Department of Education
Dr. Tim Webb, Commissioner

Title IV - Part A (Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program)

The purpose of Title IV-Part A, The Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, is to support programs to prevent violence in and around schools; prevent the illegal use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco by young people; and foster a safe and drug-free learning environment that supports academic achievement.  Without a safe and orderly learning environment, teachers cannot teach and students cannot learn.  Students and school personnel need a secure environment, free from the dangers and distractions of violence, drug use and lack of discipline, in order to ensure that all children achieve their full potential.

Title IV-Part A has two main components: the formula grants program and the discretionary grants program. Local school districts receive formula grants for a wide range of drug- and violence-prevention activities and strategies by submitting an approvable Consolidated Application. Discretionary grants are awarded through grants and contracts to district and community groups for services to youths with special needs such as students who are suspended or expelled.

Principles of Effectiveness apply to formula grants and discretionary grant programs. The Principles of Effectiveness require that grantees:

• Base their programs on research-based prevention activities;
• Select activities to local needs, as determined by objective data;
• Establish a set of performance measures for their programs aimed at ensuring a safe, orderly and drug-free learning environment;
• Involve parents in their programs; and
• Evaluate their programs.