This chapter reviews school-based drug abuse prevention curricula. Drawing on the most current research, the chapter identifies key elements of effective prevention curricula, noting that programs should (1) reflect proven prevention theory and research; (2) provide developmentally appropriate information about tobacco, alcohol and drugs; (3) use interactive teaching techniques, which are most effective at promoting skill development; (4) provide adequate coverage and sufficient follow-up; (5) be culturally sensitive; (6) provide teach training and support; (7) realize additional components may enhance program effectiveness; and (8) demonstrate their effects in rigorous evaluation. The chapter presents an analysis of the 46 most widely available drug abuse prevention curricula for relative effectiveness; and includes suggestions of various ways to improve program design and implementation. The chapter concludes with three policy recommendations for Healthy People 2010 designed to make effective prevention an integral part of adolescent education: (1) all drug prevention curricula should be assessed to determine the extent to which each curriculum addresses the key elements of effective prevention; (2) all drug education curricula should be rigorously evaluated using pretest-posttest control group designs with measures of substance use behavior; and (3) drug prevention curricula demonstrated to be effective in research should be aggressively promoted. (Contains 70 references.) (SD)