Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) Education
(That Fulfills Vermont Act 51 Requirements)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why does staff need this training?

The relationship between ATOD use and school failure and/or success is well established. Teachers need a sufficient awareness of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) prevention strategies to perform the following functions within the school:

• Support a school policy and climate that builds resiliency in kids and fosters preparedness for rigorous learning;
• Identify students with ATOD issues, talk with them in a helpful way and refer them to appropriate school/community resources as necessary;
• Bolster students’ social skills development, help students learn how to resist substance use and support the implementation of research-based prevention curricula required by State Board Rule 4213.1.

Who is required to attend an Act 51 training?

State Board Rule 4213.2 states that, “Schools shall provide for training of school staff such that teachers and health and guidance personnel have a sufficient level of professional development to enable them to competently teach or provide other services required in the school’s alcohol and drug abuse prevention education program.”  The Department of Education recommends that all new staff receive training within their first two years of teaching and that experienced staff update their skills every five years.

Are schools required to choose state sponsored trainings?

The law states that the Department of Education (DOE) “Shall provide pre-service, and in-service training programs for school personnel on alcohol and drug abuse prevention.“  The DOE has developed Act 51 Training Objectives and recommended training activities, Trainer Competencies, a recommended Trainer Continuum and a menu of Professional Development Offerings. Center for Health and Learning serves as a referral source for Expert level trainers and training materials.  Schools may use other qualified trainers as long as they teach required topics listed in State Board Rule 4200.

Whom do I contact for registration or further information?

Center for Health and Learning offers a calendar of statewide training events and online registration.  You can contact them by email, phone (802) 254-6590 or by fax (802) 254-5816.  Flyers are sent to all schools announcing upcoming training opportunities.

What does this training cover?

This training provides essential concepts for school-based prevention and intervention and covers the nine topic areas required by Act 51: 

• Pharmacology;
• Chemical Use, Abuse and Dependence;
• Chemical Dependency and the Family;
• Societal and Personal Attitudes;
• Policy and Legal Issues;
• Support and Referral Systems for Students in Distress;
• Curriculum Development, School Climate;
• Youth-Risk Behaviors (Drinking and Driving, HIV+ Prevention).

Why is this a 15 hour training?

Trainer and participant experience indicates that this time is needed to adequately address the complex and critical concepts, knowledge and skills outlined in the curriculum.  The hours can be used toward re-licensure.  In addition, one academic graduate credit is available for teachers who want it.

• View Act 51 Law