Fast Track

Fast Track is a comprehensive intervention program designed to reduce conduct problems and promote academic, behavioral, and social improvement for first-grade students identified as being at risk for long-term antisocial behavior. The program consists of seven integrated components delivered from first through tenth grade: (1) the PATHS curriculum delivered by teachers in classrooms 2-3 times per week, teaching emotional communication, social understanding, self-control, and problem solving; (2) parent group training and home visits conducted every 2 weeks, supplemented by weekly telephone calls, to teach parenting and behavior management skills; (3) student social skills training groups delivered as part of a 2-hour enrichment program at school outside regular hours, including parent-child activity sessions; (4) three 30-minute tutoring sessions per week during school hours (two focused on reading skills and one peer-pairing friendship enhancement activity). After the first year, the frequency of supports is reduced based on assessed functioning. The intervention requires a 3-day workshop for intervention staff and a 2.5-day training workshop for teachers, with ongoing weekly meetings and coaching.