The Illinois Youth Survey Insert Your Name, Title and Organization

About the IYS The Illinois Youth Survey (IYS) is a self ‐ reported adolescent survey administered in Illinois schools and funded entirely by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Conducted since IDHS awarded the contract to administer the survey to the Center for Prevention Research and Development (CPRD) at the University of Illinois in January All public and private schools in Illinois are welcome to participate.

About the IYS The survey is given to students at the 6 th, 8 th, 10 th and 12 th grade levels. Administered in the Spring of every other school year during even numbered years. (2012, 2014, etc.) The school chooses a date between January and May 15 th to administer Takes approximately one class period, or about 40 to 50 minutes.

About the IYS Available in English or Spanish. Available in the traditional paper/pencil format or online. You receive everything you need 30 days prior to the survey date you choose: parent notification forms, survey forms, pre-sharpened pencils, instructions, and even UPS shipping.

Purpose Designed to gather information from youth about a variety of health and social indicators including: Substance abuse (ATOD) Violence and bullying Perceptions of school climate Gambling Depression Nutrition and fitness

Why is Prevention Important? Adolescent substance abuse, bullying, and other emotional and health issues are related to negative school outcomes: Absenteeism Absenteeism Academic difficulties Academic difficulties Lack of motivation Lack of motivation Interpersonal violence Interpersonal violence

Why is Data Important? local, up-to-date data from youth. Research shows that cost effective youth prevention strategies should be based on local, up-to-date data from youth. doing and thinking The IYS provides data to schools about w hat their students are doing and thinking in regard to emotional and health related issues. Data gathered through the IYS can be used to guide planning for effective prevention strategies to ultimately increase academic performance and healthy behaviors.

IYS Advantages Data provides schools and communities the knowledge they need to develop and evaluate localized, targeted and effective solutions to youth substance abuse, violence and related issues.

Benefits Each participating school will receive their own individual school results. Report will cover all survey items and includes state comparisons for selected items Schools can measure progress over time (when implemented every two years) The data can be useful for a variety of school and community planning efforts. The data can be useful for grant reporting purposes and to help leverage additional funding (Drug Free Community, Safe Schools/Healthy Students, CSAP grants).

Cost No cost to the school when implemented in 6 th, 8 th, 10 th or 12 th grades during the statewide surveying years. Schools can add questions to get data on local issues at no cost. Free training is provided on how to interpret and use the school-specific data for planning.

Confidentiality Participation is confidential. The identity of the youth who participate is not collected or revealed. Compiled survey data is shared only with the participating school. County, regional and statewide reports are not released in a way that an individual school’s results can be identified.

Validity The IYS produces valid results when conducted according to survey directions. Questions are carefully designed and tested. There are screening measures in place to detect and invalidate over-reporting and under-reporting. Studies of similar surveys comparing self-report to actual use have showed substantial validity. Patterns of use revealed by the IYS are consistent with other measures.

For the price of 1 class period every 2 years, schools and their community partners can receive essential information to Compete for grants that infuse needed resources Guide local community coalition efforts Track changes in health behaviors Reduce barriers to academic success Benefits and Bottom Line

Questions?

Resources Insert your name, organization Insert your address Insert your phone number IYS website: Jessica Thomas, IYS Coordinator ( 888) (toll-free)