Frequently Asked Questions

pial faq

What is PIAL?

Preparing Individuals for Adulthood and Life also known as PIAL is a multi-component program designed to equip youth with essential life skills so they can thrive in adulthood with confidence and purpose.

The youth curriculum, for 7th through 12th grades, includes topics such as healthy relationships, career readiness, mental health, resiliency, digital health, and parenting awareness. This free resource is a valuable addition to family and consumer science, life skills, health, and guidance classes. However, we present to any class or youth-serving organization.

Our vision is to see a generation prepared for life: elevated into compassionate, resilient individuals ready to shape their futures and strengthen their communities.

The PIAL project is a partnership between Iowa State University, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Service’s Child Support Services, and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office. 

How can I learn more about the program?

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, check out our videos on YouTube, and subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter. Our team keeps these platforms updated with ideas for engaging youth, research results, and the PIAL presentations around the state.

Does it cost?

No. Our team will present any of our modules to any youth-serving organization or classroom in Iowa at no cost. Our team brings all needed materials with them. After our team visits your group, you can request the FREE PIAL facilitator guide for that module from our website for your own use. You can also request our FREE online modules.

How long does each presentation take?

Each module lasts around 45-60 minutes. We are able to modify our modules for longer/shorter sessions. We will work with you to find the best modules for your time period.

What will it look like when PIAL comes to my classroom?

Before the PIAL team comes to your classroom, we send out a three-minute pre-knowledge e-survey that the students need to complete before the module is presented. On the day of the visit, the PIAL team (Lead Facilitator and trained ISU college students) brings all the needed supplies. We set up our materials before the class period begins. During the presentation, we keep students engaged with hands-on activities and by participating in small and large group discussions related to the module’s content. During the last five minutes of the presentation, students complete another e-survey, which collects information about the students’ understanding after the module presentation.

How do I schedule a visit?

Open to fill out the Request a Visit form. This form will allow you to decide which module(s) you want us to present in your classroom, let us know about your class/organization, and choose which day you would like us to come.

Do you have online modules?

Yes, almost all of our modules are available as asynchronous, online modules, and we are continually working to create more. These modules cover the same material as the in-person modules with the same quality of engaging activities you would expect from PIAL. Each module has a built-in pre/post survey and takes about 35 minutes. We strongly recommend these for alternative schools, after-school programs, education centers, and more. When the weather gets in the way of a scheduled visit, the online modules are the perfect way to keep your students learning. Open this form to request access to the online modules.

Do all modules need to be presented? Is there a specific order they need to be presented?

Each module can stand alone and can be requested in any order. We are currently offering Cost of Raising a Child, Healthy Relationships, Resiliency, Digital Health, Career Readiness, and Mental Health. Our modules are designed to be flexible and fit the needs of your curriculum and classroom. 

Can PIAL present more than one module per day?

We can present multiple sessions in one day. Our modules are designed to be flexible and fit the needs of your classroom and class schedule. Generally, we can combine two modules when schools have a block schedule. This allows us to pack the class period with valuable information for your students.

How does PIAL keep students actively involved in the presentation? 

During our presentations, students frequently get out of their seats to explore the content we are teaching. Students participate in gallery walks, group discussions, small group time, and so much more. We also provide discussion prompts that get students thinking about the topic and how they can apply it to their own lives. We routinely update our activities to ensure they are relevant and keep students engaged in the content.

I teach middle school; what modules do you suggest?

All the in-person modules are suitable for middle school although the Healthy Relationships module has a special version designed for middle school.

I teach high school; what modules do you suggest?

All the modules are suitable for high school.

Can I present the modules on my own?

Yes, you can download the facilitator guide, PowerPoint, and activity materials from our website. First, we’ll have you complete a short video prerequisite course. Then we’ll have you schedule a visit for our trained college-age facilitators to present the module for your youth. This provides the opportunity to first observe the module being facilitated in person to experience the flow, interactions, and key concepts as they are intended, so the guide will make more sense and be easier to apply.

 After that, you’ll receive access to the digital versions of the materials and survey links. In order for us to continue to offer this free curriculum, we need your youth to take our anonymous pre- and post-surveys. This helps us improve the program, study the impact PIAL is having on teens, and support our evidence-informed status to continue to receive funding.

What do I need to do to prepare for a PIAL visit?

There are many ways you can get students involved before PIAL presents in your classroom. Introduce the key vocabulary from the module to ensure they are ready for active participation during the module. Connect your current instruction to the module’s contents. We love it when the students can already make connections to our content. Have youth relate the topic to their own lives. 

Is there research to back up this curriculum?

Yes! We have a team of graduate students and staff who work in collaboration with faculty at Iowa State to provide research about the effectiveness of our curriculum. Research has shown that after modules are taught, there is growth in the students’ knowledge. You can learn more about the research on our website by clicking the Research and Program Evaluation button.

What other services does PIAL provide?

PIAL is developing an emerging adult curriculum (18-25 year-olds) which will cover some of the same topics as the youth-focused program and also concepts related to paternity, child support, and career readiness. We plan to present to programs geared toward pregnant and parenting young adults as well as community colleges and universities. 

Creative Commons License The entire curriculum is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License. This license requires only that you attribute the original content to the Iowa State University Child Welfare Research and Training Project and share your creations in a similar manner.