Description
The Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) is sponsored and conducted every two years by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. This survey has been implemented across the Commonwealth since 1989 for school students in the 6th, 8th, 10, and 12th grades to learn about their behavior, attitudes, and knowledge concerning alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and violence.
This course provides an introduction on the history of the survey. Learners will explore the basic content captured within these surveys and the generated reporting structures. Learners will also identify opportunities to put PAYS into action.
Learning Objectives
Real-World Application
This course helps learners understand and use Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) data to identify trends in youth behavior, risk factors, and protective factors in their schools or communities. Participants can apply this knowledge to prioritize prevention needs, guide program planning, support grant applications, and make data-informed decisions about where to focus resources and interventions for the greatest impact.
Developers
Alise Barr, PAYS Support & Development Specialist, Penn State EPIS
Phyllis Law, Systems Change Specialist, Penn State EPIS
Lee Winterhalter, Prevention Supervisor, Fayette County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc.
Continuing Education
- Earn a certificate upon completion and submit it to your employer for continuing education credit.
- Pennsylvania educators earn Act 48 credits by completing this course.
- The PLP team is currently exploring additional opportunities to expand continuing education credit eligibility within Pennsylvania and to other states in the future.
What Learners are Saying
Learners reported that the course was most useful in building their understanding of what the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) measures, how the data is collected and analyzed, and how results can be used to identify student and community needs. Many valued the practical overview of the survey, its validity, and its role in supporting school planning, prevention efforts, and communication with school leaders and colleagues.
