• Strong research design, which provides the greatest level of confidence in evaluation findings, along with low rates of participant attrition and adequate measurement.
• Evidence of significant prevention or deterrent effects which demonstrate effectiveness in reducing the onset, prevalence or individual offending rates of delinquency, drug use, and/or violent behavior.
• Multiple site replication is an important element in establishing effectiveness, indicating the robustness of the program, its prevention effects and its exportability to new sites. This is particularly important when selecting model programs for a national prevention initiative.
• Sustained effects requires that short-term effects be sustained beyond treatment or participation in the designed intervention in order to be confident that the effects will not deteriorate quickly once youth leave the program and return to original neighborhoods, families, and peer groups.

The following criteria have been identified for distinguishing Successful Programs or Practices in school safety:

• Goals and objectives reflect behavioral outcomes through reductions in suspensions, expulsions, violations of criminal code, or abuse of weapons, drugs or alcohol in school settings.
• Goals and objectives reflect process and outcome measures
• Documented positive outcomes when compared to baseline assessments.