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Frequently Asked Questions About Parenting Wisely

Q: What's the difference between the preview kit and the program kit of Parenting Wisely?

A: The preview kit demo CD-ROM contains one sample problem from each of the five Parenting Wisely programs currently available. So it gives you an idea of the format of the program and shows you how the CD-ROM initiates the interactive learning process. The program kit includes a complete Parenting Wisely interactive CD-ROM program, 5 workbooks, completion certificates, referral cards, brochures, evaluation forms, a service provider manual and a poster.

Q: How are other organizations using this program?

A: Most organizations choose to utililize the program as it was developed. That is, as a self-sustaining parent education program where parents use the program independently, at their own pace, and educators have the ability to track their progress without needing to be be present during the session. (Iin fact, the anonymity of parent interacting with computer erases almost all the negative stigma usually attached to parent education training for most parents!)Some organizations are using Parenting Wisely in more conventional ways:using the video series as the curriculum for group parenting education classes.

Q: Is outside funding available to purchase the Parenting Wisely program?

A: Yes, in fact many agencies who purchase Parenting Wisely do so through federal, and state, or local private and public grants. Want SAMSHA/CSAP grant writing info? Common sources of funding for purchasing PW are Safe and Drug Free Schools, violence prevention, delinquency and substance abuse prevention, child abuse, and pregnancy prevention funds at both the state and federal levels.

Q: Has Parenting Wisely ever been tested for effectiveness?

A: Yes. The Parenting Wisely program took seven years to develop mainly because of the extensive testing and effectiveness studies that were conducted. Please see the Research Summary section of our website for more detail.

Q. Are upgrades available?

A. Yes, based upon our research and user feedback, we modify the program regularly, approximately every 12 months. This is a major advantage of programs conducting ongoing research--improvements occur based upon objective, reliable information. New purchasers get the most recent program, and old purchasers receive the upgrade for a small charge.

Q: What is the difference between the Video series and the CD-ROM program?

A: The interactiveness of the CD-ROM version is what truly makes Parenting Wisely effective. The CD-ROM version asks the participants questions and makes them choose selections before they are able to move on to the next question.This instigates full participation from the user, which leads to betterlearning and retention. Users can choose what content to see next, and can easily repeat parts of the program.
     The Video version of Parenting Wisely has the same content and is the same program without the interactiveness that the CD-ROM offers. The video program is popular with organizations who conduct classes with a large number of participants. By using the video, they can all participate at once, rather than having to crowd around the computer screen. The best option for group classes is hooking up an LCD projector to the computer and allowing the group to interactively work the CD-ROM program!