Curriculum Overview
The ADAP student curriculum is proven to boost student learning in depression knowledge:
Class 1
The first class in the ADAP student curriculum introduces the ADAP program. Students will complete the pre-test and review learning objectives for topic such as Depression and the stigma of Depression. Students will participate in discussion and be given a homework assignment.
Class 2
The second class includes a video, followed by an interactive film assignment. Students will review and learn about topics such as symptoms of Depression and Mania. This class also gives students a chance to discuss school resources and the importance of talking with an adult.
Class 3
The third class includes a video, followed by a discussion. Additionally, students will continue to learn about Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and other disorders. Students will create a mood graph and complete a group presentation.
Class 1
- Welcome, Introductions and brief overview of ADAP
- Complete pre-test (ADKQ)
- Review learning objectives
- Differentiate between the feeling of sadness and the illness of depression
- Explore the process of diagnosing an illness, using pneumonia as an example
- Learn the symptoms of Depression
- Understanding how a diagnosis of Depression is made
- Discuss stigma
- Discuss what to do if you have concerns
- Hand out homework assignment and symptom list
Class 2
- Welcome and reintroduction of program
- Review learning objectives
- Review homework
- Watch video, Day for Night, Recognizing Teenage Depression, which portrays real teenagers with mood disorders discussing various aspects of the illness
- Review video assignment, exploring descriptions of depressive and manic symptoms
- Explain how we know Depression is an illness
- Review what to do if you have concerns
Class 3
- Welcome and reintroduction of program
- Review learning objectives
- Watch video, Psychiatry 101: Psychiatry One on One, which shows an actor being interviewed by a psychiatrist, demostrating three different mood states
- Discuss the differences between the illness of Depression and having a rough time
- Learn the symptoms of mania
- Explain Bipolar Disorder and how a diagnosis is made
- Create a mood graph to visualize normal variations in mood, Bipolar Disorder, and major Depression
- Review the treatments for mood disorders
- Students break into smaller groups and work on brief assignments to present to the class
- Review what to do if you have concerns
Impact
ADAP boosts student learning in depression knowledge
A large study of the curriculum showed that students significantly improved knowledge following the curriculum and the improvement was sustained at four months.
ADAP’s message is hopeful, emphasizing the importance of treatment and seeking help. The curriculum stresses the need to share concerns with a parent, teacher or counselor so that appropriate action can be taken.
The two key messages reinforced throughout the program are: Depression is a treatable medical illness and tell an adult if you have concerns about yourself or a friend.
Are you ready to make an impact in your classroom?