Model?
  • Check with your child's teacher
  • Call the Health Coordinator in your region or intermediate school district.
  • Ask your child.
  • Write to:
    Michigan Department of Community Health
    School Health Unit
    P.O. Box 30195
    Lansing, Michigan 48909

The Michigan Model reflects community standards because community and parent groups like the Michigan PTA and the Michigan Family Forum have regular input.
What Makes the Michigan Model successful?
The Model creates a partnership between parents and schools and communities that supports young people in making health decisions.
Teachers receive training, new materials, and ongoing support to teach health.
Students gradually develop skills and knowledge in age-appropriate content areas as they proceed from kindergarten through the 12th grade
Students receive key health messages that are introduced, developed, and reinforced at a time when they can understand and use them.
Teachers are given access to current research and new teaching ideas to help students learn to make smart choices.
Students acquire and reinforce new health skills through hands-on lessons and practice.
The Model is undergoing professional evaluation and is regularly revised using the latest health research and teaching methods.
What values does the Michigan Model teach?
  • Self discipline and cooperation.
  • Respect for others and respect for self.
  • Respect for property and the environment.
  • Respect for laws and school rules.
  • Compassion and helpfulness.
  • Kindness and non-violent resolution of conflict.