An overview of research findings and evaluation results explains why past school-based drug and alcohol education has proven ineffectual. It documents positive outcomes for a relatively recent prevention model that focuses not only on specific alcohol and drug situations but also on building life skills in general. Recommended policies and procedures are given for a comprehensive school-based program that includes three components: (1) a prevention education component that is sequential and age-appropriate, (2) an intervention component to assist high-risk and drinking or drug-abusing students, and (3) a discipline component to deal with violations of school policies and State laws. The recommendations also note that a school-based program must involve the broader community in its drug prevention efforts to be successful in creating a total environment for students that supports a 'no drug and alcohol use' message. Additional chapters present descriptions of 28 substance abuse prevention curricula, programs, and multielement projects. Case study of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District and appendixes describing risk factors for adolescent substance abuse, program implications of current knowledge about cognitive and social development, lists of resources, and related materials.