Do the Write Thing Violence Prevention Program: The Case of a Middle School on the U.S.-Mexican Border

This mixed methods case study focuses on one school's experiences with Do the Write Thing (DtWT) Challenge, a national violence prevention program for middle schools. Using the theory of planned behavior as a theoretical framework, we examined program impact and learning activities. Students in participating schools demonstrated significantly more positive attitudes toward behaviors to reduce violence and intentions to enact these behaviors than those in nonparticipating schools. Teachers reported that the program had a positive impact on both students and teachers. Classroom discussions about personal experiences with violence were rated as the most helpful activity and predicted several positive outcomes. Teachers used creative learning activities tied to state standards and reported improved relationships with students due to sharing personal experiences. Results offer important implications for program design and continuing research.