KCTC Student Survey
Overview
The Kansas Communities That Care (KCTC) Student Survey has been administered annually at no cost to districts throughout the state since 1994-1995. The KCTC Survey is making Kansas a national leader for prevention assessment and evaluation.
This survey tracks adolescent use of harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. In addition, the survey provides a baseline for adolescent participation in, perception of, and attitudes toward both pro-social and anti-social behavior at the peer, school, family, and community levels. It provides a measurable level of risk and protective factors that influence behavior, attitudes, and opinions of Kansas adolescents.
Purposes of the KCTC Student Survey
- To develop a focus for planning — Reports show Kansas Communities That Care Student Survey data provide an objective profile of problem behaviors,risk andprotective factors that exist in your communities. This information highlights strengths and challenges, which will help in the development of a focused prevention plan. Data from the KCTC Survey is used to help school and community planners assess current conditions and prioritize areas of greatest need. Eachrisk andprotective factor can be linked to specific types of interventions that have been shown to be effective in either reducing risks or enhancing protections. Survey results help schools and communities identify specific areas of concern so they can target strategies which have proven to be most effective in achieving desired results.
- To establish a baseline to track progress — Survey data provides a standardized measure ofrisk andprotective factors and prevalence rates. This data can be used as a baseline for developing measurable outcomes that states and communities choose to target. Future surveys can then be used to track progress toward those outcomes. Data is also used to measure adolescent behaviors, attitudes, and opinions, compared to adolescents in other state and national averages.
- To conduct public relations and outreach — Information from the survey can be used to build public awareness about the extent of problem behaviors and levels of risk and protection. It can help counteract misconceptions and denial about drug and alcohol use and other problem behaviors and provides all stakeholders with a mutual understanding and foundation upon which to make prevention-planning decisions.
For the past 28 years, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Behavioral Health Services Commission has been dedicated to finding proven strategies and implementing outcomes- planning in communities. Their hard work and dedication have earned Kansas national recognition and opportunities for continued funding.