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 aims to engage learners in how to utilize the PAYS Guide to better analyze and increase the use of PAYS data, materials, and resources.
Learning Objectives
Real-World Application
After taking this course, you will be able to analyze and apply PAYS data to prioritize prevention efforts, strengthen strategic planning, and support evidence-informed community decision-making.
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 most valued the course’s clear, step-by-step structure for understanding and using PAYS data, along with the guided audio, workbook, and practical tools provided. Many highlighted the helpful examples, resources, and data review strategies they can reference and apply in their work.
