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AHS PALS |
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Over the past twenty plus years the Texas Peer Assistance and Leadership Program (PALS) has emerged as arguably the most extensively field-tested, widely replicated, systematically structured and demonstrably effective peer assistance program model in the nation. The program began as a modest pilot effort at one Austin high school in the fall of 1980, supported through seed funding from the Texas state drug and alcohol abuse prevention agency. By 1987 it had grown into a district-wide, nationally-recognized program, and its success in Austin inspired the launching of a statewide project known as the Peer Assistance Network of Texas. In 1992 the program was endorsed by the Texas Education Agency as a state approved course. Put simply, the PALS Program works. Evaluation data gathered over the years has consistently demonstrated the strongly positive impact of the program upon participating students-both PALS students, and the students to whom they provide assistance. These positive evaluation results have been observed not only with qualitative indices in such areas as self-concept, attitudes towards school, peer relations, decision-making, responsibility, concern for others, and leadership; but also hard quantitative results in such "bottom line" program impact areas as grade point average, attendance, failure rates, disciplinary referrals, and standardized test scores. The PALS program was brought to Abilene High in 1994. It's success has been due to support from the administration and caring teachers directing capable students who have been willing to give of themselves far above and beyond the call of duty. AHS PALS have worked with Ortiz, Johnston, Long, College Heights, Lee, Fannin, Thomas, Taylor, Austin, and Bonham Elementary Schools, and Mann Middle School. The goal is to work with all students at some point in their primary years who will eventually be Abilene High Eagles. AHS PALS have worked
with ages from kindergarten through nursing home residents. The PALS II
class plans on working more at the middle school level. There are many
more requests per year for AHS PALS than can ever be filled but the
program is committed to showing the community of Abilene that empowering
youth can have positive results. |
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