Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of Fast Track?
- Can Fast Track help my child?
- How can parents help their child?
- Can I use instruments created by Fast Track in my research study?
- Can I use instruments created by another test developer in my research study?
- What does the term CPPRG mean?
- How do I find the psychometric properties of an instrument?
- Who participated in Fast Track?
- Who funded this study?
- Is Fast Track available in other counties?
- How can I get a copy of a publication?
1. What is the purpose of Fast Track?
Fast Track has several purposes. The first purpose of Fast Track is to learn what children need in order to succeed in school. We know some children do well in school, but other children have problems in learning and behavior. The hope is to keep track of children for many years in order to learn what to do to help children. The second purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fast Track preventive intervention program to help children develop social skills and academic competencies in order to succeed in school and life.
top2. Can Fast Track help my child?
We regret that the Fast Track Program is not a general mental health service program. We are not able to refer families or to consult about specific children. We suggest that you contact your local mental health center.
3. How can parents help their child?
Parents are the best experts about their children. They can help us learn what is important for children by telling us about their family and child.
4. Can I use instruments created by Fast Track in my research study?
Yes. The Conduct Problems Preventions Research Group (CPPRG) or Fast Track created some of the instruments, which are available for downloading on our web site. You will be granted permission to use the instruments that were developed by CPPRG; however, please do not photocopy and distribute them. Instead, create your own questionnaire from the measure and cite the source as the “Conduct Problems Prevention Research Group.” For more information, please contact Pamela Ahrens at the Fast Track Data Center: ahrens@duke.edu
5. Can I use instruments created by another test developer in my research study?
No. If an instrument was created by another test developer, we are not allowed to distribute or give permission to use their instruments. We were only allowed to use such instruments in our research. In order to use the instruments developed by a source other than Fast Track, you must contact that source or publisher. If such contact information is available, it will be on the instrument details page under “Additional Information.”
6. What does the term CPPRG mean?
CPPRG is the Conduct Problems Prevention Research Group whose members are, in alphabetical order: Karen L. Bierman, Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State University), Kenneth A. Dodge, Ph.D. (Duke University), Mark T. Greenberg, Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State University), John E. Lochman, Ph.D. (University of Alabama), Robert J. McMahon, Ph.D. (Simon Fraser University), and Ellen E. Pinderhughes, Ph.D. (Tufts University).
7. How do I find the psychometric properties of an instrument?
The psychometric properties of every instrument are available in the technical reports section on our web site. These technical reports are in alphabetical order, written by study year, and are available for downloading.
8. Who participated in Fast Track?
This was a joint effort of educators at four universities nationwide, Duke University, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Washington, and Vanderbilt University, along with teachers, principals, and administrators in selected public school systems across the country.
9. Who funded this study?
Funding agencies include the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Drug Abuse, and the United States Department of Education Safe and Drug Free Schools Program.
10. Is Fast Track available in other counties?
Fast Track is a program that has been disseminated in several countries. It can be implemented with support from one of the program developers.
11. How can I get a copy of a publication?
A list of the publications can be found on the Publications Page on this website. Some of these publications are available on the internet and others must be obtained from the journal or publisher directly.